Gould's theory for battlers over Tigers 'stage fright'

Following a shock loss to the Dragons on the weekend, league icon Phil Gould believes the Tigers are still facing “growing pains” as their rebuild continues.

In front of a sold out crowd at Campbelltown, the Tigers put forward one of their worst performances of the season with the Dragons winning 24-12.

It was a setback for coach Benji Marshall, who has enjoyed a strong start to his coaching tenure.

With significant home crowd support, Gould explained the Tigers struggled to perform on the back of expectation.

“There’s a bit of a theory with these bottom teams, big crowds and favouritism don’t suit them too well,” he said on Nine’s 100% Footy.

“Expectation is another pressure they’re not normally used to. Most of the time they go out, they’re underdogs but all of a sudden you’re favourites at home in front of a big crowd and they (the Tigers) got a bit of stage fright I thought. I thought they just didn’t quite aim up.”

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The Tigers were sent a shock early when Dragons winger Zac Lomax scored in the first minute.