Wests Tigers have blown a golden chance to alleviate pressure on coach Michael Maguire after slumping to a 16-12 loss to the Warriors and their worst start to an NRL season in 15 years.
Under intense pressure following a meek showing against Newcastle last week, the Tigers were improved but still not good enough at Campbelltown Stadium.
It came on a controversial Friday night, where Luciano Leilua claimed a try in the first half chasing a Luke Brooks kick but it was not referred upstairs.
Replays were inconclusive, but there was an argument to be made that Leilua had got the ball down rather than grounding it.
Even then though, the Tigers only had themselves to blame.
Down 16-12 for the majority of the second half, the Tigers had several chances to take the lead including during a final 10 minutes where the Warriors were down to 12 men.
But time and time again they come up empty handed, despite 57 per cent of the ball in the final 20 minutes and regularly being camped on the Warriors line.
With games against Gold Coast, Cronulla, Parramatta and South Sydney in the next month, Friday night was a game they desperately could have done with winning.
Heavily criticised in last week's loss to the Knights, Brooks played with more freedom while Oliver Gildart twice busted the line on the left edge.
But ultimately, the Warriors did a better job of taking their chances to claim their first win of 2022.
After the Tigers led early through James Tamou, the visitors hit back when Marcelo Montoya batted back a Chanel Harris-Tavita bomb for Euan Aitken to score.
Adam Pompey had it out to 12-6 when Daine Laurie completely misjudged a Kodi Nikorima bomb, allowing Adam Pompey to take it with ease and go over.
It summed up a rough night for Laurie, who punched his leg in frustration after only throwing an intercept moments earlier.
The livewire fullback then bombed the Tigers' best chance to take the lead after the break, dropping a Brooks grubber kick cold over the line after a nicely set up play.
The Tigers' other chances then came after an 80-metre linebreak from Jock Madden left the Warriors down a man following a professional foul from Montoya.
But the joint-venture club failed to complete their last four sets, with a Stefano Utoikamanu ankle injury only adding further salt to the wound.
