Wests Tigers captain James Tamou claims the team have let under-fire halfback Luke Brooks down as pressure mounts on the No.7.
Brooks survived coach Michael Maguire's axe after the Tigers' horror first-half against North Queensland, where they were booed off Leichhardt Oval at the break.
Club legend John Skandalis was among those to come out and defend the Tigers junior this week, amid questions over his short and long-term future.
Brooks has two years left to run on his big-money contract, but the 25-year-old is yet to lead the Tigers to a final series since his debut as a highly touted youngster in 2013.
But regardless, Tamou was adamant Brooks' issues were caused by a beaten forward pack, as the Tigers slumped to a 1-4 start to the season.
"With his ability, everyone else around him has got to look in the mirror, myself included," Tamou said.
"A halfback can only be as good as the ball that he's getting.
"We've got to lay a foundation as a forward pack, everyone around him has got to do their role for him to be at his best.
"Everyone here is pretty confident in the ability that he has, it's just up to us to get that out of him."
Tamou has made a distinct effort to take the lead this week at Concord, after the club's brutal reality check on a day that was meant to celebrate the life of Tommy Raudonikis.
A big win in their only pre-season trial promised renewed hope for the club after the signing of young fullback Daine Laurie.
But even while accounting for a tough early-season schedule, the Tigers have missed the most tackles in the NRL and would still have expected to win more than one of their five.
The jeering from fans was largely a culmination of that frustration, and was still resonating with players this week.
"That was a couple of boys' first time (being booed off)," Tamou said.
"It definitely has lit a fire in the belly. It's one of those things, Leichhardt Oval, obviously, Tommy Raudonikis and in front of your own fans.
"You could tell the boys were a bit upset at themselves. We shouldn't let it get that far and we've got to be better."
