Wests Tigers star Adam Doueihi slams 'lack of effort' in loss to Newcastle

Injured Wests Tigers star Adam Doueihi has slammed his side's "lack of effort" in a demoralising round two loss to Newcastle.

The Tigers put up an impressive fight against Melbourne a week earlier, but looked listless in a 26-4 loss at Hunter Stadium.

In the days since the game, fingers have been pointed at coach Michael Maguire, at players for playing poker machines at a pub the night before, and at big-money halfback Luke Brooks, who tried to leave the club during the off-season but was knocked back.

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"It's not a good look to have," an honest Doueihi told the Sydney Morning Herald.

"It was a disappointing performance on the weekend. We've played against two under-strength teams now, and we probably should have won them both."

Doueihi is one of five captains appointed at the Tigers this year, in a move that was widely criticised by experts and fans when it was announced.

On Sunday there was a lack of leadership on the field. One of the five captains - Tyrone Peachey - was sin binned, while Doueihi and James Tamou were sidelined.

"To go to Newcastle on the weekend and dish that up, it wasn't good enough," Douehi said.

"The lack of effort [stood out for me]. It's easy for me to say from the sideline and not being out there, but that look of boys not putting in, it's not a good look to have.

"I know how hard they worked during the week, which is why it doesn't make any sense. To go from putting in a good 40 minutes against Melbourne to dishing that up, it's something we have to address quickly."

The Tigers take on the Warriors on Friday.