A TEAM'S fortunes can change in the blink of an eye in the sports world.
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One minute you're on a four-game win streak.
Then, in the space of eight days, you've suffered back-to-back defeats - just as the St George Illawarra Dragons have.
"It's obviously really disappointing to lose to the Roosters the way we did," Dragons back-rower Tariq Sims said.
"It wasn't the style of football we've been playing the past few weeks, which we had been working so well for us.
"The way the game is being played at the moment, it's extremely hard to go one down as we did just before the break - it makes everyone's jobs that little bit harder.
"However, we've been in that position before, as I spent time in the bin against Parramatta and on that occasions, we really dug deep for one another but that wasn't the case on Sunday, as we didn't come to play."
The Gerringong product believes his team needs to work harder to retaining possession and building pressure.
"Possession is king in this sport - you've got to hold the ball and complete at a high clip if you want to be successful," he said.
"We can't take anything away from the Roosters, or Warriors for that matter, as they are both strong outfits.
"But you saw when the Roosters lost a man on Sunday, they knuckled down and grew a leg, which proved to be the difference.
"We know we've got to be better and we're going to really concentrate on our preparation to ensure we bounce back against the Tigers."
While the Tigers are on their own four-game losing streak, including Sunday's 40-6 thrashing by Manly-Warringah, Sims knows his side can't come into the match complacent.
"Playing a team with their back against the wall is probably one of the most dangerous propositions in the NRL," the Kiama High School alumnus said.
"You don't know how they going to prepare and approach the game.
"If the NRL has taught me anything, it's to expect the unexpected and knowing a fair few of the Tigers boys, they're going to be determined to come out and play their best football come Sunday.
"Even though it's still early in the week, I know no doubts they're going to be in the video room extensively to improve their play.
"I know their coaching staff will have them prepared as best they can when they come down to WIN Stadium this weekend."
Sims, from a personal perspective, stated a number of weeks ago he was starting to regain that form which saw him secure two NSW State of Origin jerseys.
However, just like his side, the 31-year-old believes his form has dipped recently, which he knows is not good enough.
"I want to be a better player and teammate for all involved in this great club," he said.
"I want to be someone they can rely on regularly and I pure and simply want to win.
"Everything I do each day I want to be a winner, from eating breakfast to playing rugby league - I want to be the greatest I can possibly be.
"I need to keep making sure my bar is set high and I'm doing the best for my teammates."
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