SYDNEY - Wests Tigers' NRL season is officially dead and buried, after Melbourne landed the final blow with a 26-6 victory on Saturday night.
The Tigers' hopes of finals footy were slim at best before kick-off - needing a win and a Canberra loss against the Warriors on Sunday - but they were extinguished in a lacklustre 80 minutes at Leichhardt Oval.
The Tigers were their own worst enemy all evening, turning over possession too easily at both ends of the park, allowing the second-placed Storm to make their mark.
Errors from Tigers superstar Benji Marshall in the first half lead to Melbourne forwards Sika Manu and Kevin Proctor crossing to give the visitors a 10-nil lead after just 25 minutes.
Just as frustrating for Tigers coach Tim Sheens would've been the sloppy work in attack which led to the ball being spilled in the opposition red zone, penalties not finding touch and one Chris Lawrence kick that landed in the sixth row of the crowd.
Tigers hooker and captain Robbie Farah (hand injury) was sorely missed, as was the defensive workload of the versatile Liam Fulton (wrist).