Sydney Therapists Find Themselves Learning A Lot About Wests Tigers Rugby League Club This Week

CLANCY OVERELL | Editor | CONTACT

The pathological sickness that comes with being a Wests Tigers supporter has presented itself to a number of Sydney-based therapists this week.

This comes after the embattled Sydney NRL club copped an absolute hiding at the hands of the Melbourne Storm yesterday afternoon, in a mid-season obliteration that has absolutely shattered any narratives about finding their form.

Prominent Balmain therapist, Dr Dave Ramos says the only good thing to come from this result is that Wests Tigers fans are taking a proactive approach to every facet of health and wellbeing.

“The silver lining is that people aren’t too afraid to seek help in tackling their demons” he says.

“I can’t tell if Wests Tigers fans are just more open-minded than most NRL supporters, and therefor treat therapy as any other form of healthcare…”

“Or if the team has just let them down so many times that they are in a state of desperation”

Dr Ramos says even he recognises the hurt that Wests Tigers fans must be feeling, after learning a lot about the club this week.

“I’ve never really been that well versed in the NRL. But I’ve really had a crash course this week. And I’ve got to say, I think their fans are hurting”

“I mean, to show such promise at the start of the season, only to concede a staggering 11-tries in a 64-0 thrashing on Sunday arvo. It’s not healthy to be expected to keep turning up to cheer for a club that treats them like that”

“And I understand their loyalty, in fact I really do respect them for staying true, but Christ. The Storm scored three times in the opening 20 minutes.”

“It’s like the five wins they’ve had this season amounts to nothing”

Another therapist, Concorde-based Dr Melanie Watts, says the coping mechanisms of Wests Tigers fans need to be studied.

“I’ve had patients telling me they don’t actually want to win another Premiership, because they don’t want to deal with the nerves that come with a finals run”

“I’ve had others tell me that the 2005 Premiership was ‘the worst thing to happen to the club in hindsight because all it did was mask the problems we have’ – I’ll be honest, I am shocked at some of the things i’ve been hearing”

“There is a very interesting pathology emerging here. It’s like Stockholm Syndrome meets Munchausen Syndrome.”

“It’s like they know the small wins will only make the imminent hurt so much worse. And it’s a cycle that they find comfort in”