Tigers' NRL turnaround enormous: Cleary

Coach Ivan Cleary says the turnaround is well and truly underway at the Wests Tigers after yet another whole-hearted effort in their tense 28-14 NRL loss to Penrith.

The Tigers pushed the Panthers for 75 minutes on Sunday before fading in the final moments of the match to succumb to their 15th loss of the season.

And while the joint-venture remains on track to finish with its worst campaign in club history, Cleary insists there have been signs of life for the best part of two months.

The 14-point defeat was their biggest losing margin since getting pumped by the Sydney Roosters in round 14.

"The difference in the side now compared to eight weeks ago is enormous," Cleary said.

"Everything's been settled, we have gotten into a bit of rhythm, but learning some good things along the way. Today was another one."

Skipper Aaron Woods recalled how his side were pumped by 34 against the Panthers in round two, kickstarting a losing run that led to the demise of then-coach Jason Taylor.

"I think our performances have gotten better week in, week out. Today was a backward step. We didn't complete well, but the club's in good stead with Ivan there," Woods said.

"Things are looking a lot better than what they were. We didn't give the possession we gave Penrith today like round two when they put 30-40 on us."

While satisfied with his new halves combination of Tuimoala Lolohea and Luke Brooks, Cleary identified fifth-tackle kicks as a cause for concern moving forward.

"Our kicking game is not at a level at what it needs to be at the moment," he said.

"That's obviously a big one. They're both capable, but they're not quite getting the results on the last tackles that we need. That's a work in progress. But apart from that, they're getting better."

Despite the improvements, the Tigers remain in danger of finishing with the wooden spoon after last-placed Newcastle secured back-to-back wins to move within one win of the Tigers.