Wests Tigers coach Michael Maguire has backed Esan Marsters to recalibrate his goalkicking radar after missing his past five shots at goal.

Marsters came under some criticism after missing all three of his attempts in last week’s golden-point loss to Penrith, including a relatively easy shot from in front.

He also missed both of his looks in their round-three loss to Canterbury, leaving him at a modest 53 per cent through the opening month of the season.

His strike rate is well down on the 76 per cent Marsters fired at last year, but Maguire guaranteed his centre would retain the tee on Thursday night against Brisbane.

“He’s been practising and doing really well with his practice. Some days, you just have a tough day as a kicker,” Maguire said.

“What’s going to be a telling factor now is how Esan bounces back. And he’s looking forward to having that opportunity again.”

Maguire revealed Marsters was kicking at 90 per cent in training, and was confident the New Zealand international would regain his confidence.

“It just goes to show sometimes you have those days, but Esan’s a quality kicker and I know he’ll step up to the plate,” Maguire said.

“He’s been doing all the practice – it’s about doing it out on the field now.”

Marsters wasn’t the only one to come under fire for last week’s heartbreaker, with the team’s playmakers also looking deeply into their late-game management.

Luke Brooks twice missed field goal attempts, while Josh Reynolds’ solitary shot cannoned into the post while they were leading by six points.

Maguire said his team needed to remain positive in tight situations.

“We were trying to protect rather than play. And when you’ve got the scoreboard ticking over and (with) the opportunities we had, we didn’t take them,” he said.

“Then all of a sudden, it puts a bit more pressure on yourself. It’s something I’ve spoken to the halves about, and we’re going to grow off the back of that.

“Brooksy, Josh Reynolds, (Moses Mbye) and Robbie (Farah) there, they’ve done a fair bit of work this week and spoken about that.

“If that time comes again in that situation, I’m sure we’ll handle it differently.”

The match will be the first time Maguire faces off against former assistant Anthony Seibold since being controversially sacked at South Sydney in late 2017.