ARE THESE THE TIGERS’ DROUGHTBREAKERS?
A ROSTER overhaul and a newlook coaching staff headlined by 2005 premiership winners Tim Sheens, Benji Marshall and Robbie Farah has rejuvenated the Wests Tigers. On paper, this is a team too good to take consecutive wooden spoons. But concerns in the spine do raise questions about whether the club can break the game’s longest finals drought.
BACKS
Sheens has a stack of wingers at his disposal. David Nofoaluma knows what it takes to be an elite winger and, after a stint in Melbourne, is primed to return to that upper echelon. Ken Maumalo, Charlie Staines and young gun Junior Tupou, who looks like he can cut it in the NRL, will keep each other honest competing for the other edge spot. From the glimpses we’ve seen of Tommy Talau, there is a good player there and a lot to be excited about. Brent Naden also provides plenty of skill on the
other side of the field.
SPINE
Daine Laurie should get the nod to start the season at fullback over Charlie Staines. The signing of Api Koroisau, a State of Origin hooker from a premiership winning side, is a massive coup. The Tigers have plenty of improvement in them and Koroisau will have a big say in just how far up the ladder this side can climb. Adam Doueihi impressed in the last trial match. The question remains, is Luke Brooks capable of getting the Tigers out of the bottom eight doldrums and into September?
FORWARDS
Joe Ofahengaue produced his best in a number of seasons in 2022, if he can back that up on top of the signing of David Klemmer, Isaiah Papali’i, John Bateman, the return of Shawn Blore from a long-term injury and Stefano Utoikamanu, Tim Sheens has put together a good looking pack that will hold its own. It puts them in a pretty good position. If that pack is going forward, with Koroisau out of dummy-half and the halves click, the Tigers are in for a good year.