TIGERS FANS ARE OVER THE SPOON
There are so many question marks over Benji Marshall’s debut season as an NRL coach with Wests Tigers. Can he revive the side he steered to a premiership as a player in 2005? The good news is, the only way is up after two straight wooden spoons.
BACKS
Justin Olam was the big-name signing they needed to add gravitas to the backline, which is largely young and inexperienced.
The ex-Melbourne Storm centre’s hard-running style will be a massive help early in the tackle count, as well as defensively at the other end.
The exit of longserving winger David Nofoaluma means Charlie Staines and Junior Tupou are favoured on the edges, with Starford Toa likely to nail the other centre spot.
SPINE
It’s a new spine at the Tigers in 2024, which will change again when Panthers No.6 Jarome Luai joins next season.
Until then, experienced halfback Aidan Sezer returns to the NRL for the first time in four seasons as the man to help guide some young playmakers. He’s expected to line up next to new recruit Jayden Sullivan, with highly rated rookie Latu Fainu to learn his craft through the year. Fullback Jahream Bula was the bright spark for the club last year and will continue to grow, while skipper Apisai Koroisau is the key to unlock them all.
FORWARDS
In his second season at the club Isaiah Papalii needs to recapture the form that made him such an explosive force while at Parramatta in 2022. Up front, David Klemmer and Stefano Utoikamanu bookend the pack, along with toiler Alex Twal and rising star Samuela Fainu. The 20year-old is considered a future star of the game and, after just five games for Manly, this could be his breakout year.
Fonua Pole is another impressive young Tiger.
Jahream Bula burst on to the scene last season as a rookie with huge potential and seemingly the answer to the club’s fullback dilemma. At 22, there’s so much development left in the lively Fijian and if the club gets it right, it could be the start of something special long-term. He’s working with rugby league legend Greg Inglis on his craft as a fullback, which could take him to the next level this season. and Moeaki Fotuaika are Queensland Origin players and Beau Fermor isn’t far behind them. Broncos recruit Keenan Palasia is coming off the best season of his career and they have depth in Jaimin Jolliffe and Isaac Liu. There should be plenty of go-forward in this team.