Shake-up tipped to boost struggling Tigers
HERE is the proof a Tiger really can changes its stripes.
Of the 35 players in the Wests Tigers team just three years ago, only five – Luke Brooks, David Nofoaluma, Chris Lawrence, Kevin Naiqama and Sauaso Sue – remain at the joint venture.
The giant black, white and gold broom went right through Concord with the club’s biggest names moved along, including Robbie Farah to South Sydney, Aaron Woods to Canterbury, James Tedesco to the Sydney Roosters, Mitchell Moses and Nathan Brown to Parramatta and Marty Taupau to Manly.
The likes of Pat Richards, Dene Halatau and Tim Moltzen retired, Matt Lodge landed in hot water in New York before resurrecting his career in Brisbane, Tim Simona was banned for gambling and ripping off a charity, Keith Galloway and several others joined the Super League in England while a few others are now happy to run around playing park footy.
Tigers officials were always aware such a radical makeover would be painful but needed as they searched for success.
Manly had a roster overhaul in 2016 and returned to the finals this season. Sue, who has not played finals football since he joined the Tigers six years ago, said it had taken some getting used to with so many new faces.
But he did not expect Ivan Cleary’s shake-up to take long to reap results, revealing how quickly new recruit Josh Reynolds and halfback Brooks had gelled on the training paddock.
“We’ve done a bit of ball movement already and Brooksy and Reynolds were straight into their shapes,’’ Sue said.
“Josh Reynolds is such a good bloke. He’s been a joker at training, he’s been open and encouraging when we’re doing our fitness.
“He seems a good leader. I’m still waiting to see how he got his nickname ‘Grub’.
“It’s good getting to know everyone at training.”