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Random Tigers articles from the media

Ron's_Mate

Bench
Messages
4,037
‘I’m glad to be back’: Sheens gets straight to work at Tigers
By Christian Nicolussi
November 8, 2021 — 7.46pm

Tim Sheens emerged from nearly nine hours of meetings in Tiger Town and declared: “I’m tired, but I’m glad to be back.”

Wests Tigers’ sole premiership-winning coach jetted in to Sydney late on Sunday and was on deck at the Tigers’ Concord headquarters just after 9am on a balmy morning in the Inner West.

He arrived with good friend and recruitment manager Warren McDonnell and was quickly greeted by a few players and chairman Lee Hagipantelis.

Having left England at the start of the northern hemisphere winter, Sheens opted to remain indoors all day rather than venture out in the harsh Sydney sun to watch the club’s youngsters train up the road at 11.30am.

The only hiccup for Sheens came at the end of the day, when he could not work out how to start his new car and set off the alarm.

“It’s been a fair trip for me and I’m tired,” Sheens told the Herald. “But it’s good to be here. The set-up here is probably better than it was before. It’s still too early to talk about things, and I’ll need my feet under the desk for at least a week or so. But I’m glad to be back.”

Sheens, 71, has some big challenges facing him as the club tries to avoid an 11th straight season without playing finals football.

Luke Brooks has been a hot topic, but the halfback was nowhere to be seen on Monday, and is not due to return to training until next Thursday. He has already reiterated to the Tigers he will not be seeking an early mark to join Newcastle as Mitchell Pearce’s replacement.

Immortal Andrew Johns, who has come on board to help the Knights, made it clear he was keen to work with Brooks in The Sun-Herald and said: “He looks like he needs a change, and getting out of Sydney would be good for him.”

Those comments, for the record, did not go down well at the Tigers, especially given Brooks has two more years to run on his deal and under the game’s rules cannot be seen to be enticed by rival clubs.

As for Sheens, Hagipantelis made it known he was honoured to have the club icon back at the joint venture.

“We’re extraordinarily lucky Tim has come back home,” Hagipantelis told the Herald. “It was very exciting to see him, and everything old is new again.

“The man has a presence. It’s the first time I’ve met him face to face. John Skandalis was a part of the 2005 alumni and you could see the interaction between them straight away, you can see how the players respond to him.

“The man has that much gravitas and experience and the way he holds himself, he draws people in - he has an absorbing personality.

“There are not too many who can compare as far as experience and his qualifications are concerned. He’s not the silver bullet ... but he’ll be an important part of this whole process.”

The big question will be how Sheens and coach Michael Maguire work together. Maguire played nearly a dozen first-grade games under Sheens at the Raiders in the early 1990s. Back then, the coach started work at 6am and was still going at it after 6pm.

“I’ve done a lot of Zoom conferences with both Tim and Michael in recent months and there’s a real synergy that exists,” Hagipantelis said. “The two of them have a long history, and it seems they’ve clicked back to where they were back in the day.

“Both are completely cognisant and aware of what their roles are, and at the end of day it’s their service to the WT that is imperative, and we’re all on the same page. It’s very exciting chapter for the Wests Tigers.”

Robbie Farah, Wests Ashfield chief Simon Cook, superstar five-eighth Adam Doueihi and new English recruit Oliver Gildart were just some of the high-profile people who took the time to greet Sheens.

The NRL draw will be released on Tuesday with the Tigers to host Melbourne in round one at CommBank Stadium - the Storm will be without suspended trio Brandon Smith, Cameron Munster and Harry Grant - but then play the Knights in Newcastle, followed by the Warriors at Campbelltown, Gold Coast at Cbus Stadium and Cronulla at the new Shark Park.

 

Tigerm

First Grade
Messages
8,902
‘I’m glad to be back’: Sheens gets straight to work at Tigers
By Christian Nicolussi
November 8, 2021 — 7.46pm

Tim Sheens emerged from nearly nine hours of meetings in Tiger Town and declared: “I’m tired, but I’m glad to be back.”

Wests Tigers’ sole premiership-winning coach jetted in to Sydney late on Sunday and was on deck at the Tigers’ Concord headquarters just after 9am on a balmy morning in the Inner West.

He arrived with good friend and recruitment manager Warren McDonnell and was quickly greeted by a few players and chairman Lee Hagipantelis.

Having left England at the start of the northern hemisphere winter, Sheens opted to remain indoors all day rather than venture out in the harsh Sydney sun to watch the club’s youngsters train up the road at 11.30am.

The only hiccup for Sheens came at the end of the day, when he could not work out how to start his new car and set off the alarm.

“It’s been a fair trip for me and I’m tired,” Sheens told the Herald. “But it’s good to be here. The set-up here is probably better than it was before. It’s still too early to talk about things, and I’ll need my feet under the desk for at least a week or so. But I’m glad to be back.”

Sheens, 71, has some big challenges facing him as the club tries to avoid an 11th straight season without playing finals football.

Luke Brooks has been a hot topic, but the halfback was nowhere to be seen on Monday, and is not due to return to training until next Thursday. He has already reiterated to the Tigers he will not be seeking an early mark to join Newcastle as Mitchell Pearce’s replacement.

Immortal Andrew Johns, who has come on board to help the Knights, made it clear he was keen to work with Brooks in The Sun-Herald and said: “He looks like he needs a change, and getting out of Sydney would be good for him.”

Those comments, for the record, did not go down well at the Tigers, especially given Brooks has two more years to run on his deal and under the game’s rules cannot be seen to be enticed by rival clubs.

As for Sheens, Hagipantelis made it known he was honoured to have the club icon back at the joint venture.

“We’re extraordinarily lucky Tim has come back home,” Hagipantelis told the Herald. “It was very exciting to see him, and everything old is new again.

“The man has a presence. It’s the first time I’ve met him face to face. John Skandalis was a part of the 2005 alumni and you could see the interaction between them straight away, you can see how the players respond to him.

“The man has that much gravitas and experience and the way he holds himself, he draws people in - he has an absorbing personality.

“There are not too many who can compare as far as experience and his qualifications are concerned. He’s not the silver bullet ... but he’ll be an important part of this whole process.”

The big question will be how Sheens and coach Michael Maguire work together. Maguire played nearly a dozen first-grade games under Sheens at the Raiders in the early 1990s. Back then, the coach started work at 6am and was still going at it after 6pm.

“I’ve done a lot of Zoom conferences with both Tim and Michael in recent months and there’s a real synergy that exists,” Hagipantelis said. “The two of them have a long history, and it seems they’ve clicked back to where they were back in the day.

“Both are completely cognisant and aware of what their roles are, and at the end of day it’s their service to the WT that is imperative, and we’re all on the same page. It’s very exciting chapter for the Wests Tigers.”

Robbie Farah, Wests Ashfield chief Simon Cook, superstar five-eighth Adam Doueihi and new English recruit Oliver Gildart were just some of the high-profile people who took the time to greet Sheens.

The NRL draw will be released on Tuesday with the Tigers to host Melbourne in round one at CommBank Stadium - the Storm will be without suspended trio Brandon Smith, Cameron Munster and Harry Grant - but then play the Knights in Newcastle, followed by the Warriors at Campbelltown, Gold Coast at Cbus Stadium and Cronulla at the new Shark Park.

It’s gunna be an interesting ride, hopefully a good one though.
 

WA Tiger

Bench
Messages
4,349
I could barely be bothered to post this non-story of Joey's endless whingeing, except for the tantalising prospect of Josh Aloiai getting his head punched in.

‘You can’t blame someone that’s not playing’: Leilua takes another swipe at Maguire
By Sarah Keoghan
November 8, 2021 — 5.56pm

Former Wests Tigers centre Joey Leilua has claimed he was repeatedly blamed by former coach Michael Maguire for the team’s failures before being dropped by the club in September.

Leilua was repeatedly demoted to reserve grade by Maguire during the 2021 NRL season before the Tigers decided against activating a contract option in their favour to give the 29-year-old a third year at the club.

After 225 NRL games across four clubs, Leilua is currently without an NRL contract for 2022.

Last month, Leilua posted on Instagram to deny media reports he had signed a train and trial contract with the Tigers worth $1000 a week and slammed Maguire in the process, by writing: “I wouldn’t play for someone that blames the team all the time! And not once himself! #Madge”.

Speaking on Monday at the official announcement of his boxing debut on December 10 where he will fight retired NRL star Chris Heighington, Leilua doubled down on his comments and said he was repeatedly blamed for the club’s problems.

The Tigers finished their 2021 campaign 13th of the ladder, finishing up the season with a horror 38-0 defeat to wooden-spooners the Bulldogs in the final round.

“They basically said it was me, that’s why they were losing. I don’t know how that works when I’m not even playing,” he told the Herald of the 2021 season during which he played just seven NRL matches.

“He can’t blame me if I am not on field. You can’t blame someone else that’s not playing.”

Leilua also revealed he found out he would not be travelling with the squad when the competition was moved to Queensland due to COVID-19 via text.
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“He didn’t even say anything I just got a text. I didn’t have anything to do at the club after that, I just stayed at home,” he said.

“I didn’t even really train because I was sad I didn’t go up. It was tough because my wife could see it. She could see that I wasn’t happy.”

Leilua said he was grateful to be given the opportunity to fight Heighington, as it gave him a reason to get back in shape. But ultimately, he wants to return to rugby league.

“I’ve had a good career, but I still want to be playing NRL that’s for sure,” he said. “I still have a lot to prove to myself and to the fans that I can still play at the top level. I want to still be playing first grade.”

The December 10 card in Newcastle will be headlined by the bout between Manly prop Josh Aloiai and Cronulla great Paul Gallen.

Aloiai explained how he went to coach Des Hasler to get the green light to make his professional boxing career.

“I told him I would only take the fight if I had his blessing,” he said. “He is my coach, but I also respect him a lot so I wanted to make sure. I think he’s just happy I am training so hard in the off season.”

He's prob got a point. Not saying he's any good or doesn't regret being a lazy angry man
 
Messages
15,386
He's prob got a point. Not saying he's any good or doesn't regret being a lazy angry man
He’s betting the public will trust him, but the perception is that Madge persevered with him for too long.

I think the more he complains, rightly or wrongly, the more Madges reputation is boosted.

And then as you know, I think Madge is indirectly being relieved of a fair portion of his command and I tend to agree with this strategy as he or us can’t afford another season of “growth” he was speaking about.

Given our roster, getting sacked from our club is humiliating and something you leave off the resume.

Things are so bad , I’ve taken to watching the women’s international rugby and found myself enjoying it. The New Zealanders are in real trouble.

Forget Johns, brooksy should train with the girls.
 
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WA Tiger

Bench
Messages
4,349
He’s betting the public will trust him, but the perception is that Madge persevered with him for too long.

I think the more he complains, rightly or wrongly, the more Madges reputation is boosted.
If any player is at their lowest point of their career I want know who the coach is ..esp if he’s not the only one in the team who’s hit rock bottom
 
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Messages
15,386
If any player is at their lowest point of their career I want know who the coach is ..esp if he’s not the only one in the team who’s hit rock bottom
True but we were not alone in difficulties with bj.

I suppose the issue is why we thought we could master him when nobody else could. I thought the Lucy factor may have been the thinking at the time.

It wasn’t thought through properly and Madge was stuck with a flight risk.

I mean the ridiculous shot on Edwards sums up his career.

It was Latrell like!
 

WA Tiger

Bench
Messages
4,349
True but we were not alone in difficulties with bj.

I suppose the issue is why we thought we could master him when nobody else could. I thought the Lucy factor may have been the thinking at the time.

It wasn’t thought through properly and Madge was stuck with a flight risk.

I mean the ridiculous shot on Edwards sums up his career.

It was Latrell like!
But Joey L’s he’s never been this bad in his career with nothing to offer..maybe the spray from Madge and the cold shoulder ( which I’m sure Madge specialises in ) is the wrong way to deal with him… unfortunately Madge knows no other way but to just turn off these players that have lots of potential and that if handled right could save his arse.

I just watched the last dance about MJ again and only the good coaches could handle Rodman and without Rodman they likely don’t have the same success..
 
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Tiger05

First Grade
Messages
9,162
But Joey L’s he’s never been this bad in his career with nothing to offer..maybe the spray from Madge and the cold shoulder ( which I’m sure Madge specialises in ) is the wrong way to deal with him… unfortunately Madge knows no other way but to just turn off these players that have lots of potential and that if handled right could save his arse.

I just watched the last dance about MJ again and only the good coaches could handle Rodman and without Rodman they likely don’t have the same success..

You think so.

Joey has always had problems. I have no idea how anyone can blame Madge for Joey being Joey.

I loved the last dance. Saying good coaches could handle Rodman to me is pretty out there as well. I mean if just pissing off and going to Vegas in the middle of the season is good coaching that is to me a very alternative way of being a good coach.

The massive difference between Joey and Rodman is that Rodman could do a couple of things really well on the court and he did that. Joey could do some things really well on the field but he simply didn't do that. Instead of getting fit and looking at himself he is undisciplined on and off the field.

I wonder if Madge is to blame for COVID and global warming.
 

gordsy

Juniors
Messages
2,042
But Joey L’s he’s never been this bad in his career with nothing to offer..maybe the spray from Madge and the cold shoulder ( which I’m sure Madge specialises in ) is the wrong way to deal with him… unfortunately Madge knows no other way but to just turn off these players that have lots of potential and that if handled right could save his arse.

I just watched the last dance about MJ again and only the good coaches could handle Rodman and without Rodman they likely don’t have the same success..

Yeah but Rodman had talent, BJ doesn't. We also aren't a team that needs the last piece of the puzzle to win a premiership either.
 

stryker

First Grade
Messages
5,277
Welcome home Benji..again.
Sheens, Benji and Farah together should do wonders for the club culture.
Hire some f**king centres and we may win some games...I see that Scott signed elsewhere @SilverdalePhantom.
 

WA Tiger

Bench
Messages
4,349
The sponsors are going to love Benji being back. The place is currently full of imports that will/have struggled to contribute to the fabric, strength, culture, respect, history of the club. That thing you can't quite put your finger on but you know it when you see it. Same with Robbie and Sheens. I imagine Benji (and Robbie and Sheens) will still be a big drawcard for events that are staged (and for the club generally) and apparently Benji's presence at these will be compulsory. Clever.

The bad blood won't be gone between Benji and Madge. It will be entertainment though seeing the changed dynamic between them - Benji having full support from everyone that matters.

I'll assume it was Sheens first power play on or before his arrival. Whoever it was - Now your thinking !
 
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Messages
15,386
Welcome home Benji..again.
Sheens, Benji and Farah together should do wonders for the club culture.
Hire some f**king centres and we may win some games...I see that Scott signed elsewhere @SilverdalePhantom.
Footy mate at work confirmed @Vic Mackey’s insight into recruitment in that it is full of intrigue and promises aren’t promises, things change at a moments notice.

It’s a long off season and I wouldn’t be overly worried about recruitment, players will sign.

Id be far happier if we can squeeze consistency and optimisation out of existing talent as that may get us hurtling into the lower rungs of the finals.

That’s where a lot of of our restructuring has taken place and that’s where Tim will come into his own. That’s where our effort is looking sound on paper.

I also said that it’s a real positive that Madge has another seasoned veteran to run things past and people shouldn’t jump to conclusions that it’s all adversarial, chaotic and white anting.

With the cash on hand, we should be able to procure good factory.

I would have preferred Hartigan to stay, but you can’t have it all.
 

Tigerm

First Grade
Messages
8,902
The sponsors are going to love Benji being back. The place is currently full of imports that will/have struggled to contribute to the fabric, strength, culture, respect, history of the club. That thing you can't quite put your finger on but you know it when you see it. Same with Robbie and Sheens. I imagine Benji (and Robbie and Sheens) will still be a big drawcard for events that are staged (and for the club generally) and apparently Benji's presence at these will be compulsory. Clever.

The bad blood won't be gone between Benji and Madge. It will be entertainment though seeing the changed dynamic between them - Benji having full support from everyone that matters.

I'll assume it was Sheens first power play on or before his arrival. Whoever it was - Now your thinking !
I’d imagine it was Pascoe
 

stryker

First Grade
Messages
5,277
Footy mate at work confirmed @Vic Mackey’s insight into recruitment in that it is full of intrigue and promises aren’t promises, things change at a moments notice.

It’s a long off season and I wouldn’t be overly worried about recruitment, players will sign.

Id be far happier if we can squeeze consistency and optimisation out of existing talent as that may get us hurtling into the lower rungs of the finals.

That’s where a lot of of our restructuring has taken place and that’s where Tim will come into his own. That’s where our effort is looking sound on paper.

I also said that it’s a real positive that Madge has another seasoned veteran to run things past and people shouldn’t jump to conclusions that it’s all adversarial, chaotic and white anting.

With the cash on hand, we should be able to procure good factory.

I would have preferred Hartigan to stay, but you can’t have it all.
Hartigan is a fat f**king lezo who dropped the ball over and over whilst his supporters wanked their little red rockets over a couple of young players making grade.
He was/is shit.
 
Messages
15,386
Hartigan is a fat f**king lezo who dropped the ball over and over whilst his supporters wanked their little red rockets over a couple of young players making grade.
He was/is shit.
Doogie
Stefano
Blorey
Hastings
Laurie
Nofo
Lucy
Peachey

Would waltz into any almost any side in the comp.

All of these heroes were signed on stale lite beer cash because our cap was gagging close to suffocation.

Hard on for Harto, I miss him already.

His replacement hasn’t signed anyone and has single handledly failed to rid the club of Brooksy at top dollar and rip the knights off.
$1.6m per season in actual competent games.

Harto would have seen boy blunder off as soon as the delinquent jarryd buvverley poodle f**ker applied for a visa.
 
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