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Season 2025

Tigerm

Coach
Messages
14,174
13th — WESTS TIGERS


Record:
24 points (9 wins, 15 losses)

Grade: C-

What went right: Coming into this season, the Wests Tigers had won three consecutive wooden spoons, so the fact that they’ve finished above four teams is an achievement in itself. Skipper Jarome Luai has made his presence felt in his first season at the joint venture, coming off four straight premierships with the Panthers. While his performances maybe weren’t quite where Luai wanted them to be, there’s no denying he has had a positive influence. The form of Adam Doueihi towards the back end of the season was a real highlight for the Tigers; notably, he kicked the match-winning field goal in the Tigers’ thrilling win over the Titans in Round 20, which sent the Leichhardt Oval crowd into hysterics. Doueihi also scored a try and played a starring role in the Tigers’ win over the Bulldogs in Round 22, which was one of the upsets of the season. Skipper Api Koroisau is optimistic about the Tigers’ future. “Obviously we’re building and I think the style of footy that we’re trying to play is really working with the boys we’ve got here, and obviously we’ve got some good players coming next year,” Koroisau said on Sunday Night with Matty Johns. Koroisau and Jahream Bula had strong seasons in the Tigers’ spine, while new addition Terrell May was massive in the middle and brother Taylan May was an exciting late-season addition.

What went wrong: The mid-season departure of Lachlan Galvin to the Bulldogs created a massive disruption for the Tigers. After his signing with Canterbury was confirmed amid turmoil in late May, the Tigers lost their next four games. While the Tigers were much improved in 2025, it could be argued they should have fared better than they did, given they had a very good run with injuries. The NRL Physio X account released a table after Round 24, which showed the collective games missed due to injury for each team; at that stage, Tigers players had missed the least games of any NRL team through injury this season. There were real points of frustration throughout the season. Playing in front of their Leichhardt Oval faithful in Round 25, the Tigers led 28-16 late in the game, before the Cowboys scored three tries in the space of just five minutes to snatch a 34-28 victory. Benji Marshall answered some questions about his coaching but significant ones remain; chief among them, whether he is the man to instill the starch that has been missing for so long at Wests Tigers, who missed the finals for a 14th consecutive year.

What they need: Aside from May, the Tigers are light on in the forwards and could use some help in the engine room. May had the third-most run metres for any player in the NRL this season, but he is the only Tigers forward in the top 50. Thankfully, they’ve recruited a couple of very capable second rowers for 2026. Knights forward Kai Pearce-Paul will join the Tigers next season, as will Mavrik Geyer from the Panthers. Jock Madden will return to the club from Brisbane to boost the halves depth.

Matty & Cronk analysis: “They dealt with a lot of stuff at the start of the year, and then I thought their mid-season was outstanding but I thought their last month was really disappointing. That loss to the Cowboys just really pricked the balloon,” Johns said. Cronk added: “On the weekend (against the Titans), they were up by 20-odd and run down. The Tigers are improved under Benji. I’m going to give Bula their best player (award) at the moment, he is a point of difference. When he gets going, he’s the guy that can score points for them.”

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While we did improve, I thought the fade out in those last 3 games was a huge issue, that has dogged this club for over a decade. We've changed everything and it still happens?

 

Tigerm

Coach
Messages
14,174
I don't really follow the awards system, but how the f**k did Teddy win the main prize in the Dally M's?
Not saying he's a dud, but surely he wasn't the best player for the year.
 
Messages
19,615
I don't really follow the awards system, but how the f**k did Teddy win the main prize in the Dally M's?
Not saying he's a dud, but surely he wasn't the best player for the year.
He rallied well. But you only have to realise that Iongi missed rookie of the year to appreciate how bad the selectiors did. He’s the best young kid I’ve seen since Burton was a whipper snapper.
 
Messages
19,615
13th — WESTS TIGERS


Record:
24 points (9 wins, 15 losses)

Grade: C-

What went right: Coming into this season, the Wests Tigers had won three consecutive wooden spoons, so the fact that they’ve finished above four teams is an achievement in itself. Skipper Jarome Luai has made his presence felt in his first season at the joint venture, coming off four straight premierships with the Panthers. While his performances maybe weren’t quite where Luai wanted them to be, there’s no denying he has had a positive influence. The form of Adam Doueihi towards the back end of the season was a real highlight for the Tigers; notably, he kicked the match-winning field goal in the Tigers’ thrilling win over the Titans in Round 20, which sent the Leichhardt Oval crowd into hysterics. Doueihi also scored a try and played a starring role in the Tigers’ win over the Bulldogs in Round 22, which was one of the upsets of the season. Skipper Api Koroisau is optimistic about the Tigers’ future. “Obviously we’re building and I think the style of footy that we’re trying to play is really working with the boys we’ve got here, and obviously we’ve got some good players coming next year,” Koroisau said on Sunday Night with Matty Johns. Koroisau and Jahream Bula had strong seasons in the Tigers’ spine, while new addition Terrell May was massive in the middle and brother Taylan May was an exciting late-season addition.

What went wrong: The mid-season departure of Lachlan Galvin to the Bulldogs created a massive disruption for the Tigers. After his signing with Canterbury was confirmed amid turmoil in late May, the Tigers lost their next four games. While the Tigers were much improved in 2025, it could be argued they should have fared better than they did, given they had a very good run with injuries. The NRL Physio X account released a table after Round 24, which showed the collective games missed due to injury for each team; at that stage, Tigers players had missed the least games of any NRL team through injury this season. There were real points of frustration throughout the season. Playing in front of their Leichhardt Oval faithful in Round 25, the Tigers led 28-16 late in the game, before the Cowboys scored three tries in the space of just five minutes to snatch a 34-28 victory. Benji Marshall answered some questions about his coaching but significant ones remain; chief among them, whether he is the man to instill the starch that has been missing for so long at Wests Tigers, who missed the finals for a 14th consecutive year.

What they need: Aside from May, the Tigers are light on in the forwards and could use some help in the engine room. May had the third-most run metres for any player in the NRL this season, but he is the only Tigers forward in the top 50. Thankfully, they’ve recruited a couple of very capable second rowers for 2026. Knights forward Kai Pearce-Paul will join the Tigers next season, as will Mavrik Geyer from the Panthers. Jock Madden will return to the club from Brisbane to boost the halves depth.

Matty & Cronk analysis: “They dealt with a lot of stuff at the start of the year, and then I thought their mid-season was outstanding but I thought their last month was really disappointing. That loss to the Cowboys just really pricked the balloon,” Johns said. Cronk added: “On the weekend (against the Titans), they were up by 20-odd and run down. The Tigers are improved under Benji. I’m going to give Bula their best player (award) at the moment, he is a point of difference. When he gets going, he’s the guy that can score points for them.”

--------------
While we did improve, I thought the fade out in those last 3 games was a huge issue, that has dogged this club for over a decade. We've changed everything and it still happens?



Dear Adam is only one good tackle away from being wiped out for what could be most of 26. I suppose the same for Renno.

But I’m riding Jock pretty hard for a massive off season of bulking up and learning. Mentally in a much stronger position than Bratfink.

A good season on paper for our injury crew, but it’s always murky waters. I’d be very surprised if any of the players didn’t have a niggle or two.

Players often try to hide or downplay injuries, maybe that helps explain the end of season blues. Rugby league is one of the world’s most brutal and unforgiving sports.

I think Benji was very upset with the players towards the end there, but he kept up appearances for the public.

I understand why he does it, but will we see a new tougher Benji emerge next season. I mean if we miss the boat at the start of the year, something has to give?

KPP is no slouch and he will add a point of difference for us. If we are looking for an inspirational forward, with his best years ahead, he’s in that zone for sure.

Terrell seems unaffected by the Tigers curse, so Taylan should have the same protective genes.

f**k this wasteful grand final, I’d much rather see Wests Tigers sweep practice!

Jock kicking grubbers into space, Starford running over the opposition to score.

Off season is going to be pretty hard this year.IMG_0727.jpeg
Jock comes home with new experiences and skills. I expect him to feature regularly in 2026. Key to our overall planning.
 
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Messages
19,615
Richo has put forward a new logo to the un-independent board today.

IMG_0732.jpeg
A corporate box with seating to replace the young clawless Tigger pussy.

Very modern and futuristic, bring in the younger fan.
 
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Tigerm

Coach
Messages
14,174

2025 Wests Tigers Awards Gala winners:
Kelly-Barnes Medal — Terrell May
NRLW Player of the Year — Sarah Togatuki
NRL Players’ Player — Terrell May
NRLW Players’ Player — Caitlin Turnbull
NRL Rookie of the Year — Tony Sukkar
NRLW Rookie of the Year — Caitlin Turnbull
NSW Cup Player of the Year — Izaac Tu'itupou
NSW Cup Players’ Player — Izaac Tu'itupou
NSW Women’s Premiership Player of the Year — Taylor Mapusua
NSW Women’s Premiership Players’ Player — Katalina Vave
Jersey Flegg Player of the Year — Josese Lanyon
Jersey Flegg Players’ Player — Solomone Saukuru
Wayne Pearce Community Award — Jahream Bula
 

Nutz

First Grade
Messages
7,679
He's a great depth winger, centre.
Wasn't he a mid year signing? Pretty good effort.
Sarah Togatuki is awesome.
 

Tigerm

Coach
Messages
14,174

Tony Sukkar:
The 21-year-old second-rower featured in 15 matches throughout 2025, earning praise for his consistency, discipline and defensive work rate – proving an ever-reliable option for Head Coach, Benji Marshall.

Sukkar made 282 tackles at a 93% efficiency rate, while contributing strongly through the middle third with 583 running metres and two line break assists.

A Balmain junior, Sukkar’s journey through the Wests Tigers system has been one of steady progression from Harold Matthews and SG Ball to Jersey Flegg in 2023, NSW Cup in 2024, and finally a breakthrough NRL campaign in 2025.


Known for his strong carries and line-running ability, Sukkar has earned the trust of the coaching staff and senior players alike, with his teammates praising his effort and composure under pressure.

Sukkar’s story also serves as a powerful example of the Club’s Pathways fostering first-grade talent; with his arrival at NRL level a source of pride for the entire organisation as well as the junior clubs – Enfield Federals, Strathfield Raiders, and Concord-Burwood Wolves – who helped shape his development.

Turnbull and Sukkar represent a glimpse of the bright future of the Wests Tigers and are players who have earned respect not only for their talent, but for their work ethic and attitude.
 

Nutz

First Grade
Messages
7,679

Not too shabby.
Remember you and I talked a lot about this guy Tm hey. When he's on his game he's a huge talent.
We can't let him go.
Sometime next year this guy will play on the wing or even centre if need be when a player goes down.
We should, hopefully, make the finals, and if Skelton goes down and we want someone similar to replace him then this guy comes in and we don't lose momentum.
I'm impressed with the way our depth is improving. Feledy knew that his time of covering for injuries were getting slimmer each year. When talented cusp players leave, you know better players are on the way up and better players are coming in. Same goes with our fwds who are leaving.
 
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