THE Wests Tigers have revealed they are set to unleash an ambush of youngsters into the NRL come next season.
Following a disappointing year for new coach Mick Potter, riddled with drama of player unrest, question marks over his future and injury - the Tigers finally have a reason to smile.
With depth a major concern in 2013, the Tigers recruited some much needed size to their pack in Dene Halatau and Martin Taupau, while a host of up and coming stars are on the cusp of making the step up from the Holden Cup.
Exciting halfback Luke Brooks made his first grade debut last season and is just one of many in a rich nursery set to be let out of the den according to former Holden Cup coach turned assistant Todd Payten.
"Everyone has spoken about Brooks and (Mitchell) Moses - Brooksy has had his debut and is expected to be there at the start of the year," Payten said.
"Moses is a very talented five eighth, can possibly play fullback but he is a bit sly at the moment coming off of a broken leg so we're going to be pretty cautious with him to begin with.
"We have a very talented hooker (Manaia) Cherrington - obviously behind Robbie Farah and has another year in 20s - he's very talented and has to put some meat on his bones.
"Outside of that there are plenty more who will give it a shake at some point throughout the year".
Cherrington was a member of the Balmain Tigers SG Ball premiership-winning squad in 2012 as was Moses who was named the SG Ball Player of the Year that season.
Along with the hooker and half, Keebra Park product Delouise Hoeter (utility) and Kurtis Rowe (fullback) are also pushing their claims.
In his new role, Payten takes control of the club's engine room and, aside from the outside backs, Payten has earmarked a number of forwards to also make the step up next year.
Backrower Kyle Lovett captained the 20s team in 2013 and is described by Payten as a "first grader with a future", while lock Andy Fiagatusa "will make the grade in the future".
Payten believes a shot at first grade is sure to present itself to a host of players before the season is over.
"(You'll see some debutants) from the Origin period onwards with injury and form and other factors weighing into it. They're certainly capable," he said.
"They have some pretty good people in front of them but given the opportunity they will hold their own."
While much is made of Canberra's juniors, having developed some big name players including Aaron Woods, Curtis Sironen, James Tedesco and Tim Simona, the Tigers nursery is booming.
"Were absolutely a development club," Payten said.
"Many years ago Tim Sheens put in a development program which flows back through SG Ball and even 13- and 14-year-olds and gives them a pathway to reach the NRL level
it's something we have definitely planned for and sunk a lot of resources into."
