Match Discussion: Round 1 vs Gold Coast @ Leichhardt Oval, Lilyfield

[League Unlimited News]

NRL 2023 - Round 1
Wests Tigers v Gold Coast Titans
Leichhardt Oval, Lilyfield, Lilyfield (TICKETS)
Sunday 5 March 2023

Gates 2pm / Jersey Flegg (WST v SYD) 2:10pm / NSW Cup (WES v SYD) 3:55pm / NRL starts 6:15pm, broadcast on Fox League/Kayo

To be announced

To be announced

Referee: To be advised
Sideline Officials: To be advised
Video Referee: To be advised

WESTS TIGERS: v Sydney Roosters at Leichhardt, Sun - Flegg 2:10pm / NSW Cup (Western Subs) 3:55pm

GOLD COAST: Hostplus Cup & HD Colts U21 start next week​

 

[Vic Mackey]

 

[Perth Tiger]

View attachment 70544

The date where pre season hope dies

 

[Tigerm]

Well, it’s on, here we go again, about f**king time, us by 12, Doohee MoM.

 

[benched tiger]

Last weeks trial has given us hope that things have changed for the better, I don't want to hear the line 'we didn't turn up' ever again as a WT supporter.

 

[Vic Mackey]

You can never take the titans lightly, they’ve got some very dangerous players. Although the spine doesn’t have a top line star like we do in Api; Brimson, Foran and Veriells are all more then handy.

 

[Marshall_magic]

If we can’t beat this mob at home we are kidding ourselves. Titans by 14

 

[The Silverdale Phantom]

I’m thinking we will focus on wearing them out.

Long range kicks from Brooksy on the 2nd then pound away.

I’m hoping for some kind of defensive epiphany this season.

Once they get tired, bring the younger forwards on to keep the roll on.

Our backs are going to need an extra chance or two compared to other sides, they are much better served with a depleted opposition.

Hopefully we can get some speed up around the play the ball, later on.

Api is a massive threat, but we have to go with him.

 

[gordsy]

For the first 8 rounds all I care about is blokes having a fair dinkum crack.

 

[Ned Kelly]

For the first 8 rounds all I care about is blokes having a fair dinkum crack.

Every player looked like they gave it their all in the Raiders game. I'm sure they will again in round one.

 

[Old Time Tiger]

Id like to see the start of a new period where the Tigers are simply unbeatable at their home grounds of Leichhardt and Campbelltown.

It should go without saying that these ‘home’ games playing in front of their frustrated fans are the games that they simply do not lose.

Never again should there be or must there be a result such as Rd 25 last year.

 

[WA Tiger]

We could be top 4 after this game. That ‘d be funny

 

[Ned Kelly]

We could be top 4 after this game. That ‘d be funny

If that turns out to be true I wonder if Lee can get the rest of the season cancelled so we can go straight in to the finals.

 

[WA Tiger]

If that turns out to be true I wonder if Lee can get the rest of the season cancelled so we can go straight in to the finals.

Or maybe an awards night

 

[BrotherJim05]

Considering how well we played against Raiders without Api, Brooks, Joffa and Bateman....I think we are going to really give it to Titans in this game. I don't think it will be a blowout...in fact I'm predicting Tigers 1-12 win...but I just feel like our forwards are going to smash the absolute f**k out of Titans and put the NRL comp on notice that we aren't f**king around anymore.

 

[The Rosco]

Considering how well we played against Raiders without Api, Brooks, Joffa and Bateman....I think we are going to really give it to Titans in this game. I don't think it will be a blowout...in fact I'm predicting Tigers 1-12 win...but I just feel like our forwards are going to smash the absolute f**k out of Titans and put the NRL comp on notice that we aren't f**king around anymore.

Spot on mate.
Assuming we stay on the same trajectory that we laid down in the Canberra game . . . the addition of Api alone will add SOOO much to our running game. He'll be putting the demolition crew of Ice, Blore, Stefano, Pole and Matamua through gaps in tired forwards. Let alone Daine, AD, or Brooks.
Then we have Brooksie, that I'm hoping will reveal a whole new Luke once he gets behind a pack that goes forward. Then let's toss in that crazy bastard pom. I'm so looking forward to seeing us have a forward that intimidates the opposition. Surely he'll also bring that out in Klem as well.
And then Joffa to round it out.
I just love how you can make any combination for our bench . . . any you like . . . and it should still give you a semi and a smile.
The media are not hanging shit on us any longer . . . let's hope the boys keep it up !

 

[Vic Mackey]

SMH reporting:

Staines won the wing spot (Ken injured)
Api has to pass a fitness test but expected to play
Blore will start
Bateman rested, Kepeoa likely bench

So guessing:

1. Laurie
2. Staines
3. Naden
4. Talau
5. Nofoaluma
6. Doueihi
7. Brooks
8. Utoikamanu
9, Korisau
10. Klemmer
11. Papalli
12. Blore
13. Ofahangue
14. Simpkin
15. Twal
16. Pole
17. Kepeoa

 

[Tigerm]

SMH reporting:

Staines won the wing spot (Ken injured)
Api has to pass a fitness test but expected to play
Blore will start
Bateman rested, Kepeoa likely bench

So guessing:

1. Laurie
2. Staines
3. Naden
4. Talau
5. Nofoaluma
6. Doueihi
7. Brooks
8. Utoikamanu
9, Korisau
10. Klemmer
11. Papalli
12. Blore
13. Ofahangue
14. Simpkin
15. Twal
16. Pole
17. Kepeoa

Barring Bateman (expecting big things from him) it's just about the best side we have got .

 

[TheDefinitionOfMadness]

This is the first season I've been optimistic for a very long time. Not that we'll win the comp or make the 8, just that we might go the season without being labelled a club in crisis. That is one good looking team on paper and if they fire up like they did against the raiders then it should be an easy win. Where have I heard that before though???? Any Titans players on a milestone game?

I tried to get a pre-nup inserted into my membership this year. That if it did go tits up and we were a club in crisis by round 12 I could get my money back. Sadly, the club would not go for this. Maybe I can take Lee to court and claim damages for emotional abandonment.

Seriously, we need to start well and win the first 3. We have a very hard draw this year and need to get our confidence up.

 

[The Silverdale Phantom]

@Tigerm is right, I’d have to play Bateman.

Once he gets a sniff of the nrl atmosphere, he will be totally “ amped up” and would kill to get on.

He chilled out a at Esl because it didn’t command his best. You get a bit lazy and bored in the second class comp.

Unless we are dying out there early, drag him on at half time and watch him nail them to the cross.

I think he will eventually end up in our top 3 players.

He got chewed up and spat out by the raiders. If they had problems with him, just work through them.

I’m excited he’s here, he’s not your vanilla factory.