Random Tigers articles from the media

[Ron's_Mate]

A solid foundation: How Tigers made $1 million in two weeks
By Adrian Proszenko
7 April 2018 — 5:00pm

During the past fortnight, Wests Tigers supporters have been investing financially, as well as emotionally, in their club. The result is a $1 million windfall for the organisation.

At a time when 15 of the 16 NRL clubs are in the red, the joint-venture outfit has sought an alternative way to raise funds, through the newly created Wests Tigers Foundation.

The initiative, established with the Australian Sports Foundation (ASF), invites fans to make a tax-free donation at weststigersfoundation.com.au that will go towards the club’s elite development, community engagement and heritage recognition.

The program has only just been launched, but already is paying off, the faithful pledging a seven-figure amount to the Tigers over a four-year period. Officials stress that it is just the beginning and have encouraged other supporters to contribute to the club’s success now that the program has been launched publicly.

“It’s one of the most significant and ambitious projects the club has ever undertaken over the last 18 years,” Tigers chief executive Justin Pascoe said.

“We spent a lot of time with Richmond and Geelong, two clubs in the AFL, that gave us evidence-based studies to justify what we’re doing and make sure we’re doing it the correct way.

“Those clubs have generated about $10 million each in donations. We’ve spent a lot of time down there and it’s about getting it right the first time.

“It has become increasingly apparent that there is a correlation between those clubs that spend a lot of money in football departments and where they finish on the table.

“We will be giving our investors dividends, which is on and off-field results.

“It’s not finite, it will continue. Why wouldn’t people want to invest in a business seeking to becoming a dominant player in the NRL?”

Rugby league clubs have historically struggled to make ends meet. Some have the luxury of being linked to rich leagues club, but even they can’t afford to rely solely on revenue derived from poker machines.

While memberships, gate takings and merchandise sales will always be important, the Tigers have now followed the lead of AFL clubs in generating money through the ASF. In 2016-17, the ASF raised $44.75 million for Australian sport, just a tick under $20 million of those funds going to Australian rules football. Rugby league, by comparison, was 12th on the list of sports for donations with just $429,312.

The Tigers have made huge strides on and off the field, but the income stream is vital to ensure coach Ivan Cleary’s side can compete with cashed-up rivals. The club has secured $5.5 million worth of state government funding to begin the refurbishment of its outdated Concord headquarters, but every additional dollar counts to ensure the players have appropriate infrastructure.

A committee has been established to ensure the money is properly distributed to areas including the football department, the club’s 60 community programs and the acknowledging of former players.

“It’s about fast-tracking the process of realising our ambition to be a dominant club in the NRL, than if we just went down a traditional path,” Pascoe said.

“It’s not about the arms race of football spend, it’s about levelling the playing field.

“That could be from high-performance equipment to camps, to facility upgrades to recovery and rehabilitation equipment to staffing increases or specialist coaching additions.

“This is for all fans and members, it is an opportunity for them to be a part of a future that they can help shape.

“Anyone can be a part of the vision. They can come on the journey with us.”

The Tigers have exceeded all expectations this season, cementing a spot in the top eight despite being handed a horror draw that pitted them against the top teams from last year.

https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/a-...e-1-million-in-two-weeks-20180407-p4z8as.html

 

[Tigerm]

A solid foundation: How Tigers made $1 million in two weeks
By Adrian Proszenko
7 April 2018 — 5:00pm

During the past fortnight, Wests Tigers supporters have been investing financially, as well as emotionally, in their club. The result is a $1 million windfall for the organisation.

At a time when 15 of the 16 NRL clubs are in the red, the joint-venture outfit has sought an alternative way to raise funds, through the newly created Wests Tigers Foundation.

The initiative, established with the Australian Sports Foundation (ASF), invites fans to make a tax-free donation at weststigersfoundation.com.au that will go towards the club’s elite development, community engagement and heritage recognition.

The program has only just been launched, but already is paying off, the faithful pledging a seven-figure amount to the Tigers over a four-year period. Officials stress that it is just the beginning and have encouraged other supporters to contribute to the club’s success now that the program has been launched publicly.

“It’s one of the most significant and ambitious projects the club has ever undertaken over the last 18 years,” Tigers chief executive Justin Pascoe said.

“We spent a lot of time with Richmond and Geelong, two clubs in the AFL, that gave us evidence-based studies to justify what we’re doing and make sure we’re doing it the correct way.

“Those clubs have generated about $10 million each in donations. We’ve spent a lot of time down there and it’s about getting it right the first time.

“It has become increasingly apparent that there is a correlation between those clubs that spend a lot of money in football departments and where they finish on the table.

“We will be giving our investors dividends, which is on and off-field results.

“It’s not finite, it will continue. Why wouldn’t people want to invest in a business seeking to becoming a dominant player in the NRL?”

Rugby league clubs have historically struggled to make ends meet. Some have the luxury of being linked to rich leagues club, but even they can’t afford to rely solely on revenue derived from poker machines.

While memberships, gate takings and merchandise sales will always be important, the Tigers have now followed the lead of AFL clubs in generating money through the ASF. In 2016-17, the ASF raised $44.75 million for Australian sport, just a tick under $20 million of those funds going to Australian rules football. Rugby league, by comparison, was 12th on the list of sports for donations with just $429,312.

The Tigers have made huge strides on and off the field, but the income stream is vital to ensure coach Ivan Cleary’s side can compete with cashed-up rivals. The club has secured $5.5 million worth of state government funding to begin the refurbishment of its outdated Concord headquarters, but every additional dollar counts to ensure the players have appropriate infrastructure.

A committee has been established to ensure the money is properly distributed to areas including the football department, the club’s 60 community programs and the acknowledging of former players.

“It’s about fast-tracking the process of realising our ambition to be a dominant club in the NRL, than if we just went down a traditional path,” Pascoe said.

“It’s not about the arms race of football spend, it’s about levelling the playing field.

“That could be from high-performance equipment to camps, to facility upgrades to recovery and rehabilitation equipment to staffing increases or specialist coaching additions.

“This is for all fans and members, it is an opportunity for them to be a part of a future that they can help shape.

“Anyone can be a part of the vision. They can come on the journey with us.”

The Tigers have exceeded all expectations this season, cementing a spot in the top eight despite being handed a horror draw that pitted them against the top teams from last year.

https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/a-...e-1-million-in-two-weeks-20180407-p4z8as.html

They have certainly got some vision.

 

[Ron's_Mate]

High-flying Tigers hope to maintain altitude by dodging Origin flak
By Christian Nicolussi
20 April 2018 — 5:28pm

The fairytale start to the season for the Wests Tigers could continue for some time yet, with not a single player expected to be dragged away for the rugby league beast that is State of Origin.

Luke Brooks has been one of many stars for the Tigers after six rounds and been talked up as a bolter for the NSW No.7 jersey.

He will do his chances no harm with a big game against long-serving Blues incumbent Mitchell Pearce in Tamworth on Saturday evening.

But Brooks is long odds at best for NSW and, with no other Tiger in the mix for the bumper interstate series, the joint venture will remain intact during the dreaded six weeks that can make or break campaigns.

The Tigers have had former players James Tedesco and Aaron Woods – two of their best in recent years – hauled away for rep duty. But they are now with the Roosters and Bulldogs respectively.

Tigers veteran Chris Lawrence said the club felt loss of Woods in particular because of a lack of depth up front.

Tigers flyer David Nofoaluma agreed, telling Fairfax Media this week: "It was always hard when those two players left.

"But last year we had two stars; this year we've got 17 stars.

"We don't have to worry about Origin time, and if we have no players involved in rep footy, it will only benefit us.''

Coach Ivan Cleary is only concerned about beating Newcastle on Saturday, but even he would have taken a sneak peek at the draw over the coming months and wondered how rival teams might be impacted.

Such a luxury will not be afforded to Sydney rivals St George Illawarra, the Roosters or Penrith.

The Panthers could have up to three players for NSW and the Roosters perhaps six, including possible Origin debutants Latrell Mitchell and Luke Keary.

The the table-topping Dragons could trot out an incredible seven hopefuls: Ben Hunt is a Queenslander, Tyson Frizell will be one of the first picked for NSW, and Euan Aitken, Cam McInnes, Jack de Belin, Paul Vaughan and Tariq Sims could all figure.

The Tigers will play the Roosters minus their rep stars in round 13 leading into Origin I.

They also benefit from the long turnaround after the Denver Test, when a Sunday afternoon game against the Titans will give potential Kiwi representatives Elijah Taylor, Ben Matulino, Russell Packer, Benji Marshall and Esan Marsters five days to recover.

The Dragons, who have English stars James Graham and Gareth Widdop, have just 48 hours to overcome the long-haul flight and be ready for the start of round 16.

While the stand-alone Origin weekend will help ease the workload for the representative players, the biggest issue has been the mental fatigue always felt for a few weeks after the series.

The Tigers dodge that bullet.

Marshall has played the game long enough and seen the toll that Origin takes on clubs, including the Broncos last year.

The Tigers pin-up, however, said he wanted to see as many of his Tigers teammates as possible on the big stage.

"It means we're being rewarded for our good start if we have guys there,'' said Marshall, who has already backed Brooks to handle the big arena if selected.

"Every team I've been in, the rep players are willing to back up," Marshall said.

"Origin is a big part of our game and a big spectacle, and we need to encourage it, so I'd rather my teammates go and play. If they can't back up, they can't back up. It just means we get someone else in.''

The Tigers have stunned everybody with their blazing start and will remain entrenched in the top four should they beat the Knights in the bush.

Marshall has also been outstanding during his Tigers second coming.

Whether the 33-year-old plays on beyond this season is not something he has thought long and hard about.

"But I won't go anywhere else. If I play on, it will be here, and if I don't, I'll still be here,'' Marshall said.

Christian Nicolussi

Christian covers rugby league for The Sydney Morning Herald.
https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/hi...e-by-dodging-origin-flak-20180420-p4zasw.html

 

[Old Time Tiger]

However, the Tigers will lose players to the 'International' games.
NZ V England, Tonga V Samoa and PNG V Lebanon all on Saturday 23rd June

So, Tigers could lose Packer, Matulino, Marshall, Taylor, Aloia & Marsters, to the Kiwi's based on current form but who knows?

Lolohea to Tonga, Twal to Lebanon you'd expect are certs.

What the Tigers want is for anyone who is selected to come through without issues and ready for the Titans game on July 1, at Leichhardt.

 

[Tigerm]

https://www.nrl.com/news/2019/07/30...ign=2019Premiership&utm_content=article5_3007

How Maguire helped Nofoaluma get his groove back

Lacking self-belief after starting the year in Canterbury Cup, Wests Tigers winger David Nofoaluma credits coach Michael Maguire with helping find his mojo.

Nofoaluma reckons he's hardly had a better pre-season than last summer but a dislocated shoulder leading into round one sidelined the local junior for a month.

Once fit, Nofoaluma was kept in reserve grade until an NRL recall in round 11. He admitted to being tested by the difficult period.

"You're always low on confidence when you get a bit of a setback," Nofoaluma told NRL.com.

"It's always tough but I've had worse setbacks in the past. Obviously it hurts you – well, it hurts me because I like to believe that I deserve to be in first grade and it comes with a lot of hard work."

A meeting with Maguire reinforced that Nofoaluma is part of the first-year Tigers mentor's plans.

Maguire continued to check in with Nofoaluma and his words of encouragement assisted the 25-year-old's return to form.

"He had high hopes for me when he first came to the club. He likes players that put in at training and have a good attitude. He saw that in me in the pre-season, so from then he really liked me," Nofoaluma said.

"Throughout my time in Canterbury Cup, he always pushed me to get back to first grade and if I did something in a game or needed to work on something, he'd let me know.

"It's good from the head coach to be able to do that for a player and he does that across the club. But he's always let me know he has high hopes for me.

"It made me feel confident to play at my best because he was always there to guide me."

After continuing to impress with his work ethic and professional outlook, Nofoaluma was elevated to the top side when Corey Thompson was shifted from the wing to fullback.

The spring in Nofoaluma's step is back and it's shown in his performances, with the flanker averaging 152 metres and claiming three tries across his past three starts.

But he's keen to reach another level as the 11th-placed Tigers attempt to break a seven-year finals drought.

"There's always room for improvement," he said.

Another reason Maguire may be fond of Nofoaluma is the athletic finisher's studious nature.

He carries a notebook to team meetings and jots down important points from video reviews or game-plans.

"I like to use my notebook for things on opposition teams and for ourselves that we can improve on," Nofoaluma said.

"I think it's a good way personally to improve my game or learn about my opposition. In our [weekly] team meeting we do video sessions, so if I see something on the video I'll make note of it.

"At least I know it's there for the future. We played the Cowboys, for example, once already [a 27-26 win in round 14] – I've already got a rough idea of some plays and what to do."

However, Nofoaluma wasn't prepared to divulge any secrets on North Queensland ahead of their clash at Leichhardt Oval on Thursday night, saying: "I'm going to have to leave that in the book."

 

[Das Hassler]

If anyone's interested Cory Thompson a guest on Over the black dot...NITV 8.30

 

[Ron's_Mate]

'A once-in-a-generation upgrade': V'landys's vow to revive Leichhardt
By Christian Nicolussi
May 25, 2020 — 5.57pm


Inner West Council mayor Darcy Byrne is a step closer to securing a ''once-in-a-generation upgrade'' for Leichhardt Oval after ARL Commission chairman Peter V'Landys pledged to fight for government funding for much-needed renovations.

In news that will be welcomed by every Wests Tigers fan, Byrne received a letter from V'Landys late last week asking him to submit his wish list for Leichhardt Oval.

Byrne plans to table detailed plans and specifications at the next Inner West council meeting in a fortnight before liaising on the next steps with V'Landys, who made saving suburban grounds one of his seven ''big-ticket priorities'' when first thrust into league's top job.

However, any refurbishment of Leichhardt is unlikely to convince the Tigers to play more than the current three NRL games they are required to play at the inner-western venue. They are also required to play a minimum three games at Campbelltown.

The heaving crowds that gather on the hill, especially on a Sunday afternoon, have helped the Tigers turn a small profit at Leichhardt the past couple of years, but they also know any improvement to corporate hospitality facilities and seating will improve that margin again.

Leichhardt can only accommodate around 300 corporate guests while that number swells to around 3000 at Bankwest Stadium, the $360m venue in Parramatta where the Tigers will also play games until at least the end of 2022.

"Peter has had a few things on his plate, but he replied late last week with a letter that was very effusive about the need for us to treat the grounds as assets that are part of rugby league's future,'' Byrne told the Herald.

"He asked for me to put forward specifics about the upgrades to the ground. And I'm very confident that in putting forward detailed plans for the upgrade of Leichhardt, we'll have a champion in Peter V'Landys who will help us deliver state and federal government funding []for the project].

"We need a once-in-a-generation upgrade that will future-proof the ground as an NRL venue while also not losing the charm and character that makes it one of the most popular sporting grounds in Australia.

"We want to keep the heritage of the ground, but lift the standards to what is acceptable in the modern era, and what can be profitable for a range of different sporting organisations.''

Byrne said the hill - his preferred place to stand during any Tigers game - would remain untouched, while the plan would be for more corporate suites in the main grandstand. The Keith Barnes Stand would also receive some much-needed love while there could even be a smaller grandstand erected at the northern end of the ground.

A hall of fame celebrating some of the club's greats has also been mooted, including statues, but the challenge for Byrne with this project has been settling on which players to immortalise.

In the letter sent to Byrne, and obtained by the Herald, V'Landys wrote: "As you know I'm a supporter of suburban grounds and believe they are an essential part of the fabric of rugby league. Despite the best efforts of local councils, unfortunately many of the great suburban grounds no longer meet community expectations after decades of under-investment by state and federal governments.''

Byrne said he had not chased detailed plans in the past for Leichhardt Oval because of the NRL and state government had made it clear ''they wouldn't put a single dollar into Leichhardt Oval''.

"And we weren't going to waste ratepayers dollars by going and procuring plans for something they were outright refusing to fund,'' Byrne said.

https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/a-...vow-to-revive-leichhardt-20200525-p54w74.html

 

[Tigerm]

'A once-in-a-generation upgrade': V'landys's vow to revive Leichhardt
By Christian Nicolussi
May 25, 2020 — 5.57pm


Inner West Council mayor Darcy Byrne is a step closer to securing a ''once-in-a-generation upgrade'' for Leichhardt Oval after ARL Commission chairman Peter V'Landys pledged to fight for government funding for much-needed renovations.

In news that will be welcomed by every Wests Tigers fan, Byrne received a letter from V'Landys late last week asking him to submit his wish list for Leichhardt Oval.

Byrne plans to table detailed plans and specifications at the next Inner West council meeting in a fortnight before liaising on the next steps with V'Landys, who made saving suburban grounds one of his seven ''big-ticket priorities'' when first thrust into league's top job.

However, any refurbishment of Leichhardt is unlikely to convince the Tigers to play more than the current three NRL games they are required to play at the inner-western venue. They are also required to play a minimum three games at Campbelltown.

The heaving crowds that gather on the hill, especially on a Sunday afternoon, have helped the Tigers turn a small profit at Leichhardt the past couple of years, but they also know any improvement to corporate hospitality facilities and seating will improve that margin again.

Leichhardt can only accommodate around 300 corporate guests while that number swells to around 3000 at Bankwest Stadium, the $360m venue in Parramatta where the Tigers will also play games until at least the end of 2022.

"Peter has had a few things on his plate, but he replied late last week with a letter that was very effusive about the need for us to treat the grounds as assets that are part of rugby league's future,'' Byrne told the Herald.

"He asked for me to put forward specifics about the upgrades to the ground. And I'm very confident that in putting forward detailed plans for the upgrade of Leichhardt, we'll have a champion in Peter V'Landys who will help us deliver state and federal government funding []for the project].

"We need a once-in-a-generation upgrade that will future-proof the ground as an NRL venue while also not losing the charm and character that makes it one of the most popular sporting grounds in Australia.

"We want to keep the heritage of the ground, but lift the standards to what is acceptable in the modern era, and what can be profitable for a range of different sporting organisations.''

Byrne said the hill - his preferred place to stand during any Tigers game - would remain untouched, while the plan would be for more corporate suites in the main grandstand. The Keith Barnes Stand would also receive some much-needed love while there could even be a smaller grandstand erected at the northern end of the ground.

A hall of fame celebrating some of the club's greats has also been mooted, including statues, but the challenge for Byrne with this project has been settling on which players to immortalise.

In the letter sent to Byrne, and obtained by the Herald, V'Landys wrote: "As you know I'm a supporter of suburban grounds and believe they are an essential part of the fabric of rugby league. Despite the best efforts of local councils, unfortunately many of the great suburban grounds no longer meet community expectations after decades of under-investment by state and federal governments.''

Byrne said he had not chased detailed plans in the past for Leichhardt Oval because of the NRL and state government had made it clear ''they wouldn't put a single dollar into Leichhardt Oval''.

"And we weren't going to waste ratepayers dollars by going and procuring plans for something they were outright refusing to fund,'' Byrne said.

https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/a-...vow-to-revive-leichhardt-20200525-p54w74.html

Good news, hopefully something can happen. I like the idea of a hall of fame as well.

 

[Tigers1986]

If Leichhardt gets a touchup, then Campbelltown deserves one as well. The FFA will be ensuring it's upgraded for Macarthur FC, so maybe the NRL will be hoping they save cash that way.

The biggest upgrade that Leichhardt could get is a parking structure or 2 around the ground. It's why a lot of folks don't like to travel there. Same issue that Brookvale and Kogarah have.

 

[Ron's_Mate]

The biggest upgrade that Leichhardt could get is a parking structure or 2 around the ground. It's why a lot of folks don't like to travel there. Same issue that Brookvale and Kogarah have.

I don't think there is much hope of parking because the roads are so narrow around there. There is a newish light rail station a medium walk away.

 

[Fordy20]

Thant's pretty good. How long has that been in operation?

I wonder if there would be extra services on game day? Shuttle bus for the oldies, especially on the walk up, would be handy too.

 

[Tigers1986]

I don't think there is much hope of parking because the roads are so narrow around there. There is a newish light rail station a medium walk away.

Yeah I've done the trip, but when I can park at the leagues next to Campbelltown and BankWest, I'm not that fussed to catch lightrail and then walk to Leichhardt. Sure the roads are narrow, but it could be managed with careful planning and exit roads (maybe along near the rowing club). Works OK enough in Leumeah to filter the crowd out

 

[Ron's_Mate]

'The poor guy had demons': Tamou feels for mate Naden after drug shock

By Christian Nicolussi
December 16, 2020 — 12.01am

Former Panthers star James Tamou said he was "stunned" by news of Brent Naden testing positive to cocaine on grand final night, and felt sympathy rather than anger for a young teammate struggling with COVID-19 life.

Tamou started training with the Wests Tigers this week, three weeks before he was officially due to begin pre-season, and said the Naden drug shock caught everyone off guard.

The international prop also anticipated the current mass pillaging of the Panthers by rival clubs. Matt Burton, Daine Laurie, Zane Tetevano, Spencer Leniu and Stephen Crichton have all been targeted.

As for Naden's provisional suspension, Tamou told the Sydney Morning Herald: "I was stunned. I had no idea. Throughout the year I knew the poor guy had some demons. But that news left me stumped and I was like, 'what's going on?'

"My first thoughts, when I found out, was to make sure he was OK.

"Bubble life, I've got four young kids at home and I'm always busy. But the young guys who are single and go home to four walls and twiddle their thumbs, mentally it would have been tough. I'm not [condoning drug use], but there were a lot of things going on for 'Nado'.''

Tamou inked a two-year deal with the Tigers in September, and knew the Panthers would struggle to retain all their talent.

He said Crichton, who is holding out for a better three-year deal, was worth every penny. He also hoped ''freak'' Laurie - and Josh Mansour - would be released and given the chance to join him at the Tigers a year early.

"Because of the talent they have out there - I said this nearly the whole time I was out there about how the talent is unbelievable - I'm not surprised what is happening now,'' Tamou said.

"It's a shame because Penrith are such a good club but they can't keep them all.

"A guy like Stephen Crichton is still so young but he's definitely worth the money. I know 'Critta', he loves the boys and he loves Penrith. It's not his fault because he deserves the money he can get. It's about trying to keep the young ones together, which is going to be the problem for Penrith.''

Tamou spearheads a Tigers forward pack that includes Zane Musgrove, Shawn Blore, Stefano Utoikamanu, Alex Twal and Joe Ofahengaue. He soon discovered how powerful some of the younger players were during a Tuesday wrestling session.

A natural leader who skippered Penrith, Tamou has had no discussions about being appointed Tigers captain but was happy to fill the role if coach Michael Maguire wanted him to.

Tamou said the young Tigers reminded him a lot of the Panthers side from a couple of years ago. The two encounters between the clubs last season were ''scary'' because you never knew what Maguire's men would produce.

"If they were on, you knew you were up for a big game,'' he said.

"They're young, they're eager for success, and you can tell that from being there just a couple of days.

"I'm excited. I knew a few of the boys already, but I wanted to get to know the other boys' names, the structures, and by getting in early it will allow me to hit the ground running in the new year rather than doing the intros. I wanted to do right by the Tigers.''

Tamou will remain in the Penrith area and commute each day along the M4 Motorway.

https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/th...e-naden-after-drug-shock-20201215-p56nqj.html

 

[Tiger Ted]

'The poor guy had demons': Tamou feels for mate Naden after drug shock

By Christian Nicolussi
December 16, 2020 — 12.01am

Former Panthers star James Tamou said he was "stunned" by news of Brent Naden testing positive to cocaine on grand final night, and felt sympathy rather than anger for a young teammate struggling with COVID-19 life.

Tamou started training with the Wests Tigers this week, three weeks before he was officially due to begin pre-season, and said the Naden drug shock caught everyone off guard.

The international prop also anticipated the current mass pillaging of the Panthers by rival clubs. Matt Burton, Daine Laurie, Zane Tetevano, Spencer Leniu and Stephen Crichton have all been targeted.

As for Naden's provisional suspension, Tamou told the Sydney Morning Herald: "I was stunned. I had no idea. Throughout the year I knew the poor guy had some demons. But that news left me stumped and I was like, 'what's going on?'

"My first thoughts, when I found out, was to make sure he was OK.

"Bubble life, I've got four young kids at home and I'm always busy. But the young guys who are single and go home to four walls and twiddle their thumbs, mentally it would have been tough. I'm not [condoning drug use], but there were a lot of things going on for 'Nado'.''

Tamou inked a two-year deal with the Tigers in September, and knew the Panthers would struggle to retain all their talent.

He said Crichton, who is holding out for a better three-year deal, was worth every penny. He also hoped ''freak'' Laurie - and Josh Mansour - would be released and given the chance to join him at the Tigers a year early.

"Because of the talent they have out there - I said this nearly the whole time I was out there about how the talent is unbelievable - I'm not surprised what is happening now,'' Tamou said.

"It's a shame because Penrith are such a good club but they can't keep them all.

"A guy like Stephen Crichton is still so young but he's definitely worth the money. I know 'Critta', he loves the boys and he loves Penrith. It's not his fault because he deserves the money he can get. It's about trying to keep the young ones together, which is going to be the problem for Penrith.''

Tamou spearheads a Tigers forward pack that includes Zane Musgrove, Shawn Blore, Stefano Utoikamanu, Alex Twal and Joe Ofahengaue. He soon discovered how powerful some of the younger players were during a Tuesday wrestling session.

A natural leader who skippered Penrith, Tamou has had no discussions about being appointed Tigers captain but was happy to fill the role if coach Michael Maguire wanted him to.

Tamou said the young Tigers reminded him a lot of the Panthers side from a couple of years ago. The two encounters between the clubs last season were ''scary'' because you never knew what Maguire's men would produce.

"If they were on, you knew you were up for a big game,'' he said.

"They're young, they're eager for success, and you can tell that from being there just a couple of days.

"I'm excited. I knew a few of the boys already, but I wanted to get to know the other boys' names, the structures, and by getting in early it will allow me to hit the ground running in the new year rather than doing the intros. I wanted to do right by the Tigers.''

Tamou will remain in the Penrith area and commute each day along the M4 Motorway.

https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/th...e-naden-after-drug-shock-20201215-p56nqj.html

Tamou is of good character.He must b our captain.

 

[Tigerm]

A Balmain legend.

Vale Dave Bolton - Wests Tigers

Wests Tigers would like to extend its condolences to the family of Dave Bolton following his recent passing.

A former Great Britain international five-eighth, Bolton was a member of the Balmain Tigers 1969 Premiership-winning team — at the time becoming just the second Englishman to play in a winning Grand Final side in Australia.

Bolton made his rugby league debut with Wigan in 1954 and went on to play over 300 games for the Warriors over the course of the next decade.

One of the finest English players to join the Sydney competition, Bolton also would play a total of eight Tests for Great Britain from 1958 to 1963.

Following his playing career, Bolton would coach Parramatta for the 1973 and 1974 NSWRF seasons before later becoming an Assistant Coach to eventual Wests Tigers Life Member Tim Sheens while at Penrith in the 1980's.

He was inducted into the Balmain Tigers Hall of Fame in 2005.

The thoughts of all at Wests Tigers are with Dave's family at this time.

 

[Tigers Tale]

A Balmain legend.

Vale Dave Bolton - Wests Tigers

Wests Tigers would like to extend its condolences to the family of Dave Bolton following his recent passing.

Gee Balmain/Wests have been blessed with talent from England. I saw Bolton play a few times and while I was only 10 in 1969 I can remember how tough he was. Big opponents didn't frighten him and he was a leader, might not have been the captain but he was a leader non the less.

Australia seemed to produce those flashy and quick half backs while England had really smart half backs....Bolton and Roger Millward being two of the best. Makes me wonder why we don't try and find a few more 'poms' in our team today.

Sad to hear.....

 

[Ron's_Mate]

‘I’m not dealing with kids here’: Maguire lifts lid on player power at Tigers
By Michael Chammas
February 14, 2021 — 7.48pm

There’s a perception of Michael Maguire that the coach just can’t shake. Nor does he care to.

In the last two seasons, that perception has arguably cost the Wests Tigers the signatures of several big-name stars reluctant to become just another chapter in the story of the intense, ruthless coach who pushes his players to the brink - and sometimes beyond.
Last year, at the risk of losing his job, which has since been secured in the form of a two-year extension, Maguire drove his players beyond their comfort zone. Some turned on him.

"I was aware," Maguire admitted of the growing unrest in the playing group towards him. "I was well aware. We were pushing boundaries that we hadn’t pushed before. But we have to push the club to a higher level. If we keep doing things the same, we will get the same result."
When the Herald sat down to interview Maguire recently, it was apparent that little is known about the coach and his interests away from rugby league.

"You probably don’t ask the right questions," Maguire fires back. "You always want to go to the other stuff. I’ve got plenty of different interests."
But even when asked the "right questions", Maguire reverts back to an old school give-em-nothing approach that - for the most part - has served him well throughout his coaching career.

"It’s nothing that I want to share," he says. But it’s that very demeanour that amplifies a perception that is backed up by the stories of boa constrictors and baseball bats in dressing rooms, or how South Sydney players used to get fined for using certain words in the media.

"If they are doing it on the park, doesn’t that do the talking?" Maguire asks. "I get we need to do our part to promote the game and those sorts of things, but the success on the park is what creates the greatest ride.

"If I see my players successful and the boys enjoying the ride of what happens when you win a grand final, they get to see what’s real. Because I saw a lot of fans [at Souths] enjoying that ride. They are the ones I care about. I saw a lot of Souths fans living in hope. It went from hope to actually believing it. Then it was that belief that helped us achieve it. That’s more special than people knowing about what I do away from footy.
"The players may say certain things about how hard it was, but I tell you when they were doing that lap around that field with the trophy on grand final day, it was a pretty great moment. They are things this club deserves. That’s why I was so keen to come here."

On day one of pre-season, following a year of stories questioning his coaching methods and their effectiveness on the modern-day footballer, Maguire addressed a squad shorn of over 1000 games of experience. While his demands had previously been met with raised eyebrows by senior players, his audience is now largely receptive.

“I think we all know times have changed and you need to handle each person in a different light,” Maguire said. “But I’m also dealing with men. I’m not dealing with kids here. It is the responsibility of the senior guys to set a tone around what they want to achieve. If they go after that and they set standards, it influences the young ones.
“You’re growing these men to take ownership of what they are doing. We need leaders to help these younger generations realise that life is not easy. There are challenges, but if you fight through those challenges, it’s amazing what you can achieve.”
Maguire won’t go into detail about how his once-strong relationship with Tigers legend Benji Marshall deteriorated after he dropped the five-eighth following the round four loss to the Gold Coast Titans.

But Maguire made no apologies when asked if he made unnecessary changes that ultimately led to the players, in a private team meeting, admitting they were “walking on eggshells” around their coach.

“I’ve come to the club to make it successful,” Maguire said. “Did I make change for stimulation last year? Yeah, I did. At times it worked, at times it didn’t. But if you keep doing the same you’ll end up the same. I think sometimes you have to be able to get people out of their comfort zone to go to another level.”

Some at the Wests Tigers last year - both in the playing group and head office - questioned Maguire’s stomach for the fight when reports emerged that he had thrown his hat in the ring for other jobs.
Maguire admits he questioned his ability to succeed in the task of turning the joint venture into the powerhouse it could be given its membership and junior nursery. But he insists that, in the end, it only strengthened his resolve.

"Along the way people are going to talk and chatter and ask questions," Maguire said of the speculation that he was looking for another job.

“Did I have thoughts around how large the challenges ahead of me were going to be? Definitely, I’m not going to lie about that. When I sat down and the Wests Tigers became a club that was available to come to, it was the one I actually wanted. I see the size of the club and the momentum that will get behind the Wests Tigers is enormous. I feel that’s coming.

"Have I seen the change as fast as I would have liked? Probably not. There are more challenges in this job than what I’ve experienced before, but we will make this club successful."

https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/i-...n-player-power-at-tigers-20210214-p572e5.html

 

[benched tiger]

It’s hard to argue against change considering how we have gone in last 10 seasons.

 

[Tiger05]

It’s hard to argue against change considering how we have gone in last 10 seasons.

Agreed but that means we have to start winning.

 

[BrotherJim05]

If Madge can't get us into finals with the time he has been given, the youth he is building and the full backing of Head Office......then I honestly don't know who the f**k will ever be able to get us there