Season 2023

[BrotherJim05]

It's better the media are focusing on Api making a few jokes after 1000 beers rather than our abysmal trial game.

I feel like we are gonna get flogged by Raiders and it's going to be a media frenzy. I just hope the boys can put in a really strong performance, even if they lose.

 

[Ned Kelly]

It's better the media are focusing on Api making a few jokes after 1000 beers rather than our abysmal trial game.

I feel like we are gonna get flogged by Raiders and it's going to be a media frenzy. I just hope the boys can put in a really strong performance, even if they lose.

Not getting flogged would be nice but I'm not taking anything too seriously until round 1. Also keep in mind we will be at least a 12 point better side when Api is playing.

 

[Ron's_Mate]

Bateman finally gets all clear to join Tigers teammates Down Under
By Adam Pengilly
February 17, 2023 — 5.30pm

Wests Tigers recruit John Bateman will have a little over a week to prepare for the NRL’s opening round after finally clearing a stumbling block that had prevented him from travelling to Australia to join his new teammates.

The English international has been stranded in the United Kingdom since Christmas waiting for a police check to come back. The document has finally been processed, opening the door for his visa to be granted. Tigers officials are expecting the star back-rower to be at Concord by the end of next week.

It would give Tigers coach Tim Sheens and his assistants Benji Marshall and Robbie Farah little time to assess their signing’s fitness before the start of the NRL season. The Tigers will play the Titans in their first game at Leichhardt Oval on Sunday, March 5.

Tigers chairman Lee Hagipantelis had described the situation as “beyond frustrating” earlier this week having announced Bateman’s signing on Boxing Day.

The former Raiders player, who was a key cog of their grand final run in 2019, inked a four-year deal with the joint venture.

He will join new captain Api Koroisau, Isaiah Papali’i and David Klemmer in a new-look forward pack intent on dragging the Tigers off the bottom of the table.

Sheens will consider using Bateman off the bench in the opening rounds until he reaches full fitness after a taxing World Cup campaign with England.

The Tigers were forced to pay a transfer fee to prise Bateman out of his Wigan contract, and then send training videos to him remotely so he can get up to speed with Sheens’ attacking revolution.

The club even had Bateman, considered one of the most destructive players in the competition before returning to the English Super League, speak via video call at their season launch last week.

Five-eighth Adam Doueihi has signed a one-year extension to stay at Concord as the club await a decision from Eels halfback Mitchell Moses over his future.

“I’m really happy to extend my stay here at Wests Tigers,” Doueihi said. “We’ve all trained hard in pre-season and our team is in great shape.”

Doueihi will make his first appearance of the year when the Tigers finish their pre-season challenge preparations against Bateman’s old club, Canberra, at Belmore on Sunday.

Bateman finally gets all clear to join Tigers teammates Down Under

The star Tigers recruit is expected to arrive in Sydney by the end of next week, but will he be fit enough to play in round one?

www.smh.com.au

 

[Someone2]

After no pre-season you’d think he’d need at least a month in reserve grade to get fitness and learn the tigers plays

 

[Tigerm]

Bateman finally gets all clear to join Tigers teammates Down Under
By Adam Pengilly
February 17, 2023 — 5.30pm

Wests Tigers recruit John Bateman will have a little over a week to prepare for the NRL’s opening round after finally clearing a stumbling block that had prevented him from travelling to Australia to join his new teammates.

The English international has been stranded in the United Kingdom since Christmas waiting for a police check to come back. The document has finally been processed, opening the door for his visa to be granted. Tigers officials are expecting the star back-rower to be at Concord by the end of next week.

It would give Tigers coach Tim Sheens and his assistants Benji Marshall and Robbie Farah little time to assess their signing’s fitness before the start of the NRL season. The Tigers will play the Titans in their first game at Leichhardt Oval on Sunday, March 5.

Tigers chairman Lee Hagipantelis had described the situation as “beyond frustrating” earlier this week having announced Bateman’s signing on Boxing Day.

The former Raiders player, who was a key cog of their grand final run in 2019, inked a four-year deal with the joint venture.

He will join new captain Api Koroisau, Isaiah Papali’i and David Klemmer in a new-look forward pack intent on dragging the Tigers off the bottom of the table.

Sheens will consider using Bateman off the bench in the opening rounds until he reaches full fitness after a taxing World Cup campaign with England.

The Tigers were forced to pay a transfer fee to prise Bateman out of his Wigan contract, and then send training videos to him remotely so he can get up to speed with Sheens’ attacking revolution.

The club even had Bateman, considered one of the most destructive players in the competition before returning to the English Super League, speak via video call at their season launch last week.

Five-eighth Adam Doueihi has signed a one-year extension to stay at Concord as the club await a decision from Eels halfback Mitchell Moses over his future.

“I’m really happy to extend my stay here at Wests Tigers,” Doueihi said. “We’ve all trained hard in pre-season and our team is in great shape.”

Doueihi will make his first appearance of the year when the Tigers finish their pre-season challenge preparations against Bateman’s old club, Canberra, at Belmore on Sunday.

Bateman finally gets all clear to join Tigers teammates Down Under

The star Tigers recruit is expected to arrive in Sydney by the end of next week, but will he be fit enough to play in round one?

www.smh.com.au

Finally coming together? TBH, I hope Adam and Luke can show we don't need the downhill skier?

 

[Tigerm]

Broncos’ ‘massive coup’ as Kevvie locks in ‘key’ players in double boost: Transfer Centre

Broncos’ ‘massive coup’ as Kevvie locks in ‘key’ players in double boost: Transfer Centre

www.foxsports.com.au

TIGERS

2023 squad:
1.Adam Doueihi (2024),
2.Alex Twal (2024),
3.Alex Seyfarth (2023),
4.Apisai Koroisau (2024, MO 2025),
5.Apisalome Saukuru (2023),
6.Asu Kepaoa (2024),
7.Brandon Tumeth (2024, PO 2025),
8.Brent Naden (2025),
9.Charlie Staines (2023),
10.Daine Laurie (2023),
11.David Klemmer (2025, MO 2026),
12.David Nofoaluma (2025),
13.Fonua Pole (2025),
14.Isaiah Papali’i (2025),
15.Jake Simpkin (2024),
16.Joe Ofahengaue (2025),
17.John Bateman (2026),
18.Junior Tupou (2024),
19.Justin Matamua (2024, CO 2025),
20.Ken Maumalo (2023, MO 2024),
21.Luke Brooks (2023),
22.Rua Ngatikaura (2024),
23.Shawn Blore (2024),
24.Sione Fainu (2024),
25.Starford To’a (2024),
26.Stefano Utoikamanu (2024, MO 2025),
27.Tommy Talau (2023),
28.Triston Reilly (2024),
29.Tukimihia Simpkins (2023)

One short, they haven't listed Wakeham is he on contract?

Development players: Christian Ma’anaima (2023), Josh Feledy (2023), Kitione Kautoga (2023)

2023 gains: Apisai Koroisau (Panthers), Isaiah Papali’i (Eels), David Nofoaluma (return from loan), Charlie Staines (Panthers), David Klemmer (Knights), John Bateman (Wigan), Brandon Wakeham (Bulldogs)

2023 losses: Luke Garner (Panthers), Kelma Tuilagi (Sea Eagles), Zane Musgrove (Dragons), Jock Madden (Broncos), James Tamou (Cowboys), Oliver Gildart (Dolphins), Jacob Liddle (Dragons), Tyrone Peachey (Panthers), Jackson Hastings (Knights)

Coach: Tim Sheens (2024)

 

[Tigerm]

After no pre-season you’d think he’d need at least a month in reserve grade to get fitness and learn the tigers plays

I think you have more to worry about than us?

Shaun Lane has reportedly suffered a jaw injury which could see him sidelined for the start of the season.

You are getting short of players.

 

[Ron's_Mate]

Doueihi’s contract extension with Tigers could have big implications for Brooks
By Christian Nicolussi
February 18, 2023 — 2.14pm

Adam Doueihi has signed a one-year contract extension with Wests Tigers, heaping more pressure on halfback Luke Brooks to deliver as the joint venture tries to lure Mitchell Moses back to Leichhardt.

Doueihi was delighted to remain at the Tigers for 2024, and should Moses agree to a whopping five-year deal reportedly worth about $1.3 million a season, Brooks looms as the odd man out as the club grapples with a three-into-two halves headache.

Club favourite Doueihi is capable of shifting to fullback should the Tigers land Moses and also keep Brooks, but Doueihi believes his best football is in the No.6. And the lessons he has learnt from one of the Tigers’ greatest five-eighths, Benji Marshall, have him primed for his best year yet.

Moses, whose contract is up at Parramatta at the end of this year, has a four-year option on the table from the Eels worth about $1.1 million a season. He told Fox League after Friday’s impressive trial performance that he did not want his future impacting on his teammates heading into the season proper.

“I don’t think it’s far off; I don’t want to have it coming into the season,” Moses said. “I don’t think it’s fair on Parramatta and the players I play with that we take it into the season and it’s spoken about it. I want to make a decision soon.”

Doueihi played with Moses in the halves for Lebanon at the Rugby League World Cup last year, but says he is only focused on his game, starting with Sunday’s trial against Canberra.

“It’s hard to deal in hypotheticals, and I don’t know what will happen with Mitch,” Doueihi said. “I’m friends with him, we played at the World Cup together, and I like playing with him. But I won’t keep trying to guess if he’s coming or staying.

“I can play fullback if needed, and I feel really comfortable there. All I know is Benji and Tim [Sheens] have told me I’m the No.6 for this year. I haven’t spent any time at fullback over the summer.

“I signed under ‘Madge’ [former coach Michael Maguire] and played fullback in the short term here, but there was always one eye on being the No.6 in the long term. I feel I play my best attacking football in that position.”

Doueihi was happy to sign the one-year extension, which gave him and the club flexibility, especially given his history of knee injuries and uncertainty about how the Sheens-Marshall dynamic will work.

Marshall has had many conversations with Doueihi during the pre-season, and his vision for the club aligns closely with what Doueihi had in mind.

“At the end of last year I spoke with Benji a fair bit; he told me he had confidence in me and my ability and my attacking strengths,” Doueihi said.

“We were on the same page when it came to how we wanted to attack. That is always a confidence boost for you as a player when the coach respects your strengths and thinks the same way.

“I also worked with [assistant coach] Robbie Farah at the World Cup and liked his coaching style.

“I love this club, I like the players we have recruited, I like the pack we will get to play behind. I’m really looking forward to a big 2023.”

Brooks is overcoming a calf injury and will be fit for round one, but will sit out the final warm-up game against Canberra, as will new skipper Api Koroisau. English recruit John Bateman has finally been granted a visa and touches down in Sydney at the start of the week.

Doueihi’s contract extension with Tigers could have big implications for Brooks

With Adam Doueihi signing a one-year extension and the Tigers pushing hard to lure Mitchell Moses, Luke Brooks looms as the odd man out in a three-into-two halves headache at Leichhardt.

www.smh.com.au

 

[BrotherJim05]

Timeline of facts:

2019 - Panthers finish below Tigers
2020 - Api joins club and they make it to GF
2021 - Panthers win GF
2022 - Panthers win GF. Api leaves at end of season.
2023 - Panthers lose to St. Helens at near full strength LOL

 

[Wizardman]

Timeline of facts:

2019 - Panthers finish below Tigers
2020 - Api joins club and they make it to GF
2021 - Panthers win GF
2022 - Panthers win GF. Api leaves at end of season.
2023 - Panthers lose to St. Helens at near full strength LOL

Im in such a good mood after that Penrith game. It has absolutely made my night .

They definitely have more gaps than they have had for years.

 

[The Rosco]

After no pre-season you’d think he’d need at least a month in reserve grade to get fitness and learn the tigers plays

Someone else has hijacked rhyno's account. I read this post and did a quick scan for idiocy, anti WT bias, Parra bias, and general arseholery . . . and it came up clean on all counts.
What's the world coming to ?
Welcome, new rhyno.

 

[Tigerm]

Just finishing the replay of the first half of the WCC, admittedly it’s Penriths first decent hit out, but St H are giving it to them.

The St H hooker has supposedly played over 500 games?

Only time Garner was mentioned was when he dropped the ball. Don’t think he will be missed.

They are going to miss API, Kenny is not there answer, by the looks.

I know the end result, but I wonder if the Pennies can back up for a third tilt against us in the GF?

 

[Ned Kelly]

I haven't seen the game but my guess is if the Panthers still had Api they would have won it. I don't think they will make it 3 in a row without him.

 

[Vic Mackey]

Encouraging signs yesterday and looking at our early draw:

Rd 1 Titans @ Leichhardt
Rd 2 Knights @ Leichhardt

Winning both of these should be non negotiable. Even 1/1 would be a failure imo

 

[Black Panther]

Timeline of facts:

2019 - Panthers finish below Tigers
2020 - Api joins club and they make it to GF
2021 - Panthers win GF
2022 - Panthers win GF. Api leaves at end of season.
2023 - Panthers lose to St. Helens at near full strength LOL

You forgot to add Tigers wooden spoon. Far from full strength also mate, even if Edwards plays we win. But for us to play that bad and lose in Golden Point says a lot.

Anyway, good luck for this season. Surely will be a better one for the Tigers.

 

[stryker]

You forgot to add Tigers wooden spoon. Far from full strength also mate, even if Edwards plays we win. But for us to play that bad and lose in Golden Point says a lot.

Anyway, good luck for this season. Surely will be a better one for the Tigers.

Api is the reason.
Those park footy players you guys had playing hooker/dummy half are no good.

 

[stryker]

Encouraging signs yesterday and looking at our early draw:

Rd 1 Titans @ Leichhardt
Rd 2 Knights @ Leichhardt

Winning both of these should be non negotiable. Even 1/1 would be a failure imo

Titans looked really sharp last night.
It’ll be a good test first up.
Wish it wasn’t at Leichhardt.

 

[Vic Mackey]

You forgot to add Tigers wooden spoon. Far from full strength also mate, even if Edwards plays we win. But for us to play that bad and lose in Golden Point says a lot.

Anyway, good luck for this season. Surely will be a better one for the Tigers.

Agree likely win if Edwards plays, you cant help injuries though, Penrith have had a golden run with them the last 3 years.

Not being a dick but genuinely asking, what were your thoughts on Garner? As a tigers fan I found it completely unsurprising that both St Helens tries came through his corridor.

 

[Das Hassler]

Just a bit of grasping for encouragement / validation...my top 8 bet is already up 20% as a payout...I'll probably wait till 10 minutes into game 1 before I bail out rejoicing that I actually made a few bucks out of this basketcase we love so much
Nah..i wont do that...I'm gonna ride the barrel right over the edge

 

[Wizardman]

Encouraging signs yesterday and looking at our early draw:

Rd 1 Titans @ Leichhardt
Rd 2 Knights @ Leichhardt

Winning both of these should be non negotiable. Even 1/1 would be a failure imo

We should really have the better of both of those packs....but, we are the Tigers.....I'd take 1/1. Losing both would bite us on the ass this season.

GC have a lot of points in them.....but I saw no signs of them keeping points out either. I'd tip us in a tight one.

We really should beat Newcastle. That game will be the true test of the mentality of our team. A game we'd lose for sure over the last few years. This is the game I think every long time Wests Tigers fan would be worried about......deep down.