Season 2024

[Tigerm]

NBWT twitter:

Nofoaluma did not physically train on Monday due to a niggling calf issue but was at the Club’s Concord headquarters and was expected to complete a gym session on Monday afternoon (Telegraph)

 

[TroyJax]

Looks a steaming hot day?
View attachment 82340
Everyone is in a singlet or tee shirt, except Twally.

The guy is a tough bastard. Hahaha

Wearing long sleeves is better in hot weather than short sleeves or singlets.
Go to any parts of the world with year round warm weather. Notice how they dress.

 

[Tigerm]

Wearing long sleeves is better in hot weather than short sleeves or singlets.
Go to any parts of the world with year round warm weather. Notice how they dress.

Yep, but they’re probably not doing high intensity fitness training though, in high 30 degree heat?

I thought the “hahahaha” would have shown I wasn’t having a go at him.

 

[Tigerm]

From the telegraph, on twitter:

I don’t think this is going to end well for him?

 

[Tiger Ted]

From the telegraph, on twitter:
View attachment 82459
I don’t think this is going to end well for him?

Surely the egomaniac hagipantelis can arrange a 500k/annum toilet cleaning role at Bryson’s for his pissant soulmate

 

[Tiger Ted]

Brydens.

 

[Nutz]

Dropping out of the AFB chase is puzzling.
Richo said straight after that announcement that he regards Luai as a natural half and gave glowing endorsements including "he is a great human" mmm that's contrary to what a lot of supporters say about him. I don't know him personally so I can only judge the book.
Are there other reasons why we are not chasing a prop who would make an instant change to the way we charge at the line, offloading and attract multiple defenders.
We recently signed a big bopper who runs like a mad bull but he's still a baby.
Stef has a lot of potential but he's 1-2 seasons away from being an impact. Who else can come in and make a huge impact?
I would have signed AFB and ran with the original plan of Salad, Bud and progression of Latu Fainu.
I was one of those originally keen on Luai but that was before AFB came onto the scene.
Now if we dont sign anyone does that mean we go back to Olam?
It's getting a bit wishy washy for my liking and there's a hint of desperation.

 

[Tigerm]

Dropping out of the AFB chase is puzzling.
Richo said straight after that announcement that he regards Luai as a natural half and gave glowing endorsements including "he is a great human" mmm that's contrary to what a lot of supporters say about him. I don't know him personally so I can only judge the book.
Are there other reasons why we are not chasing a prop who would make an instant change to the way we charge at the line, offloading and attract multiple defenders.
We recently signed a big bopper who runs like a mad bull but he's still a baby.
Stef has a lot of potential but he's 1-2 seasons away from being an impact. Who else can come in and make a huge impact?
I would have signed AFB and ran with the original plan of Salad, Bud and progression of Latu Fainu.
I was one of those originally keen on Luai but that was before AFB came onto the scene.
Now if we dont sign anyone does that mean we go back to Olam?
It's getting a bit wishy washy for my liking and there's a hint of desperation.

Mate, it is the off season hahaha
But he did give his reasons?

And then there were two: Race for Fonua-Blake narrows again

Another club have pulled out of the running for his signature.

www.zerotackle.com

 

[Tigerm]

I’ve just read this, imo, it’s what our blokes need to answer?

Are you willing to sprint when the distance is unknown?

In 2021, Georgia Tech strength coach Lewis Caralla delivered this epic speech to the football team.

If it doesn't get you motivated, you may need to check your pulse...

He opens with a few harsh truths:

• Winning isn't loyal to you
• Winning doesn't care about you
• Winning doesn't care how sore you are
• Winning doesn't care how hard you work
• Winning doesn't care how much sleep you get

 

[Nutz]

I’ve just read this, imo, it’s what our blokes need to answer?

Are you willing to sprint when the distance is unknown?

In 2021, Georgia Tech strength coach Lewis Caralla delivered this epic speech to the football team.

If it doesn't get you motivated, you may need to check your pulse...

He opens with a few harsh truths:

• Winning isn't loyal to you
• Winning doesn't care about you
• Winning doesn't care how sore you are
• Winning doesn't care how hard you work
• Winning doesn't care how much sleep you get

Shite! I think I'm dead, what day is it?

 

[Tigerm]

A pretty sobering review of where we stand I think?


TIGERS

Halves: Adam Doueihi (also centre/fullback), Aidan Sezer, Jayden Sullivan, Lachlan Galvin, Latu Fainu

Hooker: Apisai Koroisau (also halves), Jake Simpkin, Tallyn Da Silva


Fullback: Jahream Bula

Wing: David Nofoaluma, Charlie Staines (also fullback), Junior Tupou

Centre: Brent Naden, Starford To’a, Asu Kepaoa (also wing/second row), Josh Feledy

Prop: Stefano Utoikamanu, David Klemmer, Alex Twal (also lock), Alex Seyfarth (also second row), Jordan Miller

Second row: Isaiah Papali’i, John Bateman, Samuela Fainu, Shawn Blore, Brandon Tumeth

Lock: Fonua Pole, Justin Matamua, Sione Fainu


Remaining spots in Top 30: 1



Supplementary players: Alex Lobb (wing), Chris Fa’agutu (prop), Kit Laulilii (prop), Solomone Saukuru (centre/wing), Tony Sukkar (prop/second row)



Reserves report: The Tigers used its NSW Cup side, Western Suburb Magpies, to fast-track the development of their youngsters. Results weren’t great, with the Magpies finishing third last but the grade did prepare a few players for NRL debuts last season like Kit Laulili, Josh Feledy, Tallyn Da Silva and of course Jahream Bula, who was named the Tigers’ Player of the Year in his rookie season. Da Silva was rewarded with a Top 30 contract and is doing his first NRL pre-season after joining the full-time squad mid-2023 on a train-and-trial, while Feledy has been elevated to the Top 30 from a supplementary deal. The Tigers have recruited goalkicking winger Alex Lobb from the Dragons and he will play a key role in the Cup side next season.




Verdict: Needs work. The Tigers’ depth is looking a little shaky and unfortunately coach Benji Marshall only has one spot left in his Top 30. With Adam Doueihi expected to miss the first half of the season with a knee injury, the Tigers could be in danger if anything happens to Jayden Sullivan or Aiden Sezer. Latu Fainu is regarded as a star of the future but needs at least one more year in reserve grade, while 18-year-old Lachlan Galvin only just graduated high school and hasn’t played against grown men yet. Skipper Api Koroisau can play in the halves, but he does his best work at hooker and moving him simply weakens another position. The Tigers need more depth in the outside backs too — and that’s without taking into consideration the David Nofoaluma situation. Charlie Staines can fill in at fullback if need be, but then that leaves the backs stocks very low. It’s doable for one game, but for the Tigers to be competitive in 2024 the squad needs to be built to handle anything.

From clubs ready for anything, to scrambling to fill holes: Every NRL roster’s depth rated

The nine NRL sides still not ready for 2024... with four in strife: Every club’s depth rated

www.foxsports.com.au

 

[Nutz]

A pretty sobering review of where we stand I think?


TIGERS

Halves: Adam Doueihi (also centre/fullback), Aidan Sezer, Jayden Sullivan, Lachlan Galvin, Latu Fainu

Hooker: Apisai Koroisau (also halves), Jake Simpkin, Tallyn Da Silva


Fullback: Jahream Bula

Wing: David Nofoaluma, Charlie Staines (also fullback), Junior Tupou

Centre: Brent Naden, Starford To’a, Asu Kepaoa (also wing/second row), Josh Feledy

Prop: Stefano Utoikamanu, David Klemmer, Alex Twal (also lock), Alex Seyfarth (also second row), Jordan Miller

Second row: Isaiah Papali’i, John Bateman, Samuela Fainu, Shawn Blore, Brandon Tumeth

Lock: Fonua Pole, Justin Matamua, Sione Fainu


Remaining spots in Top 30: 1



Supplementary players: Alex Lobb (wing), Chris Fa’agutu (prop), Kit Laulilii (prop), Solomone Saukuru (centre/wing), Tony Sukkar (prop/second row)



Reserves report: The Tigers used its NSW Cup side, Western Suburb Magpies, to fast-track the development of their youngsters. Results weren’t great, with the Magpies finishing third last but the grade did prepare a few players for NRL debuts last season like Kit Laulili, Josh Feledy, Tallyn Da Silva and of course Jahream Bula, who was named the Tigers’ Player of the Year in his rookie season. Da Silva was rewarded with a Top 30 contract and is doing his first NRL pre-season after joining the full-time squad mid-2023 on a train-and-trial, while Feledy has been elevated to the Top 30 from a supplementary deal. The Tigers have recruited goalkicking winger Alex Lobb from the Dragons and he will play a key role in the Cup side next season.




Verdict: Needs work. The Tigers’ depth is looking a little shaky and unfortunately coach Benji Marshall only has one spot left in his Top 30. With Adam Doueihi expected to miss the first half of the season with a knee injury, the Tigers could be in danger if anything happens to Jayden Sullivan or Aiden Sezer. Latu Fainu is regarded as a star of the future but needs at least one more year in reserve grade, while 18-year-old Lachlan Galvin only just graduated high school and hasn’t played against grown men yet. Skipper Api Koroisau can play in the halves, but he does his best work at hooker and moving him simply weakens another position. The Tigers need more depth in the outside backs too — and that’s without taking into consideration the David Nofoaluma situation. Charlie Staines can fill in at fullback if need be, but then that leaves the backs stocks very low. It’s doable for one game, but for the Tigers to be competitive in 2024 the squad needs to be built to handle anything.

From clubs ready for anything, to scrambling to fill holes: Every NRL roster’s depth rated

The nine NRL sides still not ready for 2024... with four in strife: Every club’s depth rated

www.foxsports.com.au

How did I miss all this, great read.
I think we need to pin and unpin a few threads.
It's easy to say why did we sign Luai with all the other halfs, the fact is he came on the scene late.
It will be great to have depth and to choose who we want to play each week.

 

[Tigerm]

How did I miss all this, great read.
I think we need to pin and unpin a few threads.
It's easy to say why did we sign Luai with all the other halfs, the fact is he came on the scene late.
It will be great to have depth and to choose who we want to play each week.

I don’t think Doueihi will be here in ‘25? Possibly Sezer as well? So the young blokes are gunna have to step up?
No pressure hahaha

 

[Nutz]

I don’t think Doueihi will be here in ‘25? Possibly Sezer as well? So the young blokes are gunna have to step up?
No pressure hahaha

As you said before 2024 will sort out a few things. We still haven't heard if Luai wants to play ½ have we?. I'm sure he'd play ⅝ if it suited the team. If he plays with us ha ha.
We'll get a better feel for what's going to happen towards the later parts of the season when everyone has had a run.

 

[Tiger Ted]

I don’t think Doueihi will be here in ‘25? Possibly Sezer as well? So the young blokes are gunna have to step up?
No pressure hahaha

It’s inconceivable that AD would get another contract with us.I so hope that Sezer provides us with intelligent game management & if he does we will most definitely avoid the spoon & he would’ve deserved an extra yr at concord.

 

[Nutz]

It’s inconceivable that AD would get another contract with us.I so hope that Sezer provides us with intelligent game management & if he does we will most definitely avoid the spoon & he would’ve deserved an extra yr at concord.

Agree and agree.
Imagine Aiden Sezer in his heyday playing along side Jarome Luai. They would be one if the best halves pairing anywhere.

 

[Nutz]

The Broncos made it to the grandfinal with the best centre paring in the comp imo in Kotoni Staggs and Herbie Farnworth who dominated.
Then look at the much improved Knights centres of Gagai and Best.
Stephen Chrighton was the best on field in the GF and if it wasn't for him Nathan Cleary couldn't have done what he did at the death.
The centre position has been reinstated as a very valuable position.
The Wests Tigers concentrated so much on fixing the N⁰7 that they forgot the centres.
Signing someone like OLAM is so important and until Feledy or possibly Solomon Alaimalo come good as can't see any other options..
We haven't had awesome centre pairing for years, ever??
Maybe Shane Elford and Paul Whatuira.
Rowdy really didn't have any great partners.
It's no surprise that in 2024 onwards we have 2 spoons, potentially 5 halves and once again no marquee centres.

 

[Tigerm]

Gallery: Pre-season Week 7

Wests Tigers playing squad is now on a well-earned break after a seven-week block of pre-season training.

www.weststigers.com.au

 

[Vic Mackey]

Gallery: Pre-season Week 7

Wests Tigers playing squad is now on a well-earned break after a seven-week block of pre-season training.

www.weststigers.com.au

Onitoni Large training with first grade

 

[Tigerm]

Onitoni Large training with first grade

Just did a quick search, he's only a youngster? Strange to be training with the seniors then?
Doesn't say what's his position?
Found it - a 6.
Gee we have a shitload of young halves coming through?