Season 2025

[Tiger05]

All I ask is that you don't eat him alive if things are slow in the beginning. He's coming from a long way back with some of the players around.

Mate - we are extremely patient around here. I'll give him up until the first half of each game before I lose my shit if he hasn't won us each and every game.

I thin one of your biggest weak links is the board and Benji. I'm yet to see anything from either of them to change my mind.

I like our squad. We should have a good season. The biggest risk in my opinion is Benji and the coaching staff but it's all bullshit until the season starts. We'll see what happens. I'm expecting us to win the comp.

 

[Nutz]

Mate - we are extremely patient around here. I'll give him up until the first half of each game before I lose my shit if he hasn't won us each and every game.



I like our squad. We should have a good season. The biggest risk in my opinion is Benji and the coaching staff but it's all bullshit until the season starts. We'll see what happens. I'm expecting us to win the comp.

I'd be happy if we won a trial then had our mad Monday.

 

[Nutz]

I wonday if any more of our players have learnt the team song yet. We need a song that they can hum or lip sync to. That's what Alex does, easy.

 

[The Silverdale Phantom]

I live out here in the panther player catchment, I know people who currently work for them, I have next door neighbours related to Critter, I am old friends with ex players, and an ex panther junior sits at the desk next me……….

…….which is why I am an official club member of the Wests Tigers!

 

[Aliceinwonderland]

Firstly, even if I dont entirely agree with them I appreciate the post with well thought out points. I dont think any of us in here have an issue with opposition fans coming in if they actually want to discuss footy, not just attacking our side for the sake of it.

I agree with your views on Luai for the first part of his career, I noticed a big change in the way he played last year. I didnt go to any Panthers games so dont pretend to watch them as closely as you would, I dont see what happens off the ball, however in every game I watched Jarome was screaming, pointing and directing play all year. I dont think Yeo and Edwards were yelling where they wanted the fourth play run to get tackled for the 5th play kick. I particuarly noticed in away wins V the sharks and knights that he was dictating everything that happened on the field. This obviously takes a back seat when Nathan is there as thats been their roles since day one.

The whole rugby league world seems to agree the 2024 was Luais best year, and this coincides with the year he was allowed to be the dominant play maker for his team. To me this shows that his best position to this stage of his career is 7. Whether Westshave the team that allows him to be as big a success at 7 as he was last year for Penrith is yet to be shown. I doubt even the most one eyed Tigers fan expects us to be anywhere what Penrith were last year.

What I will say, and this isnt directed at yourself, is that I find it absolutely pathetic that so many opposition supporters feel the need to come and try to kick supporters of the club that's been through more then anyone else back down the second they feel the slightest bit of optimism. This isnt a LU thing, its particularly evident on socials like twitter.

As for your last line, I completely agree

I can't disagree with your viewpoint, It's going to be a fascinating year on many fronts.


I believe that May will be a brilliant buy as long as he's kept away from his family and his phone. He is a bloody good footy player like both of his brothers.

It's going to be exciting.

 

[Aliceinwonderland]

Mate - we are extremely patient around here. I'll give him up until the first half of each game before I lose my shit if he hasn't won us each and every game.



I like our squad. We should have a good season. The biggest risk in my opinion is Benji and the coaching staff but it's all bullshit until the season starts. We'll see what happens. I'm expecting us to win the comp.

I understand, I am very similar. A dear friend back in the day was near me at the footy......

Apparently I am miss manners, dressed up, all nice till the whistle goes. Then I become Dr Jekyll. I'm told a sight to behold.

 

[The Silverdale Phantom]

Apparently I am miss manners, dressed up, all nice till the whistle goes. Then I become Dr Jekyll. I'm told a sight to behold.

That’s a photo of Janet.

 

[Nutz]

I understand, I am very similar. A dear friend back in the day was near me at the footy......

Apparently I am miss manners, dressed up, all nice till the whistle goes. Then I become Dr Jekyll. I'm told a sight to behold.

You mean Hyde

 

[Aliceinwonderland]

You mean Hyde

I'm Ms Hyde before the game.....Dr during. I've been told that during 1/2 time I revert back to Ms Hyde. My friend found this most entertaining.

 

[Tigerm]

Well you also need to win games too.

True, but so does everyone.
I don't think anyone here is seriously saying we will win the comp, but I have said that my expectation is a top 8 position.
We'll see, ATM, we are looking good, but the comp hasn't started yet.

 

[Tigerm]

I wonday if any more of our players have learnt the team song yet. We need a song that they can hum or lip sync to. That's what Alex does, easy.

They'll know it proper by R5.

 

[Tigerm]

He's a running half. Obviously Nathan did all the organising when on the field. Luai reminds me blokes like Preston Campbell........off the cuff players.
When Nathan was absent blokes like Yeo & Edwards === did the organising for him when at Penrith.

Yes he did some organising when playing with Samoa, but he had Crighton with him there.......Who can carry some of the load regarding this......Api.......perhaps.

Time will tell.

All I ask is that you don't eat him alive if things are slow in the beginning. He's coming from a long way back with some of the players around.

I thin one of your biggest weak links is the board and Benji. I'm yet to see anything from either of them to change my mind.

The good thing about our team this year, is we won't be solely relying on Romey, to do all the work.

I don't expect non WT posters to be across what has happened here, but the exciting thing is going to be not just about the new signings (they will certainly be important) but it's the players we have kept many of whom were outstanding and now being mentored by some shit hot players.
Our future is looking good.

 

[Tigerm]

Gallery: Pre-season continues

The squad is hard at work in pre-season with just four weeks to go until our first trial.

www.weststigers.com.au

 

[The Silverdale Phantom]

You mean Hyde

No, that’s her version of Jekyll

The good thing about our team this year, is we won't be solely relying on Romey, to do all the work.

I don't expect non WT posters to be across what has happened here, but the exciting thing is going to be not just about the new signings (they will certainly be important) but it's the players we have kept many of whom were outstanding and now being mentored by some shit hot players.
Our future is looking good.

Yeah, hes a tide to lift all ships, because he’s one of the best players in the world.

Apart from friendships, other players will be watching and listening to how he does his thing at training and all of that.

They have a role model in amongst them now. He’s obviously X factor, but everyone can pick up something from him.

X factor players, it’s always fascinated me that they are never the fastest, never the strongest, they just understand the game and have a suite of skills they can seemingly call upon at will.

He presents as mature beyond his years, and I’d be interested to know how much input Benji will take from him. Especially the game support and prep stuff the panthers have excelled at. Whatever great players Ivan has had, he has still had to prep them properly to get them at optimum.

Hopefully we can lure assistant coach Wallace away one day.

 

[Nutz]

No, that’s her version of Jekyll

Yeah, hes a tide to lift all ships, because he’s one of the best players in the world.

Apart from friendships, other players will be watching and listening to how he does his thing at training and all of that.

They have a role model in amongst them now. He’s obviously X factor, but everyone can pick up something from him.

X factor players, it’s always fascinated me that they are never the fastest, never the strongest, they just understand the game and have a suite of skills they can seemingly call upon at will.

He presents as mature beyond his years, and I’d be interested to know how much input Benji will take from him. Especially the game support and prep stuff the panthers have excelled at. Whatever great players Ivan has had, he has still had to prep them properly to get them at optimum.

Hopefully we can lure assistant coach Wallace away one day.

Luai is in a win win situation. If he fails to perform he'll stay on good money and if he excels he will have several suitors for his service or he can stay.
Whatever happens, I hope he can get us moving up the ladder so we are in a great position at the end of 2026.
If we are pushing for finals footy then it will be easier to retain players and keep the media off our backs....well that's the plan one would hope.

 

[The Silverdale Phantom]

Luai is in a win win situation. If he fails to perform he'll stay on good money and if he excels he will have several suitors for his service or he can stay.
Whatever happens, I hope he can get us moving up the ladder so we are in a great position at the end of 2026.
If we are pushing for finals footy then it will be easier to retain players and keep the media off our backs....well that's the plan one would hope.

He won’t fail to perform personally, it’s an impossibility.

Its up to the rest of the squad to try to reach his level.

Api said he was looking forward to having less pressure on him. I think that’s right, especially physically.

 

[Nutz]

Failure to perform in our team is not necessarily a personal failure as there are at least 17 players involved.
Unfortunately for play makers, results weigh heavily upon their shoulders, and media are ruthless, set to pounce on anyone who appears to be failing (whether it's their fault or not).
This is where our young and inexperienced coach needs to step up. Benji needs several hats to ensure there's both calm and enthusiasm throughout the joint, deflecting too much scrutiny and encouraging players not to second guess themselves. A role that old Bennett has perfected.
On that note, May has come across as someone who wants that Alpha Dog tag and so far seems willing to walk the talk. This is encouraging as we desperately needed to replace Stef. We are still one bookend short of one of the best forward rotations in the comp.
Hunt will therefore need to play more minutes than ever before and if he can, will be a great support to May.
Because of this shortfall, Pole could come into SOO contention if he steps up even further. For a running backrower he's very powerful and has improved every year since his debut.. Sadly, Klemmer looks set to retire.

 

[The Silverdale Phantom]

Failure to perform in our team is not necessarily a personal failure as there are at least 17 players involved.
Unfortunately for play makers, results weigh heavily upon their shoulders, and media are ruthless, set to pounce on anyone who appears to be failing (whether it's their fault or not).
This is where our young and inexperienced coach needs to step up. Benji needs several hats to ensure there's both calm and enthusiasm throughout the joint, deflecting too much scrutiny and encouraging players not to second guess themselves. A role that old Bennett has perfected.
On that note, May has come across as someone who wants that Alpha Dog tag and so far seems willing to walk the talk. This is encouraging as we desperately needed to replace Stef. We are still one bookend short of the best forward rotations in the comp.
Hunt will therefore need to play more minutes than ever before and if he can, will be a great support to May.
Because of this shortfall, Pole could come into SOO contention if he steps up even further. For a running backrower he's very powerful and has improved every year since his debut.. Sadly, Klemmer looks set to retire.

I agree with many aspects of your submission.

I’m now going to rate some of the players, hopefully cause some upset, disagreement and controversy!

Bula.

Maybe the weakest link in the side. I prefer my fullbacks to be much more dominant, like a Gutho, Ponga or GI.

Will have his chance to use his speed and skills up in the line in 2025.

tsp rating 5/10 Expectation 6/10 X factor D

Tito

Panthers fought hard to keep him, but like JL they underestimated his value.

Has great pace, elusiveness and is a bit of a craftsman. Reminds me a bit of nofo at his peak.

He’s a sub marquee player and it’s going to be nice to know we have a fighting chance if we hit space again.

Not given a lot of attention, but his positioning in attack is more than good.

7/10. Expectation: should improve. X factor C

Api

Unique factor player in his twilight. We’ve seen him break the line hundred times with no support. He’s big on combinations and the power of player understandings.

Has said he will have more time next season, which will suit him as he slows down.

Prone to the occasional brain snap, led an undisciplined side last year, but we are in new territory. One of the smug mafia.

Im Ok with him staying as captain. I think he’s earned it, despite fierce competition.

A difficult season last year, but he made it better.

8/10. Expectation 8.5/10. X factor A

 

[Nutz]

I agree with many aspects of your submission.

I feel like I'm in a court defending myself from the gallows but your assessments are cool and interesting.
Slight variations to think about your worship.

Bula.

I think the centres are the weakest link and not Bula. His D was sound before injuring his shoulder.
The best sides have good defending centres. We don't cover to well in this position. Most tries that we have conceded out wide recently were a result of poor reads from our inside men.
Our D has reeked, and we won't get off the bottom of the ladder unless we fix up our D.
The arrival of Heamasi Makasini could help our cause in the back end of the season or next year.
Our middle rotation is still not great. It depends on how Benji uses Big Red, Klem and other forwards who are solid but not really bookends. I'm hoping Big Red and Pole have breakout years. If they do, then our pack is top 8 stuff.

Tito

It's probably our best back signing for a while other than Jarome. I'm excited about his presence out wide. He will be our top try scorer.

Api

Im Ok with him staying as captain.
Who else as captain?
Da Silva is being groomed to take over from Api in maybe 2026 but for now he's going to be our goal kicking 14 when Api is rested.

On the outer....
Klem
AD?
Morris will go before Benji and there could be more recruitment mid-year.
The defense rests your worship
P.S. Further to the outer..
Shane Richardson has closed down the barber shop inside the club's multimillion-dollar
training facility at Concord. declaring "we are not in the haircutting business*

 

[Tigerm]

Reply not working atm.
I think Luai should be team captain
Api club captain.
Not bagging Api, but he leads and no one follows.
I think Luai will insist they do there job.