Season 2026

[TheDefinitionOfMadness]

That was a good little dopamine hit to start the season.

I'm guessing most of our players will be in reggies this year? Or are they still in the level down (ball/flegg - I aways get them mixed up)

I thought 21 was great in the middle in the second half. So was 23 when he came on played fullback. After a poor start I thought we were physical and had consistent line speed and a straight line in defence.

Well done lads.

Makasini is a beast. He'll be great cover in NRL on the wing or centre. If he gets a shot at consistent 1st grade through injury or form, I don't think he'll ever drop down again.

 

[TheDefinitionOfMadness]

It just defied the laws of physics. His leg was just about on the ground as he started his leap and then he was somehow able to contort his body mid leap. I still can't believe what I saw. I think that try of the year should be broken down into categories (team try, individual try, and finishing try) There will not be a better finishing try for the next 5 years. Maybe never

 

[Tigerm]

‘See it to believe it’: Try of year contender as ‘scary’ 18yo Tigers young gun sends Benji statement

‘See it to believe it’: Try of year contender as ‘scary’ 18yo Tiger sends Benji statement

www.foxsports.com.au

 

[Wizardman]

As I always say, trials are the ultimate optical illusion in rugby league.

In saying that, there was a huge amount to like in the way the young cubs played. It gave no clue at all into how first grade will go.....but for the first time in years, we actually have some good potential depth coming through.

A step in the right direction.

Wait for first grade to completely fail against Penrith next week.

 

[WA Tiger]

That’s the only one of those winger type tries that Ive looked at, in real time and gone Nah! The awareness to keep that leg up and turn and ofcourse those island boys are king of the one handed put downs. Always a highlight for me

 

[WA Tiger]

I just hope some of those guys 21,23, and was it 24 or 14? including Kit L dont just dissapear as they seem to each year ..you can’t tell me masons a better option than a couple of those guys

 

[Vic Mackey]

As I always say, trials are the ultimate optical illusion in rugby league.


Wait for first grade to completely fail against Penrith next week.

More likely scenario

We beat a full strength Penrith which causes a huge amount of hope and optimism. Cows get belted in Vegas, sunny saturday at a sold ou Leichhardt for round 2 and we're $1.35 favs. Put in a shocking performance and lose by 30.

 

[Vic Mackey]

It's a trial but there was plenty to like. I like Charlie Murray. I can't see him being a first grader but he goes hard and has a good offload.

Murray, Madden and Makasani were the stand outs for mine. Will be interested to see who makes the cut for next weeks trial. We generally take the last trial fairly seriously and only play 21/22 players.

Was really a nsw cup/flegg trial however very positive. Our depth has been one of the biggest issues for the last few years and nice to see we have some guys coming through who can put pressure on first grade in the next 1-3 years. Didnt really have a bad player, maybe Oat Herbert but first game in 3 years so will give him a pass.

 

[Tiger05]

Murray, Madden and Makasani were the stand outs for mine. Will be interested to see who makes the cut for next weeks trial. We generally take the last trial fairly seriously and only play 21/22 players.

Was really a nsw cup/flegg trial however very positive. Our depth has been one of the biggest issues for the last few years and nice to see we have some guys coming through who can put pressure on first grade in the next 1-3 years. Didnt really have a bad player, maybe Oat Herbert but first game in 3 years so will give him a pass.

Madden was great as well wasn't he. The depth was awesome but that is all it was showing. I could see Madden playing a role in first grade this year if AD doesn't perform. Madden will give you a quality kicking game and reliable ball playing. He'll play that traditional halfback role well.

 

[WA Tiger]

Madden was great as well wasn't he. The depth was awesome but that is all it was showing. I could see Madden playing a role in first grade this year if AD doesn't perform. Madden will give you a quality kicking game and reliable ball playing. He'll play that traditional halfback role well.

And he straightens things up like a boss, which should make a big difference for the outside backs

 

[Tiger05]

And he straightens things up like a boss, which should make a big difference for the outside backs

If he just had some flair he'd be a regular first grader but it shows how people (including talent scouts etc) judge players. If you look at Sullivan for instance the kid has flair and we overpaid for him. Madden is stock standard but I think a much better player.

 

[Tigerm]

The buggers have done it to me again. I can't wait for the season to kick off.

 

[Tiger05]

https://www.weststigers.com.au/news/2026/02/17/261710---content---wests-tigers-team-list--pre-season-challenge-v-panthers/

1. Jahream Bula
2. Heamasi Makasini
3. Taylan May
4. Star To’a
5. Sunia Turuva
6. Jarome Luai (c)
7. Adam Doueihi
8. Bunty Afoa
9. Api Koroisau (c)
10. Fonua Pole
11. Samuela Fainu
12. Kai Pearce-Paul
13. Alex Twal
14. Jock Madden
15. Jack Attard
16. Alex Seyfarth
17. Sione Fainu
18. Patrick Herbert
19. Tony Sukkar
20. Kit Laulilii
21. Tristan Hope
22. Heath Mason
23. Luke Laulilii
24. Jared Haywood
25. Mavrik Geyer
26. Tino Tavana
27. Charlie Murray
28. Javon Andrews

 

[Tiger05]

My assumption is Skelton is injured and therefore Makasini will debut in round 2. I am not sure what is happening with Tyrell but he makes a massive difference to our middle forward rotation.

I was sure Hope would be picked over Haywood to start the season but maybe not. I think Api will need plenty of breaks throughout the season.

 

[TheDefinitionOfMadness]

I reckon they're just saving Big May for the season proper. He's different to other forwards. He'll be ready and raring to go in game 1 and probably the fittest player in the club.

 

[Tigerm]

My assumption is Skelton is injured and therefore Makasini will debut in round 2. I am not sure what is happening with Tyrell but he makes a massive difference to our middle forward rotation.

I was sure Hope would be picked over Haywood to start the season but maybe not. I think Api will need plenty of breaks throughout the season.

I'm not reading too much into a trial game of who is and isn't playing.
But we are fielding a strong unit all the same.

 

[Tigerm]

My assumption is Skelton is injured and therefore Makasini will debut in round 2. I am not sure what is happening with Tyrell but he makes a massive difference to our middle forward rotation.

I was sure Hope would be picked over Haywood to start the season but maybe not. I think Api will need plenty of breaks throughout the season.

 

[Tigerm]

 

[Tiger05]

You have to think Maksini will be playing round 2. Skelton will have to build up his fitness etc.

 

[Nutz]

I'm thinking this way too.
I'm sad not seeing Ethan Roberts play as is would give us an insight to his ability.