Getting the same vibes from the Tigers going into next year as I did with Souths in 2007. Big turnover in personnel and while there are some big names coming in, they might not be able to replicate what they have done in the past.
Still, I think this squad can make the 8, or at least compete for a majority of the season. The Tigers WILL do better in 2018 than they did in 2017, it's just a matter of how much better.
Obviously I know SFA compared to you lot but here's my Tigers 17 for 2018
1. Tui Lolohea
2. David Nofoaluma
3. Esan Marsters
4. Moses Suli
5. Kevin Naiqama
6. Josh Reynolds
7. Luke Brooks
8. Ben Matulino
9. Jacob Liddle
10. Russell Packer
11. Chris McQueen
12. Sauaso Sue
13. Elijah Taylor (c)
14. Benji Marshall
15. Alex Twal
16. Chris Lawrence
17. Matt Eisenhuth
Backline:
Definitely has a Polynesian flavour to it and I like that, even in the reserves with the likes of Taane Milne, Mahe Fonua and Malakai Watene-Zelezniak. I think the best way to describe it is raw, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing.
Might take Lolohea a while to get to his feet at fullback, but it suits him better than five-eighth where he just had a little bit too much responsibility on his shoulders. He'll have two experienced campaigners in Nofa and Kev to help him out on the flanks, with rookies Suli and Marsters (although I've heard he's actually a backrower?) looking to add size and aggression.
Halves:
An interesting trio with Reynolds providing the fight that was lacking with Moses, Brooks looking to step up and control the game without having to fight with his halves partner for dominance and Benji off the bench to bring in some much needed experience and spark.
Reynolds and Brooks looks like a bit of a weird one and I can't say it totally wows me but it's definitely a step up from last season. Reynolds will add that character that was needed in the halves.
Front Row:
Packer and Matulino will re-unite after a few years apart, but the bruise brothers could both bring a lot of fire to the table and also misfire. While Packer has been impressive for the most part at the Dragons, Matulino has been dormant for a while and it will be interesting to see if a new environment can change him, it could just be the best thing for him.
Young Alex Twal will continue to get better throughout the season and it wouldn't surprise me at all if he lands a starting spot by the end of the season. I'd probably have Matt Eisenhuth come off the bench to push Sue up to the front as I don't think Tim Grant can really cut it anymore. I think that's one thing we can all agree on unfortunately.
Back Row:
I like the variety in the backrow. McQueen is getting older but he definitely doesn't lack the quality and I honestly think his time on the Gold Coast got the best out of him, and he has the ability to come into the backline if injury hits, not to mention his prowess in the air that is highly unutilised.
Elijah Taylor is the cornerstone of the forward pack and I believe should be a candidate for captain, he has the leadership, experience and is a good all round player and bloke. Every team needs one. Sue is a big body that can hit hard and crash over the line and has the ability to play in the front row too.
I've got Lawrence on the bench for a bit of a utility role and Eisenhuth has a lot of potential but I think it would be best if he bide his time off the bench and just tidy his game up a bit gradually.
