Wests Tigers Podcast Forum - Recent Topics

Wests Tigers Put Under the Podcast Microscope

Joel Helmes — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 12:18:29 +0000

The Wests Tigers' 2026 season is slowly disintegrating into a bit of a tragedy after such a strong start to the season.

On Friday night, it was the New Zealand Warriors who were the latest opposition team to thrust another dagger into the poor old Tigers. Beating our boys 32-6 at Campbelltown Stadium, the weekend was also full of negative headlines with confirmation that Jarome Luai would exit at the end of this season. But is it all doom and gloom? There are, at least according to some members of the Wests Tigers Podcast team, some reasons to keep our heads up. On this edition of the podcast, you'll hear (or see) a bit of a different take on the departure of Luai and some ideas on what needs to be done to make the team more dynamic and successful. Some of the other main talking points also include:

The fine debut of young hooker, Jared Haywood
The worry about Wests Tigers' poor red zone attack in recent times
Missed opportunities against the Warriors
How Pole stood up and made a real impact off the bench

And, naturally, there's a whole heap of 'One Word' submissions from the Wests Tigers Podcast Forum as well. Chin up, Wests Tigers fans! Thanks for your support of the pod; it is very much appreciated.

2026 WT Rnd 20 V Bulldogs

Joel Helmes — Sat, 11 Jul 2026 11:57:48 +0000

I have a strong feeling of dread.

Jared Haywood Discussion

Joel Helmes — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 12:08:45 +0000

Best hooker debut since Farah, a real bright spot in an otherwise forgettable night at Campbelltown.

Which Wests Tigers Do We Get This Friday Night?

Joel Helmes — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 11:37:15 +0000

The Wests Tigers can't show up with the same attitude that they had last week against the Dragons, surely?

It's going to be a big task at Campbelltown Stadium on Friday night against the New Zealand Warriors. Despite the visitors sitting in a lofty position on the NRL ladder, some optimism is bubbling to the surface among a couple of members of the Wests Tigers Podcast team. Some of the other main talking points on this edition of the pod include:

Why didn't Junior Tupou get a look in?
Are we going to see Jared Haywood debut this week?
What will Samuela Fainu bring?
Is there enough thrust off our bench to beat the big Warriors team?
What will Bunty Afoa bring against his former club?

Aside from talking about the game, there's also a good topic from another podcast team that we further expand on - the worst big-name and big money signings in Wests Tigers history. We name a few of our own candidates and also run through some names from the past that actually lived up to their reputations and paychecks at our club. As always, feel free to join the conversation on YouTube or on the Wests Tigers Podcast Forum.

2026 WT Rd 19 V Warriors ❌

Joel Helmes — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 00:46:22 +0000

Doueihi cleared to play by match review committee.

Samuela back? Hopefully!

Wests Tigers Fans Left Heartbroken After Kogarah Drubbing

Joel Helmes — Sun, 05 Jul 2026 12:31:04 +0000

It can be a hard run following a football team, but we can't help but think that sometimes it's just that bit tougher being a Tiger.

The 24-10 loss to the Dragons on Saturday afternoon has been described by some Wests Tigers fans as a new low for the club. That's a big call after three straight wooden spoons and a few record floggings in recent years. Nevertheless, losing to a team that has won only one game all year, and doing it in the style that we did, has left many of us really struggling. On this edition of the Wests Tigers Podcast, Joel, Josh, and Nick take a look at what contributed to the bleak performance. Some of the main talking points include:

Are there deeper problems in the club?
Are the problems psychological or physical?
Is it just a lack of fit NRL players in our team at present?
Is this the start of a further slide?
Should we give some youngsters like Javon Andrews and Jared Haywood a go?
What can be done to try and get some pride back in the jersey?

On a broader focus, do we need to look at making changes to the coaching staff for 2027 and before? Is now the time to get the injured guys in for surgery? And what have the last two weeks taught us about 2027 recruitment priorities? And, of course, there's a big list of 'One Word' contributions from the Wests Tigers Podcast Forum to run through as well. We're all feeling it, Wests Tigers fans, let's stick together and try and come out the other side.

Reserve grade definition

Snake — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 23:13:30 +0000

I keep reading that Makasini and other younger guys that are promoted to the NRL side should be dropped to reserve grade to get experience playing against men … watching the general reserve grade comp over the last month IMO it is a trumped up Flegg comp . One game I watched last weekend the two reserve grade squads was 95% boys , so the reasoning that dropping players down is mute as there certainly not playing against men . After seeing this I now understand why a coach is reluctant to drop many of them other than freshening them up there is no value and as getting there confidence back well against boys ? This is going to be a problem for the game in general as the gap between NRL and reserve grade is widening to much.

Latest on Wests Tigers Ahead of HUGE Dragons Clash

Joel Helmes — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 13:03:43 +0000

The Tigers head into another crucial clash at Kogarah on Saturday, and there's plenty to unpack!

This time on the Wests Tigers Podcast, we discuss Luke Laulili'i's confirmed move to the Warriors for the rest of the season and debate whether the talented young winger will be a big loss for the club. Nick, Josh and Jordan also react to Junior Tupou earning another opportunity at the Wests Tigers, look at the latest team changes ahead of the Dragons, and ask whether Jock Madden can recreate the magic from Auckland with Jarome Luai sidelined. We also revisit Jordan's soggy Newcastle adventure, reveal ChatGPT's predicted final ladder position for the Wests Tigers, and preview all the key match-ups for Saturday's showdown with the Dragons, including the intriguing battle between Heamasi Makasini and Valentine Holmes. Can the Tigers keep their fading finals hopes alive? We cover all the biggest talking points, give our predictions, and look ahead to what could be another defining game in the 2026 season. Listen now and join the conversation today on the Wests Tigers Podcast Forum!

Josh Schuster Discussion

Joel Helmes — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 08:27:47 +0000

He’s looking very fit!

751

2026 WT Rnd 18 V Dragons ❌

Joel Helmes — Sun, 28 Jun 2026 21:40:37 +0000

Off to Kogarah to face a team that are no longer walk overs.