Posted by: @frullens

Anyone have access to this article?

 

NRL Market Watch 2022: Seven young guns set to help Wests Tigers’ next great era

The future could hardly look brighter for Wests Tigers, with seven members of a drought-breaking team primed to form the nucleus of the club’s next first-grade squad.

 

https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/nrl-market-watch-2022-kodi-nikorima-eyes-switch-to-south-sydney-rabbitohs/news-story/24612cd835a4cb23abcd8823040e1227

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That, and now shape as the future of Wests Tigers.

While largely anonymous to most NRL fans, the Magpies 2022 Harold Matthews premiers are quietly shaping as Generation Next for the joint-venture club.

Apart from being the first Wests team to ever win the Harold Matthews title, they are also the club’s first junior premiers since 2002 – when an SG Ball mob including Ryan Hoffman, Liam Fulton and Bryce Gibbs went all the way.

So what chance a future Wests Tigers star among this crop, too?

Already, Tigers officials are looking to secure the futures of several team members, 90 per cent of whom hail from the local area.

Some of the names Tigers fans are being urged to keep an eye on include captain Kit Laulilii, hooker Tallyn Da Silva, halfback Heath Mason and prop Jordan Miller.

Magpies Harold Matthews winners (L to R) Will Craig, Jeremiah Leatigaga, Tallyn Da Silva, Heath Mason and Lachlan Galvin pictured. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Asked about the team, Western Suburbs pathways manager Shannon Gallant agreed the aim was to ensure these teenage premiers progressed just like their predecessors 20 years ago.

Both Gibbs and Fulton went on to become members of the 2005 Wests Tigers premiership team, while Hoffman also enjoyed his own grand final successes with Melbourne Storm.

“Our goal is to make sure these boys commit to Wests Tigers, just as we’ll commit to them,” Gallant said.

“We need to make sure we continue their development – and over the right time frame – to put them in the best position possible to one day play NRL.”

Gallant added the same successes were also happening on the Balmain side of the merger, with the Tigers finishing the SG Ball season in third.

Elsewhere, the club has also invested heavily in its women’s pathways, with the club gunning to field an NRLW side as soon as next year.

Asked for a hit list of seven players to watch, Gallant nominated the following …

* Kit Laulilii

Position: Lock

Club: Liverpool Catholic Club

“Our captain and our lock for the past three years. Outstanding leader and very consistent too, an eight out of 10 every week. There have also been times this year where the team was in some trouble and, at halftime, his speeches to the boys were incredible … you could see them all really buy in. As a staff that’s great to see.”

Liam Fulton and Bryce Gibbs celebrate the Tigers 2005 premiership win.

* Tallyn Da Silva

Position: Hooker

Club: East Campbelltown Eagles

“Really good running game from dummy half and passes strong both ways, which is rare for a player this age. Has also really grown defensively this year too. In the grand final, Tallyn was responsible for some great defensive efforts. We’re excited to see what he does moving forward.”

* Heath Mason

Position: Half

Club: Thirlmere Roosters

“A born footy player. He’s a bright student at St Gregory’s college and is a real student of rugby league also. Has that ability to set up teammates and continually take the right option. Importantly, never goes missing either. At the 78th minute, he’ll be the guy who stands up for you. That can’t be coached.”

Wests prop Jordan Miller. Photo: Warren Gannon.

* Jordan Miller

Position: Front row

Club: Liverpool Catholic Club

“Best front rower in the competition. Got Man of the Match on grand final day and is a real success story, given he didn’t make Harold Matthews two years ago. His ability to lead the side and make those around him better has been outstanding. Has a great carry, too — attracts defenders, carries them and offloads.”

* Lachlan Galvin

Position: Back Row/Half

Club: Eaglevale St Andrews

“A No. 6, and local junior, who went to Parramatta but came back home this year and found himself on an edge as one of our backrowers. His ball playing ability is terrific. Doesn’t stick to a structure either and created a heap of opportunities. At SG Ball I think he will move back to five-eighth, but where he eventually ends up will depend on what changes his body makes over the next couple of years.”

Wests centre Will Craig. Picture: Warren Gannon

* Will Craig

Position: Centre/Fullback

Club: East Campbelltown Eagles

“Played centre for us this year and, defensively, was outstanding. Also has a terrific attitude. Despite having played fullback most of his life, he really took up the challenge at centre and became a vital part of our success this year.”

* Jeremiah Leatigaga

Position: Second Row

Club: Liverpool Catholic Club

“The character of our group and a really strong defender. Pulled off some cracking tackles this year. He’s also that leader in the group who is always there to pick up the other boys. Played Andrew Johns Cup last year, made Country and has come on in leaps and bounds.”

Thanks @garry

Sounds like some quality players to keep an eye on and hopefully the club nature them and guide them into 1st grade as a group

More importantly, sound slide there's a number of players of character

Plus there's some cool names in there, which is critical when they become super stars 

Kit, Da Silva, Mason and Jeremiah 😎😎😎

Posted by: @frullens

Thanks @garry

Sounds like some quality players to keep an eye on and hopefully the club nature them and guide them into 1st grade as a group

More importantly, sound slide there's a number of players of character

 

Plus there's some cool names in there, which is critical when they become super stars 

Kit, Da Silva, Mason and Jeremiah 😎😎😎

For some reason when I post a telegraph article it breaks the thread lol

Lets hope we keep the keepers ....

Only 5 short years to wait.........