In my mind this past season was a year of transition for Wests Tigers and any real judgement on Benji etc should be made at the end of 2025 or, at very least the mid point of 2025. I compare this past season to the Bulldogs 2023 season. It was Ciraldo's first in charge although I'm certain he had already started putting plans into place with Gould from the day he signed in August of 2022. The Dogs in 2023 won just 7 games, had the worst defence in the NRL and used 36 players, one less than the Tigers in 2024. Similar to Benji with John Bateman Ciraldo experienced some player unrest although Ciraldo's related to his alleged harsh methods, some players questioning them. After 2023 many questioned if Ciraldo was going to be the right man to help turn the Dogs around, most were willing to give him some time to build the squad he wanted to play the kind of football he wanted them to play ie Pantherball. Having already brought over a couple of former Panthers in 2023 arguably Ciraldo's most significant signing was Crichton who was immediately made Captain. No player understood Pantherball better than Crichton. A few other good professionals were added and a few of those used in 2023 were released. In 2024 there was much more stability at The Dogs. They used only 31 players, 8 of whom played 5 games or less compared to 12 the previous year. The Tigers in 2024 had 11 players who played 5 games or less out of the 37 used. Already 8 players used in 2024 have been released or left the club with at least a few more likely to join them. Of the 36 players used in 2023 by the Dogs 14 left or were released. It would seem highly likely, barring an injury crisis, the Tigers will use less than 37 players in 2025 and have less players playing 5 games or fewer. Benji has also added "his man", Luai to help the team play the kind of football he wants them to play.
I doubt very much that the 2025 Tigers can match what the Dogs did this year (lightning rarely strikes twice) but there may well be a substantial improvement on what was most certainly a year of transition for wests Tigers. There is still some work to do on the roster but by 2026 it should be just about where Benji wants it to be.
Unfortunately, at this stage we have "transitioned" to a significantly worse pack than last years wooden spoon pack. Whilst that remains the case there are no chance that we are currently transitioning to anything better than last year.
I wouldn't say that, the way stef played for most of the year bar 2 or 3 games and the fact Papalii was out for a vast chunk, I would say we are not much worse off next year. Throw in Hunt as a 20 Min impact player and Pole, sione and Sam f with an extra year in first grade and a solid pre season add Bird at lock and I would say we may be at par if not a bit better. Much the same as this year our forwards will not be our x factor in 25 unless we nab a few special players that fall out of the tree.Unfortunately, at this stage we have "transitioned" to a significantly worse pack than last years wooden spoon pack. Whilst that remains the case there are no chance that we are currently transitioning to anything better than last year.
I wouldn't say that, the way stef played for most of the year bar 2 or 3 games and the fact Papalii was out for a vast chunk, I would say we are not much worse off next year. Throw in Hunt as a 20 Min impact player and Pole, sione and Sam f with an extra year in first grade and a solid pre season add Bird at lock and I would say we may be at par if not a bit better. Much the same as this year our forwards will not be our x factor in 25 unless we nab a few special players that fall out of the tree.Unfortunately, at this stage we have "transitioned" to a significantly worse pack than last years wooden spoon pack. Whilst that remains the case there are no chance that we are currently transitioning to anything better than last year.
Sione isn't signed at this point.
I also think we need the player we were all hoping Stef would be. Our forward pack needs improvement for 2025 or we are looking at another bottom 4 finish in my opinion.
In memory of Geoff Chisholm (1965-2022)
Agree very much with this view, Stef was poor & Ice good the last 6 or 7 games he played. The guys you mentioned should improve & the others hopefully contribute in a more consistent basis. I think the lock position is one of the key positions we need to get right. Hopefully Bird can add something there. I also think stability amongst the group is important but that will depend on a few factors.I wouldn't say that, the way stef played for most of the year bar 2 or 3 games and the fact Papalii was out for a vast chunk, I would say we are not much worse off next year. Throw in Hunt as a 20 Min impact player and Pole, sione and Sam f with an extra year in first grade and a solid pre season add Bird at lock and I would say we may be at par if not a bit better. Much the same as this year our forwards will not be our x factor in 25 unless we nab a few special players that fall out of the tree.Unfortunately, at this stage we have "transitioned" to a significantly worse pack than last years wooden spoon pack. Whilst that remains the case there are no chance that we are currently transitioning to anything better than last year.
I really liked what I saw of Sione. He only played 12 or so games and improved out of sight from what we saw in NSW cup in 2023. I’m really hoping we see similar improvement this off season and he becomes a permanent fixture in the bench rotation. Hunt, Sione and Pole are a nice bench I think, better than we had this year and can provide variation and impact. We still need a starting prop (type A predator etc) to replace Stef (I’m fine with Klemmer’s work rate).
