The Wests Tigers generated more headlines away from the field than on it in recent years but is 2022 the season where they finally turn it around? Or will it be Michael Maguire’s last as coach?
Things didn’t go to plan for the Wests Tigers in 2021 – a 13th-placed finish very nearly cost coach Michael Maguire his job.
But a new year brings new optimism, and the Tigers’ youth-driven recruitment push in recent years means there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Michael Carayannis dives deep into the Tigers’ recent woes and works out whether 2022 could be the season where they finally turn it around.
Strengths: When you look at the Tigers on paper the side isn’t too bad – especially their forward pack. If they can play the power game and get on top of their opposition most weeks they will have some success.
Weaknesses: The biggest question mark remains surrounding their spine. It would struggle to compete with the best in the game and will again prove to be problematic.
PLAYERS IN THE 2021 RICH 100: Seven
David Nofoaluma (83, $525,000), Joey Leilua (80, $550,000), Adam Doueihi (68, $625,000), Joe Ofahengaue (63, $650,000), Russell Packer (38, $750,000), Moses Mbye (27, $815,000), Luke Brooks (25, $850,000).
COACH STATUS AND SAFETY RATING
Michael Maguire is signed until 2023. Narrowly avoided the axe at the end of last season after the now infamous review into his performance. No coach will start under the microscope more than Maguire. Despite being given a guarantee he will see out the year, that endorsement will quickly evaporate if they begin the season poorly.
Safety Rating: D-
WHAT DO THEY NEED TO TWEAK?
The Tigers looked lost at times. Ex-centre Joey Leilua lambasted the team’s defensive structures. They’ve moved on their assistant coaches so expect to see a different style of play from the Wests Tigers. The question will be how hands on Tim Sheens is in terms of the on-field performances. Sheens was an attacking guru.
FREE AGENCY WRAP
The Tigers have added an interesting mix of unknown quantities. The signing of Jackson Hastings looms as the most important. Not just for the club but for Hastings as he tries to resurrect his NRL career after a successful stint in England. Hastings should be wearing the team’s no.7 jersey as he is a true organiser. He has been earmarked as a potential ball playing lock. Jury is out on his former Wigan teammate Oliver Gildart while Tyrone Peachy should add some utility value to the roster.
WHICH PLAYER CAN THEY REINVENT? Luke Brooks
It’s a copy and paste each season when it comes to the Tigers but how can they get the best out of Luke Brooks? His off-season was marred by suggestions he would leave for Newcastle but as has always been the case, the club backed their halfback. He is coming off a player of the year award but the Tigers need to find his running game. Will never silence the critics until he leads them into the finals.
WILL DEVELOPMENT PLAYERS MAKE AN IMPACT?
The Tigers have two outside backs who were development contracted in 2021 stepping into the top 30 squad this season. Centre Reece Hoffman spent the past two years on a development contract at the club but the Queensland under-18s representative gets a shot in the top grade. He played a first grade match in 2020.
Another centre William Kei has spent the past two years in the Tigers’ Jersey Flegg and NSW Cup teams. The Parramatta junior will compete for a top grade spot. The Tigers development players include back-rowers Henry O‘Kane, Apisalome Saukuru and Brandon Tumeth. Balmain junior Tumeth was picked in the NSW Future Blues camp.
WHO TAKES THE NEXT STEP? Stefano Utoikamanu
Utoikamanu announced himself as a first grade star with the Tigers showing they are onto a winner after taking a punt on the Parramatta junior. In his first full season of first grade Utoikamanu was a shining light. He has already been earmarked as a NSW player but that could come sooner rather than later for the 21-year-old. Tigers are already in talks to give him a long-term contract upgrade.
IT’S A BIG YEAR FOR…?
Take your pick. Maguire, Brooks and Hastings. All three have a point to prove for differing reasons. Maguire is no doubt coaching for his future while Brooks could be in his last season at the Tigers if they finally decide he is not the man to turn the tide. Hastings comes without expectation but will be closely watched. If he can replicate his Super League form he will be a sensation.
2022 PREMIERSHIP PREDICTION:Bottom two.
Injury to their best player Doueihi will sideline him for half the season. The innuendo around their coach won’t go away. Haven’t added a whole lot in the off-season so the growth in the side is not overly evident. Will struggle again to mix it with the best teams.
James Tamou will lead the side but it is just a matter of when not if that Doueihi will take on more leadership. The natural fit to succeed Tamou at the end of next season after he makes a full recovery from injury. Does not need to be burdened with it in 2022.
Wests Tigers Podcast - Talking everything Wests Tigers!
So this cognitive Pygmy suggests our roster looks pretty good then predicts us for a bottom two finish. He makes about as much sense as a perottet press conference! First hit up of the year from the telecrap fails to make the ad line!
All i hope this year is the young guys come on and we actually play with some passion. If we play with pride and passion ill be happy this year and see the development of hopefully Junior, Gildart, Hastings, Blore and Seyfarth ill be satisfied.
A Top 12 finish is acceptable for me with the current roster
A Top 12 finish is acceptable for me with the current roster
Top 8 for me. We need the young ones to step up. This could be their year.
I’m not accepting anything less than top 8. A decade of no finals is a disgrace and I’m not prepared to say ‘well as long as they try.’
Make the 8 and give your thousands of dedicated supporters something to cheer about. Enough is enough!
I’m not accepting anything less than top 8. A decade of no finals is a disgrace and I’m not prepared to say ‘well as long as they try.’
Make the 8 and give your thousands of dedicated supporters something to cheer about. Enough is enough!
And the consequence for not making the 8?
In memory of Geoff Chisholm (1965-2022)
I’m not accepting anything less than top 8. A decade of no finals is a disgrace and I’m not prepared to say ‘well as long as they try.’
Make the 8 and give your thousands of dedicated supporters something to cheer about. Enough is enough!And the consequence for not making the 8?
Same as every other year - ever growing disrespect from the entire RL community
Or we turn it around and win a few games!!
I’m not accepting anything less than top 8. A decade of no finals is a disgrace and I’m not prepared to say ‘well as long as they try.’
Make the 8 and give your thousands of dedicated supporters something to cheer about. Enough is enough!And the consequence for not making the 8?
Same as every other year - ever growing disrespect from the entire RL community
Or we turn it around and win a few games!!
But what would you do if you were in charge and we fail to make the 8?
In memory of Geoff Chisholm (1965-2022)
I’m not accepting anything less than top 8. A decade of no finals is a disgrace and I’m not prepared to say ‘well as long as they try.’
Make the 8 and give your thousands of dedicated supporters something to cheer about. Enough is enough!And the consequence for not making the 8?
Same as every other year - ever growing disrespect from the entire RL community
Or we turn it around and win a few games!!
But what would you do if you were in charge and we fail to make the 8?
There’s no way Madge stays if we finish 11-16 I reckon.
Wests Tigers Podcast - Talking everything Wests Tigers!
I’m not accepting anything less than top 8. A decade of no finals is a disgrace and I’m not prepared to say ‘well as long as they try.’
Make the 8 and give your thousands of dedicated supporters something to cheer about. Enough is enough!And the consequence for not making the 8?
Same as every other year - ever growing disrespect from the entire RL community
Or we turn it around and win a few games!!
But what would you do if you were in charge and we fail to make the 8?
There’s no way Madge stays if we finish 11-16 I reckon.
Do we really want to go down that path again
Players think they are playing under one coach and end up playing under another
And to reply to @TigerSteve , I'd like to be a billionaire by the end of the week as well , but reality tells me otherwise , if this squad makes the Top 8 in 2022 I'd be more shocked than us winning in 2005 ......
Have to give Madge at least a season with his 2023 recruits ...then you bounce him if they fail
I’m not accepting anything less than top 8. A decade of no finals is a disgrace and I’m not prepared to say ‘well as long as they try.’
Make the 8 and give your thousands of dedicated supporters something to cheer about. Enough is enough!
Cant argument with your point, but what improvements to the squad make it seem possible? Personally I can see it for 2023 but I cant see the source of the improvement for next year.
I’m not accepting anything less than top 8. A decade of no finals is a disgrace and I’m not prepared to say ‘well as long as they try.’
Make the 8 and give your thousands of dedicated supporters something to cheer about. Enough is enough!Cant argument with your point, but what improvements to the squad make it seem possible? Personally I can see it for 2023 but I cant see the source of the improvement for next year.
I think we are an average squad playing poorly. We will still be an average squad but I want to see improved commitment, effort, completions, and playing to an attacking and defensive plan. If we do this we become an average squad playing well - and can make the top 8
I’m not accepting anything less than top 8. A decade of no finals is a disgrace and I’m not prepared to say ‘well as long as they try.’
Make the 8 and give your thousands of dedicated supporters something to cheer about. Enough is enough!And the consequence for not making the 8?
Same as every other year - ever growing disrespect from the entire RL community
Or we turn it around and win a few games!!
But what would you do if you were in charge and we fail to make the 8?
Well it’s not that simple. The question is what should have been done to avert the current situation. But to answer your question - if we fail again in 22 Madge goes as do expendable players (can’t turn over whole squad). I’d also say Pascoe would be under a lot of pressure.
I’m not accepting anything less than top 8. A decade of no finals is a disgrace and I’m not prepared to say ‘well as long as they try.’
Make the 8 and give your thousands of dedicated supporters something to cheer about. Enough is enough!And the consequence for not making the 8?
Same as every other year - ever growing disrespect from the entire RL community
Or we turn it around and win a few games!!
But what would you do if you were in charge and we fail to make the 8?
Well it’s not that simple. The question is what should have been done to avert the current situation. But to answer your question - if we fail again in 22 Madge goes as do expendable players (can’t turn over whole squad). I’d also say Pascoe would be under a lot of pressure.
The improvements to the squad for 2023 doesn't buy them more time?
In memory of Geoff Chisholm (1965-2022)
