In 2023 the Tigers used 5 players who were 20 years old or younger, they played a combined total of 13 games. In 2024 the Tigers used 10 players who were 20 years old or younger, they played a combined total of 80 games. Of course of those 80 games Lachie Galvin and Samuela Fainu played more than half, 44 between them. But it's still a lot of very young players and six were in their rookie year. Of them Lachie, Samuela, Latu, Tallyn and Luke Laulilii and possibly Heath Mason all showed that they will have futures in the NRL, at least a few of them, you'd think, will have very bright futures. How good they will be is the question, the mystery. And this is what got me thinking, when making our predictions of where we might finish next year we don't know just how much improvement is in these young players, you could add Sione and Johannssen as well because they are still young and just beginning their careers at this level. In my opinion there is a helluva lot of improvement in them all, Lachie, Luke and Heath went from schoolboys to NRL players in less than a year so surely they'll be better. Sam was player of the year yet had only played 5 other NRL games before this year and he played most of the year in a position he'd been unaccustomed to playing. And playing and training with Luai will surely help their development and confidence, Jahream might also improve more than we expect given this season was his first full (almost) season at the back. I don't think there is any other club in the NRL right now that has 4, 5 or 6 players 20 or under who look to have so much talent yet have the scope of improvement that these players do, obviously I could be wrong. So just how much can they improve?
In 2023 the Tigers used 5 players who were 20 years old or younger, they played a combined total of 13 games. In 2024 the Tigers used 10 players who were 20 years old or younger, they played a combined total of 80 games. Of course of those 80 games Lachie Galvin and Samuela Fainu played more than half, 44 between them. But it's still a lot of very young players and six were in their rookie year. Of them Lachie, Samuela, Latu, Tallyn and Luke Laulilii and possibly Heath Mason all showed that they will have futures in the NRL, at least a few of them, you'd think, will have very bright futures. How good they will be is the question, the mystery. And this is what got me thinking, when making our predictions of where we might finish next year we don't know just how much improvement is in these young players, you could add Sione and Johannssen as well because they are still young and just beginning their careers at this level. In my opinion there is a helluva lot of improvement in them all, Lachie, Luke and Heath went from schoolboys to NRL players in less than a year so surely they'll be better. Sam was player of the year yet had only played 5 other NRL games before this year and he played most of the year in a position he'd been unaccustomed to playing. And playing and training with Luai will surely help their development and confidence, Jahream might also improve more than we expect given this season was his first full (almost) season at the back. I don't think there is any other club in the NRL right now that has 4, 5 or 6 players 20 or under who look to have so much talent yet have the scope of improvement that these players do, obviously I could be wrong. So just how much can they improve?
Yep, it’s exciting. Hopefully Luai helps us get more out of the more senior guys and provides a good bridge to the youth.
Wests Tigers Podcast - Talking everything Wests Tigers!
In 2023 the Tigers used 5 players who were 20 years old or younger, they played a combined total of 13 games. In 2024 the Tigers used 10 players who were 20 years old or younger, they played a combined total of 80 games. Of course of those 80 games Lachie Galvin and Samuela Fainu played more than half, 44 between them. But it's still a lot of very young players and six were in their rookie year. Of them Lachie, Samuela, Latu, Tallyn and Luke Laulilii and possibly Heath Mason all showed that they will have futures in the NRL, at least a few of them, you'd think, will have very bright futures. How good they will be is the question, the mystery. And this is what got me thinking, when making our predictions of where we might finish next year we don't know just how much improvement is in these young players, you could add Sione and Johannssen as well because they are still young and just beginning their careers at this level. In my opinion there is a helluva lot of improvement in them all, Lachie, Luke and Heath went from schoolboys to NRL players in less than a year so surely they'll be better. Sam was player of the year yet had only played 5 other NRL games before this year and he played most of the year in a position he'd been unaccustomed to playing. And playing and training with Luai will surely help their development and confidence, Jahream might also improve more than we expect given this season was his first full (almost) season at the back. I don't think there is any other club in the NRL right now that has 4, 5 or 6 players 20 or under who look to have so much talent yet have the scope of improvement that these players do, obviously I could be wrong. So just how much can they improve?
Definitely exciting for the future, there are just too many ifs in all that for me to be confident for next year.
In memory of Geoff Chisholm (1965-2022)
There is no doubt that our youth can provide what we need to improve. But to be consistent and survive the grind of a long season we still need to have some quality older players to help them, which hasn't been a strong point for us in recent times.
There is no doubt that our youth can provide what we need to improve. But to be consistent and survive the grind of a long season we still need to have some quality older players to help them, which hasn't been a strong point for us in recent times.
So true. Compare to the Penrith years where the new crop was coming through they had guys like Maloney, Tamou etc that led the way. Hopefully this is an area of improvement for us in 2025.
Wests Tigers Podcast - Talking everything Wests Tigers!
Kit Laulilii is a player who can have a good NRL career but I believe he is lacking in a couple of key areas right now. To be able to play a lock role he's going to need to build his stamina at this level and his lateral movement. He has terrific leg speed and can throw a good pass if needed. If I were his coach I'd be making him run a helluva lot during this off season and pre season. Also would have him work on that lateral movement. I'd get him to set a goal of how many minutes he can play straight in Cup and how many tackles he can make without a miss, nothing else, just that. If by mid season he can be playing 30 minutes straight and not miss any tackles then he'd be knocking on the door of NRL. But his goal from that point regardless of an NRL call up or not would increase to be trying to play 40 minutes straight and no tackle misses by the end of season. He might not reach those goals but even if he were to get close he'd well and truly be on the right track.
Kit Laulilii is a player who can have a good NRL career but I believe he is lacking in a couple of key areas right now. To be able to play a lock role he's going to need to build his stamina at this level and his lateral movement. He has terrific leg speed and can throw a good pass if needed. If I were his coach I'd be making him run a helluva lot during this off season and pre season. Also would have him work on that lateral movement. I'd get him to set a goal of how many minutes he can play straight in Cup and how many tackles he can make without a miss, nothing else, just that. If by mid season he can be playing 30 minutes straight and not miss any tackles then he'd be knocking on the door of NRL. But his goal from that point regardless of an NRL call up or not would increase to be trying to play 40 minutes straight and no tackle misses by the end of season. He might not reach those goals but even if he were to get close he'd well and truly be on the right track.
Would be great for our roster if he could make a real contribution to the NRL side in 2025 and beyond.
Wests Tigers Podcast - Talking everything Wests Tigers!
The most important contributions will be made from those in the top 25 Joel, these kids will not play many games, they’ll be learning their trade & might get a taste at some stage. That’s how it is at all clubs. If you’re lucky one will improve so much you must start them on a regular basis.Kit Laulilii is a player who can have a good NRL career but I believe he is lacking in a couple of key areas right now. To be able to play a lock role he's going to need to build his stamina at this level and his lateral movement. He has terrific leg speed and can throw a good pass if needed. If I were his coach I'd be making him run a helluva lot during this off season and pre season. Also would have him work on that lateral movement. I'd get him to set a goal of how many minutes he can play straight in Cup and how many tackles he can make without a miss, nothing else, just that. If by mid season he can be playing 30 minutes straight and not miss any tackles then he'd be knocking on the door of NRL. But his goal from that point regardless of an NRL call up or not would increase to be trying to play 40 minutes straight and no tackle misses by the end of season. He might not reach those goals but even if he were to get close he'd well and truly be on the right track.
Would be great for our roster if he could make a real contribution to the NRL side in 2025 and beyond.
It would be great for all top 30 players to contribute but the fact is that every club will have 3,4,5 players on minimum who will contribute very little. Every club will endeavour to make their top 20-25 as strong as possible thereby leaving little money for those outside that group. In our group outside the top 25 we have developing players on minimum allowing us to spend more for players inside that top 25. But you could also look for experienced players like Declan Casey to fill a spot. They might only play 1,2 or 3 games as happens at every club.Kit Laulilii is a player who can have a good NRL career but I believe he is lacking in a couple of key areas right now. To be able to play a lock role he's going to need to build his stamina at this level and his lateral movement. He has terrific leg speed and can throw a good pass if needed. If I were his coach I'd be making him run a helluva lot during this off season and pre season. Also would have him work on that lateral movement. I'd get him to set a goal of how many minutes he can play straight in Cup and how many tackles he can make without a miss, nothing else, just that. If by mid season he can be playing 30 minutes straight and not miss any tackles then he'd be knocking on the door of NRL. But his goal from that point regardless of an NRL call up or not would increase to be trying to play 40 minutes straight and no tackle misses by the end of season. He might not reach those goals but even if he were to get close he'd well and truly be on the right track.
Would be great for our roster if he could make a real contribution to the NRL side in 2025 and beyond.
Just looking at this post from 4 months ago and wondering what has changed. I think I’d put Luke in that first category now, he’s debuted and looks very likely to have a good NRL career. Same with Heath Mason who it looks like I didn’t put on the list initially, remiss of me not to. I still have hopes for Kit & Sol. Sol has had his injury issues this year but did play some Cup & went ok. Still believe he can make it & become a handy NRL outside back, still 19 so plenty of time. Kit keeps working away in Cup, I like his leg speed & he can make some tough carries. Probably best at 13. I’d now put Jared Haywood in that 2nd group. He’s come out of nowhere really but I think he has a great future, only 18 so will be watching him next year or two as he could put pressure on Tal if he doesn’t end up going elsewhere.I've noticed one or two posts suggesting this putting a lot of our faith in the development of players isn't looking all that good at the moment. I think this is an overreaction given we're in the very early stages of the process. But regardless of this I thought it'd be interesting to get some idea of where we think some of these young players are at and who we believe will be playing consistent NRL in the future. Only looking at players 22 or younger. There's a bit of crystal balling but why not eh. Just my opinion on the players so here goes.
For me these guys will be playing plenty of NRL, ages next to their names:
Jahream Bula - 22
Fonua Pole - 21
Samuela Fainu - 20 * (outstanding prospect)
Lachlan Galvin - 18 * (outstanding prospect)
Latu Fainu - 18
Tallyn Da Silva 19
These guys are probably just one level below but still good chances to play plenty of NRL:
Kit Laulilii - 19
Luke Laulilii - 18
Solomone Saukuru - 19
These players might play plenty NRL but still a question mark:
Justin Matamua - 20
Jordan Miller - 19
Tony Sukkar - 19
Chris Faagutu - 20
Josh Feledy - 19
No doubt I've missed a few but that's a pretty good list. In my opinion we'll see the players in those first 2 categories playing in the NRL team 2025 and/or 2026. Obviously could be wrong but that's just how I see it. And we have a couple of gems there too.
I'd also put Heamasi Makasini in that first category as an outstanding prospect but seeing as we're not sure he's signed yet I'll leave it here. Ashton Large, Christian Taupau-Moors and Ashton Large are also players from that Wests Matts side who look very likely to progress to a high level, others may as well.
Saukuru might be moving on. I think his Dad was coaching one of our junior sides and was not named anywhere in the recent 2025 coaching lineup?
Tough to find a position for Heath Mason in the next few years at NRL level but he showed promise I agree.
Jared Haywood is a good prospect as well but not sure he can find a way past Da Silva to the long term number 9 jersey
Just looking at this post from 4 months ago and wondering what has changed. I think I’d put Luke in that first category now, he’s debuted and looks very likely to have a good NRL career. Same with Heath Mason who it looks like I didn’t put on the list initially, remiss of me not to. I still have hopes for Kit & Sol. Sol has had his injury issues this year but did play some Cup & went ok. Still believe he can make it & become a handy NRL outside back, still 19 so plenty of time. Kit keeps working away in Cup, I like his leg speed & he can make some tough carries. Probably best at 13. I’d now put Jared Haywood in that 2nd group. He’s come out of nowhere really but I think he has a great future, only 18 so will be watching him next year or two as he could put pressure on Tal if he doesn’t end up going elsewhere.I've noticed one or two posts suggesting this putting a lot of our faith in the development of players isn't looking all that good at the moment. I think this is an overreaction given we're in the very early stages of the process. But regardless of this I thought it'd be interesting to get some idea of where we think some of these young players are at and who we believe will be playing consistent NRL in the future. Only looking at players 22 or younger. There's a bit of crystal balling but why not eh. Just my opinion on the players so here goes.
For me these guys will be playing plenty of NRL, ages next to their names:
Jahream Bula - 22
Fonua Pole - 21
Samuela Fainu - 20 * (outstanding prospect)
Lachlan Galvin - 18 * (outstanding prospect)
Latu Fainu - 18
Tallyn Da Silva 19
These guys are probably just one level below but still good chances to play plenty of NRL:
Kit Laulilii - 19
Luke Laulilii - 18
Solomone Saukuru - 19
These players might play plenty NRL but still a question mark:
Justin Matamua - 20
Jordan Miller - 19
Tony Sukkar - 19
Chris Faagutu - 20
Josh Feledy - 19
No doubt I've missed a few but that's a pretty good list. In my opinion we'll see the players in those first 2 categories playing in the NRL team 2025 and/or 2026. Obviously could be wrong but that's just how I see it. And we have a couple of gems there too.
I'd also put Heamasi Makasini in that first category as an outstanding prospect but seeing as we're not sure he's signed yet I'll leave it here. Ashton Large, Christian Taupau-Moors and Ashton Large are also players from that Wests Matts side who look very likely to progress to a high level, others may as well.
Saukuru might be moving on. I think his Dad was coaching one of our junior sides and was not named anywhere in the recent 2025 coaching lineup?
Tough to find a position for Heath Mason in the next few years at NRL level but he showed promise I agree.
Jared Haywood is a good prospect as well but not sure he can find a way past Da Silva to the long term number 9 jersey
I think Mason will be useful to have around, particularly if we are trying to offload Bud because Mason gives us cover at 6,7 as well as 1 & 9. i think there is a good player in there but will be limited by his size. Will be cursed by his utility value I think. Our next "Mighty Mouse".
if he wants to play 1 he has to learn to catch bombs. But yeah totally agree he could fill in the halvesJust looking at this post from 4 months ago and wondering what has changed. I think I’d put Luke in that first category now, he’s debuted and looks very likely to have a good NRL career. Same with Heath Mason who it looks like I didn’t put on the list initially, remiss of me not to. I still have hopes for Kit & Sol. Sol has had his injury issues this year but did play some Cup & went ok. Still believe he can make it & become a handy NRL outside back, still 19 so plenty of time. Kit keeps working away in Cup, I like his leg speed & he can make some tough carries. Probably best at 13. I’d now put Jared Haywood in that 2nd group. He’s come out of nowhere really but I think he has a great future, only 18 so will be watching him next year or two as he could put pressure on Tal if he doesn’t end up going elsewhere.I've noticed one or two posts suggesting this putting a lot of our faith in the development of players isn't looking all that good at the moment. I think this is an overreaction given we're in the very early stages of the process. But regardless of this I thought it'd be interesting to get some idea of where we think some of these young players are at and who we believe will be playing consistent NRL in the future. Only looking at players 22 or younger. There's a bit of crystal balling but why not eh. Just my opinion on the players so here goes.
For me these guys will be playing plenty of NRL, ages next to their names:
Jahream Bula - 22
Fonua Pole - 21
Samuela Fainu - 20 * (outstanding prospect)
Lachlan Galvin - 18 * (outstanding prospect)
Latu Fainu - 18
Tallyn Da Silva 19
These guys are probably just one level below but still good chances to play plenty of NRL:
Kit Laulilii - 19
Luke Laulilii - 18
Solomone Saukuru - 19
These players might play plenty NRL but still a question mark:
Justin Matamua - 20
Jordan Miller - 19
Tony Sukkar - 19
Chris Faagutu - 20
Josh Feledy - 19
No doubt I've missed a few but that's a pretty good list. In my opinion we'll see the players in those first 2 categories playing in the NRL team 2025 and/or 2026. Obviously could be wrong but that's just how I see it. And we have a couple of gems there too.
I'd also put Heamasi Makasini in that first category as an outstanding prospect but seeing as we're not sure he's signed yet I'll leave it here. Ashton Large, Christian Taupau-Moors and Ashton Large are also players from that Wests Matts side who look very likely to progress to a high level, others may as well.
Saukuru might be moving on. I think his Dad was coaching one of our junior sides and was not named anywhere in the recent 2025 coaching lineup?
Tough to find a position for Heath Mason in the next few years at NRL level but he showed promise I agree.
Jared Haywood is a good prospect as well but not sure he can find a way past Da Silva to the long term number 9 jersey
I think Mason will be useful to have around, particularly if we are trying to offload Bud because Mason gives us cover at 6,7 as well as 1 & 9. i think there is a good player in there but will be limited by his size. Will be cursed by his utility value I think. Our next "Mighty Mouse".
if he wants to play 1 he has to learn to catch bombs. But yeah totally agree he could fill in the halvesJust looking at this post from 4 months ago and wondering what has changed. I think I’d put Luke in that first category now, he’s debuted and looks very likely to have a good NRL career. Same with Heath Mason who it looks like I didn’t put on the list initially, remiss of me not to. I still have hopes for Kit & Sol. Sol has had his injury issues this year but did play some Cup & went ok. Still believe he can make it & become a handy NRL outside back, still 19 so plenty of time. Kit keeps working away in Cup, I like his leg speed & he can make some tough carries. Probably best at 13. I’d now put Jared Haywood in that 2nd group. He’s come out of nowhere really but I think he has a great future, only 18 so will be watching him next year or two as he could put pressure on Tal if he doesn’t end up going elsewhere.I've noticed one or two posts suggesting this putting a lot of our faith in the development of players isn't looking all that good at the moment. I think this is an overreaction given we're in the very early stages of the process. But regardless of this I thought it'd be interesting to get some idea of where we think some of these young players are at and who we believe will be playing consistent NRL in the future. Only looking at players 22 or younger. There's a bit of crystal balling but why not eh. Just my opinion on the players so here goes.
For me these guys will be playing plenty of NRL, ages next to their names:
Jahream Bula - 22
Fonua Pole - 21
Samuela Fainu - 20 * (outstanding prospect)
Lachlan Galvin - 18 * (outstanding prospect)
Latu Fainu - 18
Tallyn Da Silva 19
These guys are probably just one level below but still good chances to play plenty of NRL:
Kit Laulilii - 19
Luke Laulilii - 18
Solomone Saukuru - 19
These players might play plenty NRL but still a question mark:
Justin Matamua - 20
Jordan Miller - 19
Tony Sukkar - 19
Chris Faagutu - 20
Josh Feledy - 19
No doubt I've missed a few but that's a pretty good list. In my opinion we'll see the players in those first 2 categories playing in the NRL team 2025 and/or 2026. Obviously could be wrong but that's just how I see it. And we have a couple of gems there too.
I'd also put Heamasi Makasini in that first category as an outstanding prospect but seeing as we're not sure he's signed yet I'll leave it here. Ashton Large, Christian Taupau-Moors and Ashton Large are also players from that Wests Matts side who look very likely to progress to a high level, others may as well.
Saukuru might be moving on. I think his Dad was coaching one of our junior sides and was not named anywhere in the recent 2025 coaching lineup?
Tough to find a position for Heath Mason in the next few years at NRL level but he showed promise I agree.
Jared Haywood is a good prospect as well but not sure he can find a way past Da Silva to the long term number 9 jersey
I think Mason will be useful to have around, particularly if we are trying to offload Bud because Mason gives us cover at 6,7 as well as 1 & 9. i think there is a good player in there but will be limited by his size. Will be cursed by his utility value I think. Our next "Mighty Mouse".
he has Bula and Turuva ahead of him at 1.
I know Sol had injury setbacks this season so difficult to get a gauge on him. He had a great combo with Galvin on that left edge in Ball but have to see more this year. Heath is a very good prospect, runs the ball back hard, can link well with outside guys & can hit a hole. Will be keen to see him again this season & see how he progresses. Haywood is a talent so, again, one to watch to see his progress.Just looking at this post from 4 months ago and wondering what has changed. I think I’d put Luke in that first category now, he’s debuted and looks very likely to have a good NRL career. Same with Heath Mason who it looks like I didn’t put on the list initially, remiss of me not to. I still have hopes for Kit & Sol. Sol has had his injury issues this year but did play some Cup & went ok. Still believe he can make it & become a handy NRL outside back, still 19 so plenty of time. Kit keeps working away in Cup, I like his leg speed & he can make some tough carries. Probably best at 13. I’d now put Jared Haywood in that 2nd group. He’s come out of nowhere really but I think he has a great future, only 18 so will be watching him next year or two as he could put pressure on Tal if he doesn’t end up going elsewhere.I've noticed one or two posts suggesting this putting a lot of our faith in the development of players isn't looking all that good at the moment. I think this is an overreaction given we're in the very early stages of the process. But regardless of this I thought it'd be interesting to get some idea of where we think some of these young players are at and who we believe will be playing consistent NRL in the future. Only looking at players 22 or younger. There's a bit of crystal balling but why not eh. Just my opinion on the players so here goes.
For me these guys will be playing plenty of NRL, ages next to their names:
Jahream Bula - 22
Fonua Pole - 21
Samuela Fainu - 20 * (outstanding prospect)
Lachlan Galvin - 18 * (outstanding prospect)
Latu Fainu - 18
Tallyn Da Silva 19
These guys are probably just one level below but still good chances to play plenty of NRL:
Kit Laulilii - 19
Luke Laulilii - 18
Solomone Saukuru - 19
These players might play plenty NRL but still a question mark:
Justin Matamua - 20
Jordan Miller - 19
Tony Sukkar - 19
Chris Faagutu - 20
Josh Feledy - 19
No doubt I've missed a few but that's a pretty good list. In my opinion we'll see the players in those first 2 categories playing in the NRL team 2025 and/or 2026. Obviously could be wrong but that's just how I see it. And we have a couple of gems there too.
I'd also put Heamasi Makasini in that first category as an outstanding prospect but seeing as we're not sure he's signed yet I'll leave it here. Ashton Large, Christian Taupau-Moors and Ashton Large are also players from that Wests Matts side who look very likely to progress to a high level, others may as well.
Saukuru might be moving on. I think his Dad was coaching one of our junior sides and was not named anywhere in the recent 2025 coaching lineup?
Tough to find a position for Heath Mason in the next few years at NRL level but he showed promise I agree.
Jared Haywood is a good prospect as well but not sure he can find a way past Da Silva to the long term number 9 jersey
Jordan Miller
I know tigers sacked him but it can’t just be for being late to training 2 times
I thought he was a budding prospect and was gonna be a future star ??
