You could argue a number of others have improved teams e.g Burton, Fisher-Harris, Luai. But as far as becoming star recruits probably Chrichton & Katoa.Young Katoa is getting very close at the Phins as well.Can someone enlighten me on a player that has left the Panthers "system" and gone onto being the star recruit at their new club?
And, please, don't reply with Jarome Luai at WT. That is simply not yet true.
IMO, if Penrith thought Luai Jnr was worth keeping, they'd have kept him.
It’s highly unlikely young Luai will become a star recruit, it’s unlikely he’ll play NRL footy but possible as it is with all teenagers playing Matts or Ball. But all clubs tend to look at other systems if they feel they might be a little light on in some positions. The Tigers have a few halves coming through but they’ve lost Large, Tannous & Alex Isdale in the last 2 years to other clubs.
Not a lot happening right now but as always I think a bit too much about football and this came to mind. It's just a bit of fun I guess but who out of these 17 youngsters at the club do you think will be playing in the top 17 over the next 2-5 years?
J. Attard *
T. Tavana
C. McMenemy
M. Taotua
W. Craig
J. Andrews *
I. Matai
S. Havea Jr
E. Roberts *
P. Godinet *
S. Saukuru *
C. Tapau-Moors *
J. Haywood *
E. Mataale
P. Taateo, L. Broederlow, B. Van Drie, A. Duncome,
The ones with * after their name I believe will play NRL. Others might but difficult to say right now.
Obviously there are a number of guys in that list that might not have been heard of but they've all had a taste of Flegg or higher with the exception of Havea Jr who played Wests Matts and is training with the squad this Summer. All could play Flegg next season with the exception of Tavana (22 next year), Matai (22), Saukuru (22), Taateo (24), Mataale (22) and Broederlow (22).
The Wests Tigers Centre of Rugby League has been officially opened today, following the completion of the project in partnership with Western Sydney University.
The Centre – based within the University’s Campbelltown campus – will become the operational hub for the Club’s community, education and Pathways programs within the region. The new facility will support the important work of Empower and its various community engagement programs, as well as junior rugby league activities to foster growth in participation across the South West.
NSW Rugby League (NSWRL) and NRL Game Development Officers will also be based out of the Centre, to support their ongoing work throughout the region.
The establishment of the Centre is another important element of the Wests Tigers presence in the South West and embeds the Club into a university setting, building on an already established partnership with the University around education, research and student pathways.
The completion of the Centre comes off the back of confirmation of a $50 million redevelopment of Campbelltown Sports Stadium, newly established pathway programs at Eagle Vale High School and the ongoing success of Empower and its programs at local schools.
Wests Tigers CEO, Shane Richardson said the facility would support various elements of the Club’s work in the South West.
“The establishment of this Centre will underpin the work we do right across the region and is directly connected to the Club’s strategic vision,” Richardson said.
“It’s about connecting with our fans, enhancing the great work already being done across our development pathway, and using rugby league as a vehicle to make a positive impact in the community through Empower.
“With NSW Rugby League and NRL also sharing this space, it only strengthens our game’s presence in the South West.
“We’ve already got a fantastic relationship with Western Sydney University and we’re grateful for their ongoing support of Empower and our education programs more broadly.
“It’s a partnership that is so important for our work in the community and I’d like to thank the University for their support in establishing this Centre,” Richardson concluded.
Wests Tigers Podcast - Talking everything Wests Tigers since 2018!
