[Sticky] Wests Tigers Signings and Rumoured Signings

From the ‘All Things Wests Tigers’ facebook page:

This could be our biggest win yet, and it’s not a player signing!

Everyone knows Shane Richardson (Richo) is now with the Wests Tigers. But what some might not realise is just how valuable his connections and experience could be, especially when it comes to our future pathways and recruitment.

Richo is a life member and former CEO of the Suzuki Brisbane Tigers, a powerhouse club currently playing in the QLD Cup. The Brissy Tigers have been the Melbourne Storm’s feeder club since 2010, and before that were aligned with the Broncos, Sharks, and Panthers.

They’ve helped produce some serious NRL talent — Patrick Carrigan, Christian Welch, and plenty of others. And they’re still growing, having recently partnered with another QLD club to expand their footprint across Brisbane and overseas.

Now here’s the twist:
The Storm have publicly confirmed they’re set to end their affiliation with the Brisbane Tigers and plan to field their own team in the NSW Cup next season.

If Richo can use his strong ties to secure an affiliation between the Wests Tigers and the Brissy Tigers, it could be a HUGE boost for our junior pathways, development systems, and long-term roster strength.

Honestly, this kind of move could be more important than signing any individual player. It’s a strategic play that could set us up for success for years to come.

Let’s hope Richo can make it happen! 🐯💪

I see Corey Allan isn’t playing this week in the Dragons’ NRL team or their Cup team. I see no news regarding injury anywhere so wondering if he might be in the move. I know he was at Souths when Richo was there in 2019 so there’s a small connection there. Would cover a few positions in the backline. I’m probably reading too much into it but if there are any signings named soon he could be a possibility. 

Posted by: @russtutty63

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I see Corey Allan isn’t playing this week in the Dragons’ NRL team or their Cup team. I see no news regarding injury anywhere so wondering if he might be in the move. I know he was at Souths when Richo was there in 2019 so there’s a small connection there. Would cover a few positions in the backline. I’m probably reading too much into it but if there are any signings named soon he could be a possibility. 

Just saw Allan had a hamstring injury so explains why not in either team this week. 

 

I get that TDS is his mate but FMD tallyn is on thin ice.

From ‘All Things Wests Tigers’ on Facebook:

Taylan May Update 🐯🔥

Hearing some interesting whispers from people in the know — three clubs are currently in the race for Taylan May’s signature: South Sydney Rabbitohs, Wests Tigers, and a Super League side.

It’s no secret that Taylan’s preference is to link up with his brother Terrell May at the Wests Tigers. The family connection and opportunity to be part of something special here is a big drawcard.

The delay, I’m told, stems from Shane Richardson wanting to be absolutely sure Taylan is ready for an NRL return — not just physically, but mentally as well. He’s been made to jump through a few hoops as part of that process, which shows the club is doing its due diligence to protect both Taylan and the team.

The good news? We’re still very much in the mix. The door is open, and if all goes well, we could see both May brothers wearing the Tigers jersey in the near future. Stay tuned! 👀🐅

Posted by: @tigertownsfs

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I get that TDS is his mate but FMD tallyn is on thin ice.

I can see him leaving, but not upset about the post.

 

Posted by: @joel

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Posted by: @tigertownsfs

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I get that TDS is his mate but FMD tallyn is on thin ice.

I can see him leaving, but not upset about the post.

 

I think he needs to read the room. His manager is already in the press having shots at our captain and most important player. Someone needs to tell him to put the phone down.

 

Posted by: @tigertownsfs

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I get that TDS is his mate but FMD tallyn is on thin ice.

He’s an absolute goose this dude. Something that hasn’t sat well with me since I saw them joking around before running out against Newcastle rd 5 I think. He’s an okay player but fair dinkum gen y players give me the shits ‼️‼️

 

I’m sure this has been raised before but we are running without 7 top 30 players in an already thin squad.

we can’t expect miracles but we can expect better from Richo and Benji if not filling the vacant roster spots before June 30 with some first graders not more no names 

We can’t expect to be competitive without a robust squad (but they are all trying)

2025

Steph ——> May

ice —-> Hunt 

Bateman —-> ?

Klemmer —-> ?

Galvin —-> ? 

injured 

Pole 

Skelton 

Latu 

now Twal head injury (one of many) 

Posted by: @tigertragic56

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I’m sure this has been raised before but we are running without 7 top 30 players in an already thin squad.

we can’t expect miracles but we can expect better from Richo and Benji if not filling the vacant roster spots before June 30 with some first graders not more no names 

We can’t expect to be competitive without a robust squad (but they are all trying)

2025

Steph ——> May

ice —-> Hunt 

Bateman —-> ?

Klemmer —-> ?

Galvin —-> ? 

injured 

Pole 

Skelton 

Latu 

now Twal head injury (one of many) 

Precisely. We need a prop and a backrower urgently.

 

I don’t know why we didn’t give Tapau a contract for the rest of this season.

Posted by: @joel

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Posted by: @tigertragic56

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I’m sure this has been raised before but we are running without 7 top 30 players in an already thin squad.

we can’t expect miracles but we can expect better from Richo and Benji if not filling the vacant roster spots before June 30 with some first graders not more no names 

We can’t expect to be competitive without a robust squad (but they are all trying)

2025

Steph ——> May

ice —-> Hunt 

Bateman —-> ?

Klemmer —-> ?

Galvin —-> ? 

injured 

Pole 

Skelton 

Latu 

now Twal head injury (one of many) 

Precisely. We need a prop and a backrower urgently.

 

Who is available? Pahulu from Titans would’ve been good & the club might’ve tried, I think there was a rumour that we might’ve been interested but if it’s a choice between the Storm & Tigers where would you go? I can only see guys of the calibre of Fletcher Baker & Fatale-Mariner who might be options. But would their clubs let them go & do they want to go to us? 

There are others off contract next year like Kobe Hetherington but I was looking at guys who might want more NRL game time. 

I think what also makes it difficult right now is that quite a few who are off contract next year might wait to see if the new teams are interested before they sign long term (2-3+ years) anywhere else. But there might be others like a Kamikamica or Reynolds who might be alright for a one or two year deal at a club like us. However by bringing a Baker or Fatala-Mariner now they would probably want an 18 month deal so some of your Cap, maybe $350,000 or so for next year is used on them instead of guys like KPP, Reynolds or Fifita (should he be released) who could be bigger difference makers to us next year. 

I get the feeling there will be some surprises soon for us in terms of signings for next year. Clubs like the Broncos are playing poorly & I suspect that’s partly a consequence of players not sure about their futures etc. They really need to sort that out up there & move on otherwise their season will be over. The Titans need to do work on their roster. They’ve started by extending Kini long term but they’ll need to upgrade Fermor and a couple of others plus they might need to bring in a half so they could lose a couple more yet. One or two Storm middles will leave as they need to provide a spot in their 30 for Suli Pole & they have too many middles as it stands. They also need to extend their wingers etc. The Cows need a good nine so they might find it hard to keep one or two others up there. 

Are we now at 26 or 27 players?