I’m keen to see Toa play fit in a settled team. This is his last shot at becoming a regular NRL player and he has a lot of motivation for
Needs his body to hold up this year.
Wests Tigers Podcast - Talking everything Wests Tigers!
Geez Luai is a superstar, I love his attitude and especially the comment about watching back all the games twice and knowing where the issues are and how he could have addressed them, to the point where he could have got them to the 8. I don't think he is that far off to be honest, there were multiple games where we lost in specific moments and there were games where you could tell the team ran on to the field with the wrong attitude and negative energy. I believe a Luai type player could have made all the difference in Skill, experience and positive energy. Him Terell and Turuva will make a big difference, throw in Bird, a recommitted Pole, and a bunch of kids that have tasted first grade and have the whole pre season to get ready. The top 8 is within reach.
Geez Luai is a superstar, I love his attitude and especially the comment about watching back all the games twice and knowing where the issues are and how he could have addressed them, to the point where he could have got them to the 8. I don't think he is that far off to be honest, there were multiple games where we lost in specific moments and there were games where you could tell the team ran on to the field with the wrong attitude and negative energy. I believe a Luai type player could have made all the difference in Skill, experience and positive energy. Him Terell and Turuva will make a big difference, throw in Bird, a recommitted Pole, and a bunch of kids that have tasted first grade and have the whole pre season to get ready. The top 8 is within reach.
Id love to get his take on where we went wrong.
Wests Tigers Podcast - Talking everything Wests Tigers!
I'm keen to see some consistency across the park this year, we had a torrid time in our halves and entire backline throughout 2024 due to injury and suspension. We can't forget the fact that Galvin was probably not identified as a starting half till February at the earliest so Bud and Sezer were probably training in those spots all pre-season, so we started on the back foot before a ball was passed. Most key positions look pretty settled so they should look much better come round one (i hope)I’m keen to see Toa play fit in a settled team. This is his last shot at becoming a regular NRL player and he has a lot of motivation for
Needs his body to hold up this year.
I’m keen to see Toa play fit in a settled team. This is his last shot at becoming a regular NRL player and he has a lot of motivation for
Needs his body to hold up this year.
Obviously looked a gun that game against NQ two years ago (playing outside Brandon Wakeham!!) but could never back it up again. Maybe it was injuries? Will benefit from having Galvin on his side.
Nice to talk football for a change. Richo has apparently said he’s been really impressed with Brent Naden this off season and he might be in line for a wing spot.
Wests Tigers Podcast - Talking everything Wests Tigers!
I like Naden when he's switched on. Unfortunately he's too often found wanting to- seems to lose concentration all too easily. If Taruva us being thought of as a centre then I can see the possibility of Naden playing wing but if Taruva is selected on the wing then Naden's only chance is centre.
It's going to be interesting. Options as I see them:
Wing: Taruva, Skelton, Lauliliu, Naden, Staines
Centre: Olam, Naden, Taruva, Toa, Doueihi
Who have I forgotten??
There is a great deal of footy talent in Naden, problem is the brain snaps. However, you could say this about a few players in the team. I wonder how much of a calming influence having a 4-time premiership winning half is going to have on these players. Will Luai be able to keep them focussed and heading in the right direction on the field? At times even Api was completely manic and making stupid mistakes and it becomes contagious. You can understand when you bust a gut to get into the opposition 20 only for the half to give away the ball cheaply on the last set, or for someone to spill the ball in a great attacking position. This all builds and in defence you muscle up and make 4 great tackles to tie the opposition down in their 20. Only for someone to give away a dumb penalty and march them down field...it happened over and over last season and in the last 10 years. Could a quality half be the circuit breaker. I for one cannot wait to find out!
Top 8 2023
Naden on the Wing should make a simpler gameplan for him to follow. He’s tall and can finish, unsure on how he is under the high ball but the longer the kids can play NSW the better
My pick would be
Wings: Skelton & Lauliliu
Centre: Olam & Turuva
Think I'm with you there 👍
I'd be very wary of throwing Laulilii into FG much this year. Lots of talent, but he has big holes in his game even before you consider his size (or lack thereof).
I imagine he'll pop up at times after injuries, but I'd be happy with him playing the full season in NSW cup.
Who would you pay instead of Laulili?
I think of your going to blood a young junior, wing is the best position to do it from
Top 8 2023
think round 1 will be
wings Skelton & turuva
centre Olam & Douhie *given no Api he can goal kick*
