The Wests Tigers need to play finals football in 2026; it's as simple as that.
But what does the club need to do on the field to make that happen? How do we do something that we haven't done in 15 years?
On this edition of the Wests Tigers Podcast, we identify our areas of improvement that the club and team need to make.
Joel Helmes and Nick Hayes suggest improvements that should and could be made in important aspects, such as bench rotations and impact.
We also identify consistency in the halves and arrest a worrying trend that has crept into many failed or frustrating Wests Tigers seasons, a long mid-season run of outs!
Watch or listen to this edition to see what else the club needs to do to finally see finals footy once again!
What has us worried heading into the 2026 NRL season?
Joel and Nick also list a few factors that have them concerned at this point in the Wests Tigers' preseason.
These concerns include positional question marks, key contract discussions, and a reliance on some inexperienced and untested young players.
As always, feel free to agree or disagree with the boys on the Wests Tigers Podcast Forum.
Other topics up for discussion on this edition of the Wests Tigers Podcast included:
- Is Royce Hunt ready to turn the corner and hit a new high?
- Why aren't a couple of key 2026 recruits listed on the 'Teams' page of the official Wests Tigers website?
And the brand new Wests Tigers jersey design also comes up for discussion, with a Wests Tigers legend also given a mention in that discussion.
It's the latest big edition of the Wests Tigers Podcast. We hope you enjoy it and that you're surviving another long Wests Tigers off-season!
We hope to be back again with another podcast edition soon.
Listen to "Three Big Areas Wests Tigers Need To Improve in 2026" on Spreaker.
Wests Tigers Podcast - Talking everything Wests Tigers since 2018!
Wests Tigers Podcast - Talking everything Wests Tigers since 2018!
My worry (I have many but for the sake of the podcast I’ll go with one) is injuries. That’s my biggest worry for this club every year. I’m a big believer in a good roster having time together, stability, and I see no reason why this roster can’t improve on last season. A few of our better young players will have 50 games up, a couple of NRL seasons behind them and they’ll be better. Taylan May looks very fit in the pictures I’ve seen, Masi will have a proper pre-season and will be full-time, the Faunus will be wanting big years if they hope to play in the World Cup, Samuela a big hope given Katoa is unfortunately out for Tonga 2026. Jeral will be better off for a full season under his belt, KPP looks a very solid defender with an offload and I’d think at least one other of the incoming players will have a big year. And if we can have both AD & Latu in the 17 we will be a better attacking team. I see a lot of improvement as long as we are fortunate with injuries. But will we be as fortunate as last season? I doubt it but I think our depth will be a little better so as long as it’s not a 2025 South Sydney type injury crisis I think we’ll cover it ok.
@russtutty63 Another reasoned and considered comment. Good points, as usual.
Another worry is how much will other teams improve? I’m confident the Tigers will but I’m sure fans of Souths believe they will improve, the Dolphins are a good chance to improve, the Cowboys are very capable of improving if they have a dream run with injuries and perhaps one or two other teams who didn’t play finals. And how many of the teams who didn’t play finals will not improve?
Another worry is how much will other teams improve? I’m confident the Tigers will but I’m sure fans of Souths believe they will improve, the Dolphins are a good chance to improve, the Cowboys are very capable of improving if they have a dream run with injuries and perhaps one or two other teams who didn’t play finals. And how many of the teams who didn’t play finals will not improve?
It can come down to fine margins especially if looking at the last two spots in the 8. It’s fine margins for those fighting for a 3rd & 4th finish. In my mind I think to alleviate some of those fine margins we must be strong at Leichhardt & Campbelltown. We have 7 games at these stadiums so I think we would need to win at least 5 of them. 6 from 7 would be great as it’d mean 7 from the other 17 would put you right in the mix for a finals spot. Not easy but can be done.
Can't believe the word, "physicality" didn't get a mention here. Tackles that lock up the ball and put the player on the deck. Too often we were dominated by opposing forwards and our defence was opened up by an offload and the ensuing second phase play.
Can't believe the word, "physicality" didn't get a mention here. Tackles that lock up the ball and put the player on the deck. Too often we were dominated by opposing forwards and our defence was opened up by an offload and the ensuing second phase play.
Physicality is on spring break at present.
Wests Tigers Podcast - Talking everything Wests Tigers since 2018!
Look I appreciate the podcasts guys but 2026- beyond is just rinse and repeat. Nothing will change!!
Wests Tigers are only making up the numbers ‼️
Well, what has to happen for that to change?Look I appreciate the podcasts guys but 2026- beyond is just rinse and repeat. Nothing will change!!
Wests Tigers are only making up the numbers ‼️
I enjoyed the reflections of the Gareth Ellis era guys. Honestly he was our best signing ever by so far its not funny!
On the discussion about our bench - there just isn't enough competition for spots in my view.
I can't see too many reasons to be hopeful about 2026 given the only NRL player WT have signed is Kai Pearce Paul.
There wont be enough improvement in our better players and I say that with confidence given there are not enough players challenging from underneath.
Hope, Murray, Will Craig, Luke L, Kit L, Solo Saukuru and Jack Bird - there are 7 blokes there who'd struggle to get a gig at another club if we cut them tomorrow. Players 20-30 in your squad list are just as important as 1-10 and 11-20 given its a long season.
Come 2027 we will have turned these contracts over and there'll be better depth but until they are gone there won't be a turn around - unless we get extremely lucky with injuries.
Looking forward to the next pod!
Words fail me. If Richo walks (and I think he will) does Benji jump also? If that happens Luai triggers his exit and eventually so does Bula.`Disaster when we were getting so close.
