It wasn't a win, but the Wests Tigers lost no friends on Saturday afternoon in Canberra.
The GIO Stadium clash ended up being a 24-10 win for the Raiders, who also wrapped up the Minor Premiership on the day.
For Wests Tigers, though, our performance had most fans convinced this team is heading for bigger and better things in 2026 and beyond.
On this edition of the Wests Tigers Podcast, Joel, Zac, and Declan take a look at many positive aspects of the Tigers' performance.
Some of those positives include the way the forward pack muscled up against what is arguably the best pack in the game at present.
The at times quite sharp attack, our lethal left edge, and determined defence that mostly kept our top-placed opposition at bay.
A couple of things that weren't so positive are also up for debate on this edition, including the second-half refereeing performance, aspects of our kicking game, and the Wests Tigers bench.
A varied array of One Word submissions on this Wests Tigers podcast
Some of the Wests Tigers Podcast Forum 'One Word' submissions this week included: Seven, Effort, Proud, and Fate. As always, thanks for all the contributions!
The boys also look at what the spirited effort on Saturday shows us regarding team harmony and attitude. It is easy to see that our side has gelled more as the season has gone on, and this is a stark contrast to what we have seen in recent years.
Some of the other talking points include the performance of Fonua Pole, Alex Twal, and Latu Fainu.
Unfortunately, Jeral Skelton may have played his last game of 2025, and we discuss whether that opens the door for a debut by Haemasi Makasini against the Gold Coast Titans.
It is a post-loss edition of the Wests Tigers Podcast, yet things do seem different after a spirited and mostly quite slick performance from the boys.
We hope you enjoy this edition of the podcast, and don't miss the big mid-week show with a preview of our last game of the season.
Listen to "Wests Tigers Brave In Raiders Showdown" on Spreaker.
Wests Tigers Podcast - Talking everything Wests Tigers since 2018!
Well I’ve been against debuting Makasini… but I think the time could be right. However I’d also play the Forbes Ferrari Stains on the right wing. Think he deserves a first grade send off. Then we could play Turuva off the bench to play rogue.
who’s with me ? Stu?
I don't really see a great deal of value in Makasini playing in this game. I actually would have preferred he had his debut against the Raiders, to see a benchmark attack up close. I'm happy for Stanes to get a final run, we might need his speed out wide, or even Naden (yes I said it) to have a hit out so he can score a hat trick and tackle at 100% to earn another contract. I'm not fussed, would be ok with any of the three getting a run.
Thanks guys I enjoyed the podcast. I hope the positivity you have can continue into the off season after a strong win this weekend!
On the chat about 2026 halves I agree with Declans views on AD and Latu. Personally I think AD should get the starting 7 jumper next year SOLELY because of his long kicking game. We struggled without him last week.
Latu has a lot of developing to do. One thing that is becoming clearer to me is that he is very hesitant playing on the right side of the ruck. He cannot pass with confidence left to right. I hope the coaching staff can work on this.
FWIW I did a quick comparison of Latu vs Katoa from the Dolphins.
Latu is 18 months younger than Katoa
Katoa 67 NRL games vs Latu 22 NRL games
In their first 22 NRL games here is a statistical comparison
Latu has played off the bench in around half of his top level games which skews the data a little, but its clear the main shortfall in Latu's game currently is his long kicking. He needs to find improvement there. Given he touches the ball less often than Katoa his attacking stats compare pretty well.
I think Latu will benefit from continuing his development off the bench to start 2026. Coming on after 20 odd mins wont harm him nor would spending time as backup dummy half.
I think Latu will benefit from continuing his development off the bench to start 2026. Coming on after 20 odd mins wont harm him nor would spending time as backup dummy half.
Latu's development has been very cautious, he has been coming off the bench for two seasons now. As well as skills that he needs to develop, he also needs to develop confidence.
The club needs a plan for its spine. We have fumbled around with a revolving door in our spine for near ten years. We now have the cattle and team to start implementing a plan. Its time to execute, not time time to experiment, to see how things go or go softly softly. IMO AD is not and can not be our permanent or even short term solution at 7. He is NOT a halfback, does not have the required skills at halfback other than a decent long kick, so AD is not the answer.
Latu is the answer. IMO its time and the timing is perfect. He will be 7 this week in only the second time our first choice spine has played together ever. That gives him, Benji, the club, Api, Romey, Bula and Latu the whole preseason to work together and lock it in and then we just go with it, end of story.
Its time we started acting like a top 8 club, not looking for problems. Devise the plan, execute the plan, STICK to the damn plan.
If we are fiddling with AD or Jock Madden at 7 half way through next season, we do not make the semi's.
I find it extremely hard to believe that madden is coming here to play anything other than NSW cup 7. I think we have to make a commitment to Latu and give him the first couple of months next year to have a real crack. I also think you have to give AD a clear goal to learn his role as a ball playing, kicking 13 (quite a unique role). I would love to give Latu the responsibility of running our red zone attack because it is a relatively formulaic part of the game, can be taught in an offseason and gives him a clear role in our team other than just being second fiddle to Luai. The kid has all the skills but struggles to find his role and voice with AD and Luai on the ball.
I find it extremely hard to believe that madden is coming here to play anything other than NSW cup 7. I think we have to make a commitment to Latu and give him the first couple of months next year to have a real crack. I also think you have to give AD a clear goal to learn his role as a ball playing, kicking 13 (quite a unique role). I would love to give Latu the responsibility of running our red zone attack because it is a relatively formulaic part of the game, can be taught in an offseason and gives him a clear role in our team other than just being second fiddle to Luai. The kid has all the skills but struggles to find his role and voice with AD and Luai on the ball.
