On this edition, Eddie and Steve look for reasons to be optimistic and also take a look at some interesting team changes for this weekend's clash with the Bulldogs, including the naming of Bula and Bateman. https://weststigerspodcast.com.au/wests-tigers-podcast-0240/
Wests Tigers Podcast - Talking everything Wests Tigers!
Probably a class centre or fullback short of being a genuine finals hope. Our draw looks tough now too. Even looks like the Storm will have most of their best back for us. Still, only 2 rounds in so never know what could happen.
This is based on nothing more than a hunch but I would not be at all surprised if, at some point this season, Daine Laurie asks for a release from his contract. I just feel he might be happier elsewhere, less frustrated and enjoy a change. I don’t know where he would go if he did, perhaps bulldogs if they had a spot open, maybe even outside the top 30, no idea really but it wouldn’t shock me. Hope I’m wrong.
Maybe. Laurie really hasn’t quite been the same since he broke his leg in 2021 against the Warriors.This is based on nothing more than a hunch but I would not be at all surprised if, at some point this season, Daine Laurie asks for a release from his contract. I just feel he might be happier elsewhere, less frustrated and enjoy a change. I don’t know where he would go if he did, perhaps bulldogs if they had a spot open, maybe even outside the top 30, no idea really but it wouldn’t shock me. Hope I’m wrong.
Steve is being super optimistic thinking we’ll make the 8. I can see his argument but even he pointed out so many holes in this squad.
With Bateman coming into the side soon and with Kepoa looking promising as well as the likes of Justin Matamua playing well in State Cup it begs the question what does our best 18 look like if all available?
With Bateman coming into the side soon and with Kepoa looking promising as well as the likes of Justin Matamua playing well in State Cup it begs the question what does our best 18 look like if all available?
Personally I think by year end our top 18 will be something like this.
1. Bula
2. Tupou
3. Naden
4. Kepaoa
5. Staines
6. Doueihi
7. Wakeham
8. Klemmer
9. Api
10. Joe O
11. Papali'i
12. Bateman
13. Matamua
14. Brooks (to sub Api for 10-15 mins)
15. Stefano
16. Blore
17. Pole
@avocadoontoast doubt we put Brooks as the 14
Think Douhie will end up in centres and wakeham and Brooks will be the halves.
Think Laurie will be at another club by July
1. Bula
2. Tupou
3. Naden
4. Doueihi
5. Staines
6. Brooks
7. Wakeham
8. Klemmer
9. Api
10. Stef
11. Papali'i
12. Kepoa
13. Bateman
14. Twal
15. Joe O
16. Blore
17. Pole
@russtutty63 storm guys may be underdone we might be a chance against them
I’ve booked to go down there. Will head to MCG for first AFL game and experience of the MCG Saturday, Collywobbles v Port Adelaide. Also first time AAMI Park so hoping for a great game and a win of course. The Storm will be a lot better than they were against the Dogs so we’ll have to be very, very good to win I think.@russtutty63 storm guys may be underdone we might be a chance against them
I agree with Steve when he said there was too much talk around us prior to the start of the comp’. Too much “Is this the Tigers chance to make the 8”. Just put more pressure on the team and probably have a little more motivation to teams like the Knights and Titans who were not talked about much or seen as struggling teams this year. Both of them came to Leichhardt and got the job done, mainly through good goal line defence and scrambling. Shame because I really think we needed a win out of those 2 just for less pressure on us. Now it will build and build if not results come.
Big fan of Matamua, the halves need him as I think he’s the best option at that ball playing lock position. If all goes well for him the next 3 or 4 weeks in State Cup, he continues to improve in that role and defend well he’s got to be considered. He’s not 20 until May so still plenty of improvement in him.With Bateman coming into the side soon and with Kepoa looking promising as well as the likes of Justin Matamua playing well in State Cup it begs the question what does our best 18 look like if all available?
Personally I think by year end our top 18 will be something like this.
1. Bula
2. Tupou
3. Naden
4. Kepaoa
5. Staines
6. Doueihi
7. Wakeham
8. Klemmer
9. Api
10. Joe O
11. Papali'i
12. Bateman
13. Matamua
14. Brooks (to sub Api for 10-15 mins)
15. Stefano
16. Blore
17. Pole
With Bateman coming into the side soon and with Kepoa looking promising as well as the likes of Justin Matamua playing well in State Cup it begs the question what does our best 18 look like if all available?
Staines
Tupou
Naden
Talau
Nofoaluma
Doueihi
Brooks
Matamua
Papali’ii
Bateman
Klemmer
Api
Stefano
Bench:
Joffa
Twal
Pole
Kepoa
Blore
With Bateman coming into the side soon and with Kepoa looking promising as well as the likes of Justin Matamua playing well in State Cup it begs the question what does our best 18 look like if all available?
Staines
Tupou
Naden
Talau
Nofoaluma
Doueihi
Brooks
Matamua
Papali’ii
Bateman
Klemmer
Api
Stefano
Bench:
Joffa
Twal
Pole
Kepoa
Blore
you lost me at Nofoaluma Russ
Bula is miles off a FG standard #1 for me.
All for giving him a run on a wing in the back end of the season if the situation arises, but let's be realistic.
