Wednesday 31 July 2013

Are marquee player systems really the best way to go?

NRL CEO David Smith has revealed in the past 24 hours that high on the agenda moving forward will be the possibility of the code implementing a marquee player system that's goal will be to keep the best talent in the NRL in the future. Much has been made in recent months of what the code can do to keep Sonny Bill Williams in the NRL. A lot has also been said about what could've been done to keep Benji Marshall in the NRL, or to lure a former league product Israel Folau back to the game.

Honestly, all the points are valid. It's certainly a discussion the game needs to have. We MUST keep the best talent the game has to offer.  However, whilst the NRL ponders which move to make, I d question wether this one is the right way to go. The current system being suggested would be similar to that that is already in operation in the Hyundai A-League.  A system where money outside of the salary cap can be used to obtain a star/high profile player. This essentially means you can pay this one player whatever you wish and it would not count towards the salary cap. It basically would allow a team to pay a key member what he's worth whilst not hurting the ability to keep others.

I still believe the focus from the NRL needs to be rewarding and encouraging clubs in junior development. This is more than just having the Holden Cup or Harrold Matthews and SG Ball competitions.The grassroots is a massive battle ground against football (soccer) and AFL, so it makes a lot of sense if we get all clubs to focus on their junior development, ensuring we have a strong, healthy and vibrant junior league. From this comes the ability to produce a better standard of juniors who walk the pathway toward an eventual NRL career.

How do we then keep them?? To me it's simple. The NRL should provide clubs with discounts towards the salary cap for players that are local juniors. An often used example is to have a discount apply on a player who has spent 10 years in the system. As an example, a player who comes through the ranks starting at Harold Matthews (under16's) would start his first season. By the time he hits 25, a 10 year discount should apply. This could perhaps be a 10% discount on his wages. By the time he brings up 10 years in first grade the NRL should then apply another 10% for his long service. In the case of say Robbie Farah, he could be eligible for a 20% discount on his wages towards the salary cap.

It may seem unfair on some clubs, but when is a system ever fair on all? In the case of a marquee system, do you really think all clubs are going to have the same success attracting players? No, of course not! Sydney clubs would have an advantage. Same as the successful clubs. A marquee system doesn't really help a struggling club. By focusing and rewarding clubs who develop their own talent, I believe it's realistic that we could begin a sound and vibrant production line for all clubs. Even a club like the Melbourne Storm, in AFL central, could successfully develop their own talent so long as they have adequate resources at their disposal. The Sydney Roosters however would need to be focused on here due to their small junior league. Whilst their junior league is small, I am aware of past players looking to rekindle the Eastern Suburbs junior league. If you throw in high school affiliations and feeder clubs from the Queesland Cup, their situation is not as dire as some would suggest. However the NRL needs to work closely on developing the junior league for the Roosters best interests.

What I don't understand about the NRL is the continual cold shoulder it delivers towards the idea of salary cap discounts??? It preaches so many good values this system. It preaches loyalty, hard work and solidarity. With the resources spent it would strengthen the grassroots level. Most of all, we would see the likes of Robbie Farah, Cameron Smith and Nathan Merritt soundly play for the one club. On top of that a system like this may've been enough to persuade the likes of Benji Marshall and hopefully would be enough to keep Sonny Bill Williams at the Roosters.

The game always has and always will produce star players but it's sad when they feel they need to leave code to get what they're looking for. Some players leave for challenge, I know, but we need them to be wanting to stay. When a player has no reason to want to leave the code, this is when we'll know we're back on the right path.

Monday 29 July 2013

Where to from here?

Last night's 36-18 loss to Manly has extinguished the flame of finals football for Wests Tigers. Before hand it had been described as a "pipe dream", especially with remaining matches against the Sea Eagles (last night), Souths and the Roosters. That flame was well and truly doused last night by a Manly side well below their best, but with their experience and guile more than enough to roll past an inconsistent Tigers outfit.

The question now stands: Where to from here for Wests Tigers? Coach Mick Potter this morning on Sydney radio suggested he may now take a look at few more youngsters, or at the very least start thinking 2014 mode. One thing this season has proven is that the Tigers will not be down in the nrl sewers for too long. A wealth of talent has suggested better days lie ahead. Yesterday we heard all about that future with the news that a key cog in Mitchell Moses and Luke Brooks had signed long terms deals. Beyond them though lies a list of talented prospects.

For me, i'd like to see the Tigers take a very real shift towards 2014 now. Below is a list of changes I would make over the final rounds of the season:

- First i'd like to view Tim Simona in the centres. This is where he made his debut back in 2011. Yes, it's noted that he has shone brilliantly on the wing since moving there but in my opinion his form has improved due to the self belief found since his breakout game against the Panthers back in R13. He's a more confident player within himself now and feels he belongs in this arena. Potter will know that Simona, Pat Richards, Keith Lulia or  David Nofoaluma are the guys tasked to take over the departing Blake Ayshford's centre position. Simona stands as the best option at this moment. Go for it I say!

- Now assuming Simona  were to move to the centres, this would also allow Marika Koroibete a path back into the top grade. He needs more experience. His potential is incredible. He has SO much upside to his potential. In doing this, the Tigers would  also be using a player from their top 25, which brings me to a much questioned next point.

- The case for Luke Brooks. From what is known, Brooks still needs to gain a clearance from the NRL in order to play top grade. No one yet has ruled him out of the equation even though the Tigers have surpassed their second tier salary cap. In order for Brooks to play, they will need to gain an exemption. Weather the Tigers who are now out of finals reckoning could now gain one remains to be seen.

The Case for Brooks though is not just about chucking him in. Potter may well decide to start him. I feel though he would be best served starting from the bench in a move not too dissimilar to what Souths have done with Luke Keary and John Sutton. In this case Curtis Sironen would start in the halves and at some point Brooks would come on moving Sironen into the second row, a position he'll likely permanently move into in the near future.


The Tigers can't do too much here in relation to preparing for next season. Partly due to the fact they still need to keep the side competitive, but also due to the fact that there are very few young players they haven't used yet who may get a call up. Koroibete and Brooks appear the two most likely to see time over the final rounds. Taqele Naiyaravoro, Sitaleki Akaoula and perhaps James Gavet are the only other guys who could come into contention here.

One thing is certain though, this is the beginning of an end. And with every end comes a new beginning.

Sunday 28 July 2013

Tigers re-sign 3, add kapow!

This morning Wests Tigers announced the re-signings of the men they'll set the task to replacing Benji Marshall. Talented teens Luke Brooks and Mitchell Moses have re-signed with the club till the end of 2017 (4yr deals), Whilst 21 year old hooker Joel Luani had agreed a new two year deal to the end of 2015.  In further good news for the club, another of their 2005 premiership winning players, Dene Halatau will rejoin the club for two years as well.

 In 18 year old halves Luke Brooks and Mitchell Moses, the Tigers have two halves that not only possess ability beyond their years, but a combination that is all too rare in the National Rugby League these days. A combination developed largely in junior football both with Holy Cross Ryde, then further polished with an SG Ball title with Balmain in 2012, the talented duo have this year shone in the NRL's Holden Cup.  Their signatures were seen as key for the Tigers, even more so with the news of Benji Marshall's departure at the end of this season.

A new deal for little known hooker Luani is reward for a talented rake who won an NYC title with the club back in 2012 in a side that featured many current 1st graders. Luani now will be placed as Robbie Farah's back up in the top 25 squad. It would seem all but certain that Masada Iosefa will move on at the end of the season. The final piece in today's jigsaw is the news that Dene Halatau will return home for two years. Halatau has spent the past 4 seasons at the Canterbury Bulldogs. His signing has been labelled by Tigers CEO Grant Mayer as crucial both on and off the field. Halatau's experience will ne vital in the next two years in a squad who's only real experience lies with Captain Farah, Keith Galloway, Liam Fulton, Braith Anasta and Pat Richards. Mayer also hailed Halatau's leadership and off field qualities as vital.

2014 RECRUITS

Martin Taupau (Canterbury, 3yrs)
Pat Richards (Wigan, 2yrs)
Keith Lulia ( Bradford, 2 yrs)
Dene Halatau (Canterbury, 2 yrs)

http://www.weststigers.com.au/news-display/Major-player-news-for-Wests-Tigers/80470

Friday 26 July 2013

PREVIEW: Wests Tigers v Manly

Wests Tigers head to Campbelltown for the 4th and likely last time for 2013 when they tackle Manly on Monday Night Football in round 20 of the NRL. The Tigers fresh off a disappointing loss to the Warriors at Leichhardt Oval last round will be looking to atone against the Eagles. This however will be no mean feat. The Eagles form lately has been good with 3 comfortable wins in a row v Titans, Cowboys and Eels. In particular the form of Brett Stewart, the ever reliable Jamie Lyon whilst outside backs Jorge Taufua and David Williams have been beneficiaries of an attack which has clicked in recent weeks.

This spells danger for the Tigers who are still finding their way with a young squad. Whilst Tim Simona has been a revelation this season, other youngsters such James Tedesco, Curtis Sironen, Sauaso Sue and Jack Buchanan continue to come along steady. This week poses a real test against an experienced and quality football team. The loss too of Aaron Woods will hurt the Tigers, but that could be offset by the late inclusion of Keith Galloway from injury.

For the Tigers to stand any chance on Monday night, Captain Robbie Farah will need to lead the way. Benji Marshall will need to keep things simple and play the percentages. The forward pack will also need to rise together and match their rivals. As much as ever, completion rates will need to be high and the kicking game on song. In truth the Tigers will need to play close to a perfect game to have a chance here.

No doubts that this is a tough fixture for the Tigers, but buoyed by a home crowd. Robbie Farah's 200th and Liam Fulton's 150th game. You can never say never with the Tigers but i'm going with the Sea Eagles by 10.

Thursday 25 July 2013

Simon Dwyer

Watching last night's short snippet on "Sterlo" regarding the battle of Wests Tigers back rower Simon Dwyer wasn't an easy thing to view.  Dwyer's plight has been well documented since his 2011 injury. What seemed a routine tackle that had gone wrong still only seemed minor. Many assumed Dwyer had been concussed, or at worst, the kind of nerve damage that NRL players have suffered from time to time. Nothing that was considered career threatening. However as time would show, Simon's story was tragic.

Dwyer was regarded massively at Wests Tigers. His form too would live up to potential. He was named to represent City Origin in 2011. He was realistically a potential Origin player in the same year such was his development, a true origin bolter he would've been. Sky appeared the limit for this hard running, hard hitting back rower.

 What happened that fateful night for Simon is not so much my talking point. Instead, Dwyer has touched and impressed many with his outlook as he not only recovers but lives with the reality that his career may be over before It ever took off. Simon's choice to work amongst the team at Wests Tigers is a true sign of character. Here is a guy who could be down on himself, too depressed to remain involved in the code. Instead, he's accepted his position and has used it to great effect. Dwyer has already completed steps on his way to a coaching license, having worked with Wests Tigers and City Origin, thanks to the support of Brad Fittler.

Not surprisingly Dwyer hasn't shut the door on an NRL return just yet. He accepts there's a very real chance he may not ever play again, But with age on his side and an arm which is improving with time, it's never say never for Dwyer. Even if he is still a long way off a return, it's hard not to root for him. It's also hard not to feel inspired by a young man, who far from being crushed by his misfortune, is showing determination and class by the way he holds his head and carries on.

LINK TO VIDEO -

http://www.foxsports.com.au/league/nrl-premiership/sterlo-the-story-behind-the-injury-that-cut-short-tigers-forward-simon-dwyers-promising-nrl-career/story-fni6wi2q-1226684962447#.UfHzpxR-_IU

Wednesday 24 July 2013

Silly season well and truly underway at Wests Tigers

If there are 4 seasons in one year then surely "Silly Season" should only be temporary? At Wests Tigers though it doesn't seem to be the case. Silly Season  in 2013 seems to have occurred basically all season long and in my opinion it has driven me nuts! For those of you slightly unfamiliar with the term "Silly Season", it's basically a period of time within the football season where players are rumoured to be joining this club and that club. 95% of it nonsense.

The media here in Australia love to speculate. They used to be the worst offenders when it came to speculation. A certain Sydney publication without doubt the chief offender. Trouble is they're now not the worst offender. That title now belongs to the countless NRL accounts set up on Twitter and Facebook who post the latest rumours. There are too many of them and whilst i don't mind following some of these accounts, there's simply no need for the amount that there are. Ever heard of a term called "Overkill"??

For the Tigers much of the Silly Season talk has focused on Benji Marshall. As the club's biggest asset, this was no surprise. Adam Blair is next. Blair has been speculated about since last season and when performances from the former Kiwi vice captain fell away in the early rounds of this season, people talked.  Many suggested Blair would be offloaded by the club because he simply didn't perform to his price tag. Thankfully though a few things have happened lately. Blair's form has improved. Coach Mick Potter has supported him openly and now the club's COO Grant Mayer has stated Blair isn't going anywhere. I think it's time we put this one to bed!

Silly Season has gotten so silly at Wests Tigers that we're now fretting over an 18 years duo in Luke Brooks and Mitchell Moses and what will happen to them. Neither have played first grade yet and Mitchell hasn't even played NSW Cup! Is this what's become of Silly Season??? I blame the rise of social media. The information is more easily accessible,  the ability to converse with players, club officials is so straight forward. It is the way of the future perhaps, but at what price?? Silly season may never again be a season. It may just turn into a whole year.


Tuesday 23 July 2013

So is Campbelltown and it's stadium really a match for Wests Tigers?

On Monday night the Wests Tigers will make their 4th and likely final appearance at Campbelltown Stadium for the the 2013 season. Logistically it seems almost bizarre that they will play Manly on a Monday night in Campbelltown, but that is another argument for another day.

The relationship between Campbelltown and the Wests Tigers has always been up for debate, whether rightly or wrongly. There is a perception that the Concord based club prefers Leichhardt due to it's proximity to Concord and that because of it's love affair with the iconic suburban ground, that it often makes decisions favouring the Balmain side of the joint venture. I'm here to tell you that is utter dribble.

There is also a perception that Wests Tigers is disconnected with its fans in Macarthur region. For years now the locals have pointed to a serious lack of presence by the NRL club in the area.  Earlier this year, then CEO Stephen Humphreys committed to upping the presence of the Wests Tigers in the region. Even suggesting that plans for a Centre of Excellence were on the cards. This is a move i would love to see the club take on. Since this declaration of support for the region we've seen multiple engagements by the club with fans as it attempts to reconnect with them.

The problem is, i'm not so sure there ever was a problem with Wests Tigers in Campbelltown. I used the word "perception" earlier because i believe that's exactly what it is. Wests Tigers have been smart enough not to deny the cries, they have listened to the fans opinions and taken them on board. They have tried to reassure fans in the region that they do matter and that they are most definitely part of the NRL club. But at some point the onus MUST fall back on the supporters.  The club has done its part in 2013 to reconnect with its fans in the region yet we're yet to see the fans show the same kind of support for the club.

Monday's clash with Manly will be the perfect chance for the fans to show the club it appreciates the recent efforts. A game against a high flying premiership heavyweight boasting the likes of Brett Stewart, Jamie Lyon, Keiran Foran, Daly Cherry Evans, Anthony Watmough and co should be more than enough to get locals there. Not to be forgotten, club Captain Robbie Farah plays his 200th first grade game. Local favourite Liam Fulton plays his 150th first game. If this STILL isn't enough then the club's most exceptional talent ever, Benji Marshall, plays his likely final game at the stadium.  I don't know what more incentive fans need to get out there??? If it helps the weather forcast is fine and 22 degrees for monday. Perfect!

The bottom line is, the onus IS on the fans now. Wests Tigers has done it's part this season to reconnect with the fans. It's now up to them respond. Show the league world that Campbelltown and the Wests Tigers is indeed a match.

Wests Tigers to face Manly without Woods, Galloway.

Wests Tigers coach Mick Potter has named a largely similar side to the one which took the field last weekend vs the Warriors at Leichhardt Oval. The one exception being a major one. The loss of forward leader Aaron Woods who Potter says expects to miss perhaps a couple of weeks with a knee injury suffered last week. Woods omission sees young Jack Buchanan gain another chance to start, whilst Penrith bound Shaun Spence comes onto the bench.

Perhaps the most glaring omission was the non selection of yet another prop in Keith Galloway, who tweeted only last weekend that he should be right to go for the Manly clash. The fact he hasn't been named may count for little though with the game not till Monday night and the fact Galloway could still yet be a late inclusion in a game where his presence could sorely be used now that Woods is out.

The game will mark Captain Robbie Farah's 200th and Liam Fulton's 150th for the Wests Tigers.

Wests Tigers squad V Manly

1. James Tedesco, 2. David Nofoaluma, 3.Blake Ayshford, 4. Chris Lawrence, 5. Tim Simona, 6. Benji Marshall, 7. Curtis Sironen. 8. Jack Buchanan, 9. Robbie Farah, 10. Adam Blair, 11. Liam Fulton, 12. Bodene Thompson, 13. Sauaso Sue. Res: 14. Ava Seumanafagai, 15. Shaun Spence, 16. Ben Murdoch-Masila, 17. Braith Anasta.

Monday 22 July 2013

Marshall's 2013 stats tell an ugly tale.

So last night i was presented with the cold, hard, raw facts that put into perspective the struggles of Benji Marshall in 2013. Below is a tally of key attacking stats for Marshall in the past 3 seasons:

TA: Try Assists, LBA: Line Break Assists, LB: Line Breaks

2013 (up to end of R19) - 3 TA, 2 LBA and 4 LB.

2012 (season stats) - 36 TA, 32 LBA and 6 LB.

2011 (season stats) - 24 TA, 28 LBA and  17 LB

It's interesting to note though that in 2012 Marshall took it upon himself to be less of the player that he had been and more of an organizing half back. Wests Tigers had struggled to produce an organizing half since Scott Prince's departure and then coach Tim Sheens was desperate for Marshall to develop into one. This to me explains a massive drop off in line breaks (17 in 2011 - 6 in 2012) and a slight rise in try assists and line break assists over the same period. Marshall was instructed to be less the individual and more the organizer for the sake of the team. This is in part in my opinion is part of his downfall..

As the saying goes, "Stats don't lie", well this certainly provides a deafening scream of alarm for those in Team Benji.  Sure, it's also true that stats don't tell the whole picture. In this case Wests Tigers have dealt with a massive injury toll and a seriously inexperienced 17 for an extended period. The end result being more losses than wins to this day, Those factors do contribute to Marshall's low numbers in 2013, however these key attacking stats have always been high. In fact Marshall has been top of the tree or near in these categories for quite a few years now. The bottom line is we expect better from a player the calibre of Marshall. To see them drop off the way they have in 2013 is staggering!

* Stats provided via @NothingButWT

A look ahead at: Round 20, v Manly, Campbelltown Stadium, 7.05pm, Monday 29th July

 The round 20 clash versus Manly stands potentially as the clash that realistically ends the Wests Tigers finals hopes in 2013. Whilst the Tigers can certainly mathematically still get there. A tough run of fixtures ensures it'll be a real battle to do so. The tough games begin with Monday night's home game with Manly. The Sea Eagles have been impressive in recent weeks. Brett Stewart looks to have found some real form While Jorge Tafua, Jamie Lyon and David Williams have plenty of confidence right now. It's going to a real battle for our boys.

Two important milestones are set to be notched on Monday night. Captain Robbie Farah will play his 200th game for the club. Few would argue that Farah already rates as one of the club's greats and the side will be fired up to deliver their inspirational skipper the win he deserves. Highly valued back rower Liam Fulton also plays his 150th game for the club.

Wests Tigers have mixed news regarding team selections this week. The bad news is that Aaron Woods could well be missing with the results of scans on an injured knee set to determine his fate. On the plus side though, prop Keith Galloway confirmed late last week that he should be right to return from a pectoral injury suffered in the early rounds of this season. Other than this, the Tigers expect to name a similar side to the one that was beaten by the Warriors last week.

Much focus from the media is likely to again centre on the mercurial Benji Marshall, who plays his final game out at Campbelltown Stadium.  I think many expected a more polished Marshall performance versus the Warriors. Sadly though it was another game where he tried his heart out but the execution was lacking once more. It's become a case of hoping for better next time around. Like Marshall, the entire side will need to dramatically improve if they're to stand a chance against a far superior and experienced Manly side.

Stay tuned tomorrow for team selection analysis

Sunday 21 July 2013

Brenden Santi set to join Parramatta Eels in 2014

Wests Tigers Holden Cup back rower Brenden Santi has agreed to join Sydney rival, Parramatta Eels from 2014. Santi who represented NSW U'20's in 2013 and captained the Australian Schoolboys side in 2011 will join the club at the completion of the 2013.  Santi is held in high regard at Wests Tigers, known for his exceptional work rate and has even represented the Wests Tigers NSW Cup team on several occasions this season.

The Tigers who have been battling well publicized salary cap issues are believed to have not been able to compete with the Eels who also offered Santi a top 25 contract with the club in 2014. He becomes the 6th player to leave Wests Tigers in 2013, following the high profile departures of Benji Marshall, Blake Ayshford, Eddie Pettybourne, Shaun Spence and Jacob Miller. Wests Tigers also hope to extend the contract of exciting young cubs Luke Brooks and Mitchell Moses in the near future. The talented duo remain under contract for 2014 but the club is determined to extend their contracts beyond.