Wests Tigers today confirmed the signings of Hull KR backrower Cory Patterson (1 yr) and Penrith Panthers utility Blake Austin (2 yrs). The duo's signing makes it six new faces added to the roster for next season. 26 year old Patterson, a former Knights and Cowboys player, returns to the NRL due to his wife experiencing home sickness. Austin, a 22 year old Panthers junior was highly regarded a few years back but has seemingly fallen off the radar at the foot of the mountains.
Austin and Patterson represent a familiar trend in the Wests Tigers 2014 recruits. All new signings are looking to prove themselves in new surrounds. These additions appear largely signings made in order to create depth. Pat Richards, Cory Patterson, Martin Taupau and Dene Halatau should all be safe bets for the final 17 come round one. Blake Austin and Keith Lulia could be there, but circumstances will dictate that. Both will start as back up players in their respective positions. Below are some thoughts on the Tigers 2014 recruits and just where they may fit into the plans in Tiger town.
Martin Taupau
There's no denying Martin has the ability to cut it in the NRL. He's big, strong, rangy and aggressive. These are key attributes for any front rower. Taupau looked to be forging his way at the Bulldogs, however the arrival of James Graham and the emergence of Sam Kasiano pushed Taupau down the pecking order and he's had barely a look in since. Taupau will get his chance at Wests Tigers where he'll likely start from the bench in a forward rotation along side Aaron Woods and Keith Galloway. This should prove valuable due to the impact Taupau will bring. His strong running is hoped to provide an injection to the forward pack once the initial interchanges occur.
Pat Richards
Pat Richards return to the NRL is seen by many as one last hurruh for the hulking back. Able to play fullback, centre and wing. Richards returns to Wests Tigers after winning a title with the club back in 2005. Since then Richards has been excelling in a big, big way in the English Super League. Constantly up there in point scoring categories, Richards has made a stunning impact in England. His return to the Tigers is likely to see him slot in either in the centres or the wing. Richards is also likely to assume the goal kicking in 2014 off departing Benji Marshall. His experience will be vital in a squad where according to Grant Mayer will be roughly 23-24 years old.
Dene Halatau
Dene Halatau, like Pat Richards, returns to Wests Tigers after spending recent years with the Canterbury Bulldogs. Halatau, a premiership winner with Wests Tigers saw limited game time with the Bulldogs due to an impressive back rotation that included Greg Eastwood, Frank Pritchard and in recent years Tony Williams and Josh Jackson. Halatau returns with a point to prove. Many Tigers fans were sad to see him leave so his return will be pleasing, even if only for sentimental reasons. Tigers CEO Grant Mayer confirmed that Halatau's signing was a significant one. His leadership and work ethic a BIG reason as to why he was bought back. It's hoped that Dene's experience will benefit the host of youngsters within the club's ranks.
Keith Lulia
At 26, Keith Lulia will provide more experience for a young Wests Tigers squad in 2014. Previous stints with Bradford, Newcastle and St George have shown Lulia to be a more than capable centre who will add depth for the Tigers. Whether he has the ability to challenge the young brigade at Wests Tigers remains to be seen. Lulia though will keep his competitors honest. In Lulia's favour though is the fact that he's already spent time under coach Mick Potter at Bradford, so Potter obviously believes he can do a job here. He's yet another player looking to prove a point.
Cory Patterson
Cory Patterson is just the kind of forward Wests Tigers were looking for. A rangy, strong running, hard tackling back rower. He may be a poor man's Gareth Ellis, but that's not meant to be a bad thing, because this is something the Tigers know they could use. Patterson signs for 1 season but you get the feeling that will be extended at some point, so long as his form is there. Patterson's previous experience at the Knights and Cowboys means he'll be ready and super keen to make an impact next season, and he'll know what to expect.
Blake Austin
Touted as a real player of the future only a couple of years back, Blake Austin makes the move from Penrith in search of opportunity. I'm not really sure why it never worked at the Panthers but Austin could well provide some value for the Tigers. For starters his utility value is enormous, having spent time at centre, 5/8, halfback and lock. Austin will most likely provide another option in the halves where it's expected that Luke Brooks will work with one of either Braith Anasta or Curtis Sironen. If he impresses in pre season I see no reason why Austin can't get a crack in there either.
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