Season 2013 is officially over for Wests Tigers after both the VB NSW Cup and Holden Cup sides were eliminated last weekend. It means we can now officially move into off season mode. That means here on TigerNagtionNRL that blogs will still come through, they just won't be multiple times per week. Today though I present the Stock report. What is this?? Well it's a chancs to assess the form of players on the Wests Tigers roster. Play well and your stock rises. Play bad and it drops. It's simple really.
STOCK UP
James Tedesco - Tedesco started 2013 as back up to Tim Moltzen. A guy who himself was not considered a standout fullback option. After initially gaining playing time on the wing, Tedesco was shifted to his favoured position after Moltzen tore his ACL. By seasons end Tedesco had delivered several standout performances and many noted his ability as a tough, safe and effective option. 2013 was a comeback year for James who also tore his ACL in 2012. With a World Cup ahead (Italy) and a full pre season. There's no reason this stock won't continue to rise.
Tim Simona - Simona started 2013 well down the pecking order. In fact his form in early 2013 was nothing spectacular. Something though triggered in his self belief on a Sunday afternoon in Penrith. From that moment on Tim was like a new player. His speed is a massive asset, his footwork and fend also make him dangerous. However it is his confidence which is his biggest asset right now. It is soaring! Tim clearly feels he belongs at this level now. Expecting big things again in 2014.
Luke Brooks - Brooks' rise to the summit that is the NRL has been meteoric and it could've been even faster had the second tier salary cap not slowed his progress. Brooks started 2013 with only an SG Ball campaign and a few NYC games under his belt. A 2013 season spent between NYC and NSW Cup paid off for the club when Brooks made a stellar debut v St George Illawarra late in the season. He looks to have the tools to succeed. His temperament and experience will only improve over time. With Benji Marshall now departed, Brooks' star will continue to rise.
David Nofoaluma - Nofoaluma's rise to first grade was always going to happen. His ability in the lower grades was simply too hard to ignore. His ability find the try line was exceptional. Likewise, his ability to break tackles is a major asset. With more experience and size, he'll become a valuable weapon out wide. A good team needs a player like Dave. One who is extremely effective at his primary role. Scoring tries.
STOCK DOWN
Tim Moltzen - Moltzen's ACL tear could not have happened at a worse time for him. With the highly rated Tedesco breathing down his neck, a long lay off was all he didn't need. 2014 presents a clouded future for him now. Where does he play? It won't be fullback. Unconvincing previous stints in the halves or even centre leave Tim sitting outside the Wests Tigers best 17 next season. His stock, well and truly down.
Braith Anasta - Anasta provides two valuable tools right now. A wealth of experience and leadership. However at this stage of his career he needs to show more. 2013 was difficult. Bought to the club by Tim Sheens, coach Mick Potter struggled to find a productive way in which to use him. A groin injury also slowed him down for a good 6 weeks or so. With Marshall gone, many suspect Braith will fill his void. But this is no guarantee. He'll need to be effective otherwise other options will rise.
Marika Koroibete - Marika's 2013 campaign was a tough one to watch. Blessed with raw, highly sought after talent, Koroibete never got his best foot forward this season due to injuries. In his absence Tim Simona and David Nofoaluma cashed in and with a fitter Chris Lawrence and Pat Richards providing more experience, it appears Koroibete will start 2014 as back up. There's no doubt Marika is far from a finished product. A prolonged stint in NSW Cup in order to fine tune his weaknesses may be a blessing in disguise.
Ben Murdoch-Masila - Ben's 2013 was a lot like his 2012 season. He showed flashes of promise but overall never really took the next step. To be fair, off field issues have made it tough on Murdoch-Masila this season and for a good portion of the season his stock was falling. The emergence of Sauaso Sue, Curtis Sironen's eventual move to the back row and the arrival of Cory Paterson will only add more pressure for Ben to succeed. However, a good end to the season on the back of some longer game time again emerges the potential of big Ben. Maybe his stock is neither down or up????
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