Wests Tigers 2014 squad - Outside backs

Yesterday Wests Tigers released the first of a four part series looking at the 33 man NRL squad for 2014. The series focuses on 4 areas of the squad.  Outside backs - halves/hookers - backrow/lock and prop forwards. The series provides not only a list of players in our top squad for 2014 but also provides insight from head coach Mick Potter.

OFFICIAL LINK TO ARTICLE - http://www.weststigers.com.au/news-display/Wests-Tigers-2014-squad--Outside-Backs/85332

Yesterday's first instalment focuses on the outside backs. Below is a list of the players:



Marika Koroibete
Chris Lawrence
Keith Lulia
Taqele Naiyaravaro
David Nofoaluma
Pat Richards
Kurtis Rowe
Tim Simona
James Tedesco

Potter talks about the experience of Pat Richards as being vital in a group that contains the developing talents that shone brightly in 2013. Chris Lawrence and Keith Lulia compliment Richards' experience and also possess great ability to find the try line. Much of that strike power though is expected to come from the youthful trio of Koroibete, Nofoaluma and Simona.  Each possess a slightly different characteristic (Koroibete - power, speed), Nofoaluma - power, great finishing ability,  Simona - speed, footwork, fend) that will threaten a defence.

Two players who earn promotions to the Wests Tigers squad are Kurtis Rowe (NYC) and Taqele Naiyaravaro (NSW Cup). Both players were standouts for their respective sides in 2013. Their ability to find the try line was a standout feature from their 2013 form. Rowe will essentially provide back up to fullback James Tedesco. Naiyaravaro is one who will start the season as back up  but has a real shot of forcing his way into the first team with a good pre season. Coach Mick Potter believes both Rowe and Naiyaravaro that with the benefit of the pre season, both players should be physically ready for first grade football.

Interestingly though, the man who started 2013 in the fullback jersey, Tim Moltzen, was not included as an outside back for 2014. This would most likely indicate that coach Potter sees Moltzen as an option in the halves for 2014. Unless of course the rumours that Moltzen is and has been successfully shopped around to another club in 2014 have proven true.

Likely 2014 line up:

1. James Tedesco
2. David Nofoaluma
3. Tim Simona
4. Chris Lawrence
5. Pat Richards

VB NSW Cup

1, Kurtis Rowe
2. Marika Koroibete
3. Keith Lulia
4. ?????
5. Taqele Naiyaravaro