2014 shapes as an important season for the Wests Tigers. Much has changed since 2011 when the club last made the top eight. A disappointing 2013 was largely highlighted by an exciting crop of youngsters who showed potential to be long term players for the club. In 2014 though, the pressure valve will be on others to lead by example and perform well.
Below are 5 players who simply need to perform this season. If they don't, they'll find themselves looking for a new club next season or at least wishing they could. Others will simply have the weight of expectation on them to lead the team into a better place this season.
5. Robbie Farah - Captain Farah is going nowhere. He is our marquee man, our franchise player. However in 2014 the team needs him to continue his great form. His leadership is second to none, so the example he sets is not of concern. What is of concern though is the ability of the team to play off Farah. It's pretty obvious that if we're to win games, Robbie will be relied on to come up big when it counts.
The Key to success: Robbie needs to be busy. When he's busy it seems to rub off on others. His decision making needs to be spot on too, as does his trust in other key personnel. Robbie can't do it all on his own. The moment he tries, the side will fail.
4. Luke Brooks - It's a little unfair to put Luke Brooks under any pressure, but the fact is that in the NRL, all players will be under pressure to perform. Brooks clearly has the skills to do a job and in the best case scenario he will make a positive difference for the Tigers. Luke just needs to worry about what he needs to do. If he does that, then 2014 will be a success for him.
The Key to success: Luke just needs to worry about his own game. Yes, that's clichéd, but it's also true. He has the skills but not yet the experience. The ride WILL be bumpy. So long as his organizational skills show advancement and he learns to run the football and play the percentage. He'll be fine.
3. Chris Lawrence - Lawrence by his own admission has had a disappointing past 2 seasons. Injuries have hampered him to a large extent and we really haven't seen him near his best. However, at his best he is a definite rep calibre player. His pre season so far has been great. He is fit and from all reports firing! This is good news for all because Lawrence brings experience and a professional attitude to the table. If he can keep injury free, I reckon we see Lawrence begin to show his best again.
The Key to success: I can't help but think the key here is fitness. Chris has the quality. He has the experience but the ability to remain fit has deserted him in recent seasons. At his best, he is a devastating centre with a real knack for hitting holes and crossing try lines. What we'd all give to see this again.
2 - Tim Moltzen - 2014 shapes up as massive for Tim Moltzen. A player who'll be relied upon more than ever before, now that Benji Marshall has gone. Moltzen's biggest issue has been consistency. He shows flashes of good football here and there, but usually no more. Injuries have set him back hugely in recent seasons. A fractured knee cap will have him starting behind the 8 ball yet again for this season. The emergence though of Mitchell Moses and the arrival of Blake Austin, both younger, mean Moltzen is fast running out of opportunities. If he has future here, he needs to make sure of it!
The Key to success: First and foremost, it's fitness too. Moltzen has had too many issues in recent seasons. so good fitness is the foundation for improvement. After that, Molzten really needs to find continuity in where he is positioned in the team. Some say he was burdened by the poisoned chalice of the "utility" tag by Tim Sheens. So continuity is important for him
1- Adam Blair - Much has been said about Adam Blair in the media. Comparisons of his form here and that of his time in Melbourne certainly don't add up well. Things though did improve a little in the second half of 2013, and in 2014 the onus on Blair is heavier than ever before. His leadership will be vital. His work rate crucial. Blair has two more seasons to go on his so-called "Big money" contract and more than ever, his side needs him. One gets the feeling this is his "Stand and deliver" year.
The Key to success: One of Blair's biggest criticism's has been his work rate. So keeping that high is a great place to start. This season though, more than ever before, his experience will be vital. As a senior figure, he is crucial to the younger players. I do think Blair will thrive in this role and hopefully it reflects in his form. At his best, he is a rep player without doubt!
Wednesday 22 January 2014
Friday 17 January 2014
Strength in depth the key for Wests Tigers
Via @NothingButWT
The way forward for the Wests Tigers in 2014 is simple,
don’t get injured. In 2013, over 110 games were missed through injury from the
club’s Top 25 contracted players. This led to the club giving 10 players their
NRL debuts and also using 5 players who were eligible for the U20’s
competition.
Even with Marshall, Ayshford, Reddy and co departing at the
end of 2013, the club has built depth for the new season at a level it has
never seen before. There has never really been a strong “pressure to perform”
at the club, as it has only ever had 20-23 players who are ready and capable to
play in the NRL.
In 2014, we have over 40 players who have either played in
the NRL or are graduating from the Holden Cup with potential to break into the
side this year or next. With 19 of the preseason NRL squad being 22 years of
age or younger, the club’s future is secure. But as usual, it’s an expectation
that teams must perform ‘here and now’.
Possible NRL 17: James
Tedesco, David Nofoaluma, Chris Lawrence, Tim Simona, Pat Richards,
BraithAnasta, Luke Brooks, Aaron Woods, Robbie Farah ©, Keith Galloway, Curtis
Sironen, Liam Fulton, Sauaso Sue; Adam Blair, Marty Taupau, Ava Seumanufagai,
Ben Murdoch-Masila.
Possible NSW Cup 17:
Kurtis Rowe, TaqeleNaiyaravaro, Keith Lulia, Corey Brown, Marika Koroibete,
Blake Austin, Tim Moltzen (pending fitness), Jack Buchanan, Joel Luani, Nathan
Brown, Bodene Thompson, Cory Paterson, Dene Halatau; Mitchell Moses, James
Gavet, Andrew Vela, Yileen Gordon.
As illustrated above, Wests Tigers’ depth is second to none.
Last year, our NSW Cup side once again made the Top 8. Not only did they suffer
a number of key injuries, but also lost a number of players to top grade
throughout the year. Even with the possible NRL and NSW Cup sides selected, the
calibre of player who is left over is outstanding.
Jarred Farlow, SitalekiAkaoula, Asipeli Fine, Sam Hollis,
Nathan Waters, Jack Madden, Kyle Lovett, Andrew Fiagatusa,Michael Bullock,
InnoInosesio, Jy Hitchcox could all possibly start the year in the Ron Massey
Cup. Their position in the side has nothing to do with their talent. All
players are rated highly and rightly so, but it’s the strength in depth in 2014
that has created this headache.
The unbelievable injury toll that, at times last season
ruled 30 players through all 3 grades out per week, has been a blessing in
disguise. Tedesco, Simona, Nofoaluma and the like all started the season in NSW
Cup/Holden Cup, but have now established themselves as first graders.
Now is not the time for fans to be nervous or negative. What
lies ahead for the club is something that Wests, Balmain and Wests Tigers fans
have never witnessed before. This side will bring success, the key to this is
patience. All young players are inconsistent. That is universal, in all sports,
in all levels of sport.
NRL/NSW Cup Player
Movements:
GAINS: Sam
Hollis, Blake Austin (Panthers), Marty Taupau, Dene Halatau (Bulldogs), Cory
Paterson (Hull KR), Pat Richards (Wigan), Corey Brown (Western Force), Yileen
Gordon (Newtown), Nathan Waters ( Illawarra Cutters), Andy Fiagatuse, Kyle
Lovett, Luke Brooks, Nathan Brown, Mitch Moses, Kurtis Rowe, Andrew Vela (WT
Holden Cup).
LOSSES:
Benji Marshall (Rugby Union), Blake Ayshford (Sharks), Joel Reddy (Rabbitohs), Shaun
Spence (Panthers), Eddy Pettybourne (Wigan), Matt Bell (Burleigh Bears),
MosesePangai (Raiders), LoteTuqiri (Rugby Union), Matt Groat (Dragons), Masada
Iosefa, Sean Meaney, Matt Utai (released)
Tuesday 14 January 2014
Old meets new as Tigers look to rekindle the success of 2005
In 2014 Wests Tigers will boldly head in a new direction! A direction in which it seems there are more unanswered questions than sureties in its path. Gone is the mercurial marquee man in Benji Marshall, the man who unofficially became the identity of which Wests Tigers were known by. Replaced now by an identity that is basically unknown to this point.
Not all has become unknown though at Camp Concord. For an identity that will develop in 2014, there are a fair few familiar names throughout the roster in 2014. Seasoned veterans led by Captain Robbie Farah, Adam Blair, Liam Fulton Braith Anasta and Keith Galloway return, They're complimented by an experienced list including Chris Lawrence and Aaron Woods. The biggest talking point though will come from the return of two players from the 2005 premiership winning class, with Pat Richards and Dene Halatau returning to the club.
The return of Richards and Halatau is more significant than it may appear on the surface. The return of the experienced duo is as much about what they can bring on the field as it is what they bring off the field. They are both known for their high levels of professionalism off field and on field. In a season where the Tigers squad will contain less experience than ever before, finding the right kind of experience is critical. The example that the likes of Halatau, Richards, Farah and any of the older heads in the squad decide to set will reflect on those of the younger players in the squad.
The examples set for the younger brigade will be key for a reason. There is serious potential throughout the younger players at Wests Tigers. Potential is an often frowned upon term, It does exist though, and if that potential is nurtured carefully and correctly then it can lead to very positive results. The Tigers will boast again one of the youngest squads in 2014 and their top 17 will feature a fair smattering of youth on a week to week basis.
Halfback Luke Brooks will command the most scrutiny as the young buck who looks to take control of the halves in the departure of Benji Marshall. Tim Simona and David Nofoaluma were mightily impressive in the second half of 2013 and Tigers fans have every confidence that the talented duo can continue their NRL education with further positive results. Fullback James Tedesco and back rower Sauaso Sue were dependable and showed toughness in their debut season's. They also both showed some class to get excited about for their futures.
Furthermore, Curtis Sironen will surely make his anticipated move to the backrow, a move which potentially adds another dimension to the Tigers game. All the different dimension's in the Tigers squad will all rely on the leadership, experience and mentoring of the likes of Richards, Farah, Halatau and Anasta. Their importance here cannot be overstated! And just like 2004 had similarities with 2013 - in terms of rebuilding, new coaches and even the win/loss ratio. The question will be. Can Wests Tigers turn the competition on its head once more? Can 2014 be the new 2005??
It's highly unlikely but it's safe to say that with the talent at hand, the Tigers should fare better in 2014.
Not all has become unknown though at Camp Concord. For an identity that will develop in 2014, there are a fair few familiar names throughout the roster in 2014. Seasoned veterans led by Captain Robbie Farah, Adam Blair, Liam Fulton Braith Anasta and Keith Galloway return, They're complimented by an experienced list including Chris Lawrence and Aaron Woods. The biggest talking point though will come from the return of two players from the 2005 premiership winning class, with Pat Richards and Dene Halatau returning to the club.
The return of Richards and Halatau is more significant than it may appear on the surface. The return of the experienced duo is as much about what they can bring on the field as it is what they bring off the field. They are both known for their high levels of professionalism off field and on field. In a season where the Tigers squad will contain less experience than ever before, finding the right kind of experience is critical. The example that the likes of Halatau, Richards, Farah and any of the older heads in the squad decide to set will reflect on those of the younger players in the squad.
The examples set for the younger brigade will be key for a reason. There is serious potential throughout the younger players at Wests Tigers. Potential is an often frowned upon term, It does exist though, and if that potential is nurtured carefully and correctly then it can lead to very positive results. The Tigers will boast again one of the youngest squads in 2014 and their top 17 will feature a fair smattering of youth on a week to week basis.
Halfback Luke Brooks will command the most scrutiny as the young buck who looks to take control of the halves in the departure of Benji Marshall. Tim Simona and David Nofoaluma were mightily impressive in the second half of 2013 and Tigers fans have every confidence that the talented duo can continue their NRL education with further positive results. Fullback James Tedesco and back rower Sauaso Sue were dependable and showed toughness in their debut season's. They also both showed some class to get excited about for their futures.
Furthermore, Curtis Sironen will surely make his anticipated move to the backrow, a move which potentially adds another dimension to the Tigers game. All the different dimension's in the Tigers squad will all rely on the leadership, experience and mentoring of the likes of Richards, Farah, Halatau and Anasta. Their importance here cannot be overstated! And just like 2004 had similarities with 2013 - in terms of rebuilding, new coaches and even the win/loss ratio. The question will be. Can Wests Tigers turn the competition on its head once more? Can 2014 be the new 2005??
It's highly unlikely but it's safe to say that with the talent at hand, the Tigers should fare better in 2014.
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