Stock Up - Stock Down : End of pre-season

With pre-season in its final stages and the season proper barely a week a way now, it's time to take a look at those who have impressed and those who look set to find themselves on the peripherals of the first team. Pre-season has been a real mix of fortunes for the Tigers.

On the positive side of things, we managed to gain two wins. Both wins were fairly similar too, in the fact that we showed some good attacking signs and perhaps more importantly, we showed some defensive improvements.

So who has done their chances some good? Who is likely to find themselves taking a step back? This is here is the Wests Tigers stock report.

STOCK UP

James Gavet: James Gavet is one name not many people would've expected to be talked about as a potential first grader for Round 1. Gavet has had a real impressive pre-season. Impressive in training and likewise in the trial matches. The 186cm prop will have serious competition for spots in the likes of Aaron Woods, Keith Galloway and Martin Taupau, but a spot on the bench would not be unwarranted and certainly not unrealistic. Can be considered unlucky to miss out if he does.

Martin Taupau: Martin Taupau's limited first grade experience has never really been a sign of his talent. Exceptional talent at the Bulldogs has meant Taupau has had to bide his time. The Wests Tigers coaching staff have all been happy with Taupau's new beginning here at the club. In fact, there's a real feeling that he will prosper as the season goes on. He's big, strong, uncompromising, and a willing worker. Those assets will help him succeed in 2014.

James Tedesco: James Tedesco would've had to do a lot wrong to lose his grip on the number 1. Tim Moltzen was out injured, Kurtis Rowe, as impressive as he is, lacks the experience. None of that is an issue though. Tedesco has had a really encouraging pre-season. The experience of last season has him ready. The World Cup experience has also given him more confidence. He's also 100% fit again and looks noticeably quicker this season. Good things look in store for James.

STOCK LEVEL

Chris Lawrence: There's a belief amongst the fans that Chris Lawrence has lost it. They say the hip injury he infamously suffered has ensured he will never hit the same heights of his youth. In my opinion the jury is still out. 2013 saw him start strong but he then carried an ankle injury for the majority of the season, which prevented him from playing at his peak. His pre-season has been solid. He says he feels faster this year and this is what we're all hoping to see.

Aaron Woods: 2013 was a real big year for Aaron Woods. Exposure to origin the highlight. His level of consistency for Wests Tigers though should not go unnoticed. He's looked his usual self in pre-season once again.

Adam Blair:  Adam Blair can't seem to avoid the detractors at Wests Tigers. He has  A LOT to prove in 2014. Many suggest his pre-season form has been nothing more than okay. To me that's a worrying sign for a guy i'm tipping to be one of the big improvers in 2014. I'd put Adam in the Stock Down category, but to be fair, his stock was already down and it hasn't gone down any further. The onus though is on him to play good football. Time will tell how he does. Give him 6 weeks.

STOCK DOWN

Curtis Sironen: It may seem harsh to label Curtis here, due to injury. However, there's no doubt there were high hopes for Curtis in 2014 and a long term injury hurts him. It means he'll return behind the 8-ball and severely short on match fitness. It'll be a big test of his talent when he does return. I'll back him to fight back though.

Jack Buchanan: Like Sironen above, it may seem harsh to label Jack Buchanan here. Heck! He's not even injured. However there's no doubt that Buchanan is one of two guys who could lose out come Round 1 to James Gavet. For that matter, we'll even throw in Ava Seumanufagai into this because he's in the same boat as Jack. You get the feeling one of the two, if not both, could start the season in the NSW Cup squad.

Sausaso Sue: Sausao's pre-season hasn't really got off the ground. A concussion robbed him of a final chance to play last weekend. To be honest, i can't see Sauaso in the squad for Round 1, and after the final Round of 2013, that's a surprising thing. It's even more surprising given the loss of Curtis Sironen and Dene Halatau to injuries. Perhaps he does make it though? From where i sit though, it looks a long shot. That said, he won't be out for long.

Projecting the Wests Tigers Round 1 team

So seven days from this point in time we'll be well in the midst of our first Team List Tuesday  for 2014. Two weeks of NRL trials are out of the way, and so are the Auckland Nines. All that's left now is the build up to our Round 1 fixture verses the Dragons on Sunday week.

With a host of players injured or on the rehab trail, it's hard to know what the Round 1 side will look like at this point. The side that beat Cronulla on Saturday night will probably closely resemble the Round 1 side to some degree.

Wests Tigers Side v Cronulla

James Tedesco, Marika Koroibete, Keith Lulia, Chris Lawrence, Pat Richards, Braith Anasta, Luke Brooks, Aaron Woods, Robbie Farah, Matin Taupau, Bodene Thompson, Cory Paterson, Adam Blair   Interchange: Blake Austin, Ben Murdoch-Masila, Jack Buchanan, James Gavet.

So far the only likely changes to the line up above appear to be the returns of both David Nofoaluma and Keith Galloway. Nofoaluma was originally named to face the Sharks last weekend but was withdrawn as precaution. The club statement also read that he was not in any doubt for Round 1. Prop, Galloway, was not named initially but was said to be an outside chance of playing at the weekend. However it was expected that he should be okay for the Round 1 fixture,

Also listed to return in Round 1 according to the Wests Tigers Injury Report  were Liam Fulton and Sauaso Sue. Fulton has not featured at all this season but would likely command a spot on the bench at the very least. Sue has had action this season making a very brief appearance a couple of weekend's back in a NSW Cup trial. Concussion meant he was ruled out of last weekend's final trial.

Centre Tim Simona is the only other player with a chance of making Round 1. The prognosis back before Christmas was that he would be looking at maybe Round 3-4. The rehab seems to have gone well and he is listed officially as due back in Round 1-2.

So without further delay, this is how i see us lining up next weekend.

Wests Tigers team v St George-Illawarra (Predicted)

1. James Tedesco,  2. David Nofoaluma, 3. Keith Lulia, 4. Chris Lawrence, 5. Pat Richards, 6. Braith Anasta, 7. Luke Brooks, 8. Aaron Woods, 9. Robbie Farah, 10. Martin Taupau, 11. Bodene Thompson, 12. Cory Paterson, 13. Adam Blair.  Interchange: 14. Liam Fulton, 15. Jack Buchanan, 16. Keith Galloway, 17. Ben Murdoch-Masila (18th man James Gavet)

Regular starters Keith Galloway and Liam Fulton start from the bench due to zero match fitness. I'd expect they'll both get somewhere between 30-40 minutes game time in two, maybe three stints (Galloway).

Blake Austin misses out and that's unfortunate. He's had a decent pre season but coach Mick Potter has indicated on numerous occasions that the vastly experienced Anasta will partner Brooks in the halves. Sausao Sue misses out too and like Marika Koroibete, he'll need to impress from the NSW Cup side.

So will I be right??? Who knows! We'll find out about 5-6pm next Tuesday. Not long to go now fellow Tiger fans!

Team Announcement: Wests Tigers v Cronulla Sharks

Wests Tigers coach Mick Potter has named his 17 man squad for Saturday night's trial against the Sharks at Remondis Stadium. Whilst several key elements of the squad are missing due to injury, Potter has been able to include Luke Brooks, David Nofoaluma and Jack Buchanan who return from injury.

WESTS TIGERS SQUAD v SHARKS

The Key points from the line up for this weekend's clash include:

- Keith Lulia shadowing Tim Simona's position in the centres. Simona hopes to return in Round 1 or 2.

- Martin Taupau shadows Keith Galloway at prop. Galloway could perhaps be a late inclusion this weekend but would be more likely for Round 1.

- As expected, Braith Anasta partners Luke Brooks in the halves, though Blake Austin does have a spot on the bench and can expect a good run out.

- With the likes of Dene Halatau, Liam Fulton, Sauaso Sue and Curtis Sironen unavailable, Cory Paterson and Bodene Thompson start in the back row.

- James Gavet also holds his spot in the squad on the back of impressive form this pre season. Jack Buchanan also beats out Ava Seumanufagai for a bench spot.


As always in trials, expect a few more names to be added to the bench come game day.

Injury curse? bad luck? Or a club desperately needing a training upgrade........

Wests Tigers yesterday revealed that promising second rower Curtis Sironen's foot injury was worse than first hoped with Sironen slated to miss 12 weeks. Initially it was hoped Sironen would only miss perhaps 6 weeks but scans revealed further damage to the injury suffered during the Auckland Nines.

Sironen's injury is the second lengthy blow for the Tigers in as many weeks. A week earlier Dene Halatau suffered a nasty ankle injury which will also see him out for 12 weeks. Halatau and Sironen's injuries come on top of Tim Moltzen's (knee cap) December injury which ruled him out for anywhere up to 6 months.

The question on most Wests Tigers fans mind now is surely - "How is the happening again?" After 2013's horrific injury toll, fans have every right to be feeling a little uneasy right now. Tim Simona, Keith Galloway, Jack Buchanan, Liam Fulton, Sauaso Sue, Aaron Woods, Ben Murdoch-Masila, Luke Brooks and Mitchell Moses have all spent time  in the rehab ward this pre season due to injuries which required treatment or surgery.

They also face the prospect of a limited preparation for the new season. Something that only adds to any potential further injury risks. So how IS this happening again??? It's hard to know whether it's bad luck? Or whether there is something in the training? I know the club have been keen to improve training facilities and further modernise that side of things, Sports science being a good example. Linking the two together shouldn't be as easy as putting the two together. Sport science though is a key area. This takes time though and it's something we may not see genuine results in for another 12 months possibly.

Back on field though and one thing is certain. Wests Tigers are due some real luck in relation to the injury gods. Let's hope this is as bad as it gets for 2014. We can't afford to think otherwise. Touch wood our boys survive the weekend trial!

Injuries mount as Wests Tigers limp out of the Nines

It's hard to know what to make of the weekend's Auckland Nines tournament. For Wests Tigers it produced just one win from three matches. The bigger talking point will be the injuries to both Curtis Sironen (broken toe) and Mitchell Moses (shoulder).

Sironen's injury at this stage appears the bigger concern. Early reports suggest he'll miss 6 weeks. Lets hope it's just that! For Moses, scans taken most likely today will determine his future. Though they've been described as precautionary by the club which may indicate it's more likely a minor problem, unless of course scans produce a more grim reality.

Injuries are always a part of the game. Whether or not it's Nines football or NRL trial football, they'll always happen. The common denominator here is that it's pre season and players bodies are yet to reach the level of conditioning that is needed. It's a necessary evil really. Sironen and Moses' injuries only add to a list that already contains Tim Moltzen, Dene Halatau and David Nofoaluma. Nofoaluma though appears to have been held back as a precaution. Much like Robbie Farah the week before.

Ultimately, what did Wests Tigers gain out of the Nines? It doesn't appear a lot. For the majority it was a case of further getting rid of pre-season rust and getting some minutes into the legs which only aids there conditioning. Other than that there was at least some valuable top line football experience for the likes of rookies Moses, Kurtis Rowe, Manaia Cherrington and Delouise Hoeter. The experience alone will have done them the world of good.

Now though, the attention turns to Saturday night's final trial versus the Sharks at Remondis Stadium. One expects coach Mick Potter will name his round 1 team to start this trial and go from there. The club is hopeful that both Keith Galloway and Jack Buchanan will return whilst David Nofoaluma will hope for the same. Luke Brooks is another who they'll hope will return to the park this weekend.

A look ahead to the Auckland Nines

Wests Tigers fans this weekend will get a further glimpse into the future of the NRL franchise. The inaugural Auckland Nines tournament takes place this Saturday and Sunday at Eden Park. For the Tigers, the tournament represents a good chance to get some miles in the legs and to tune in parts of their attacking game. The Wests Tigers squad is far from full strength with a mix of youth and experience provided.


WESTS TIGERS NRL NINES SQUAD

1. James Tedesco 3. Pat Richards 4. Bodene Thompson 5. Marika Koroibete 6. Mitchell Moses 7. Blake Austin 8. Aaron Woods 9. Robbie Farah (c) 10. Martin Taupau 11. Cory Paterson 12. Curtis Sironen 13. Adam Blair 14. Manaia Cherrington 15. Kurtis Rowe 16. James Gavet (17th Man: Delouise Hoeter).  18. Ben Murdoch-Masila

Note: 18. Ben Murdoch-Masila replaces the originally named David Nofoaluma who has withdrawn with a minor hamstring strain.

The Tigers squad is highlighted by Captain Robbie Farah, and will rely heavily on his craftsmanship to steer the side around the park. Attacking threats in James Tedesco, Pat Richards, Marika Koroibete can expect to profit from the play of Farah, Blake Austin and potential wildcard, Mitchell Moses. Tedesco's ball playing skills are also something of a threat.

Bodene Thompson. Adam Blair, Ben Murdoch-Masila and Curtis Sironen will provide the forward mobility, whilst the the second phase play of Aaron Woods, Blair, Martin Taupau and Cory Paterson will be vital in the Nines concept.

The Nines represents a wonderful opportunity for rookies Mitchell Moses, Manaia Cherrington, Kurtis Rowe and, should he get on the field, Delouise Hoeter. Moses will shape as a potential wild card for the Tigers. A playmaker who can make things happen. Cherrington is highly rated and the tournament will be valuable learning experience for the kid who could eventually replace Robbie Farah. Kurtis Rowe shapes as a very likely back up fullback for James Tedesco and the experience here will be valuable for the talented custodian.


PREDICTION:

Coach Mick Potter has named what is, as predicted, a very balanced squad. There's experience. There's size, speed, power and creativity. There's no doubt the absence of both Tim Simona and David Nofoaluma is a massive loss for the side though. Both these guys would've been stars in this format of the game. Making it out of the group will be the first goal. From there, every step is a bonus.

KEY PLAYER:

There's no doubt Robbie Farah is the main man here. His creativity, his vision and his work rate will be vital. He's a smart player who this format should suit.

ONE TO WATCH:

Unquestionably.....Mitchell Moses. Like Farah, his game should be suited to this format of play. His skill and vision make him a very dangerous proposition.


UNLUCKY TO MISS OUT:

Taqele Naiyaravoro, Jy Hitchcox, Chris Lawrence, Sauso Sue,


WESTS TIGERS DRAW:

All times local

Game 2 -  v Titans, 1pm

Game 9 - v Sharks, 4.20pm

Game 18 - v Knights, 12.25pm

What to look out for: Week 1 trials

Wests Tigers today begin their 2014 season.  After a long and arduous pre season, the Tigers begin what is largely seen as a new era for the club. This is highlighted by a revamped coaching staff including David Kidwell, Todd Payten and Andrew Webster. The addition on the playing roster of Pat Richards, Dene Halatau, Cory Paterson, Keith Lulia, Blake Austin and Martin Taupau also adds to what is certainly a new feel around the club. So what to look out for today??

Tigers v Panthers, Kirkham Oval, Camden - Kick off 7.30pm

For the first trial of the year, expectations should be measured. Little attention will be paid to team cohesion or quality of football. Instead the biggest interest will be on player development. Who is bigger, stronger, leaner and faster? With Robbie Farah and Luke Brooks missing, it'll be hard to gauge much on attacking structures.  Some of the key points for today include:

- The progression of last year's young guns James Tedesco, David Nofoaluma, Marika Koroibete, Sauaso Sue and Curtis Sironen. Just how far have their games improved this off season??

-  Blake Austin is one to watch. He'll play halfback tonight and is in the mix to start round 1 alongside Luke Brooks should he impress. He'll need to out point Braith Anasta though. Anasta is the hot favourite to start at five-eighth for round 1. Never say never though.

- Mitchell Moses has had a good pre season. Physically he appears much stronger. He's also impressed those who matter in pre season. He won't be in the mix for round 1, at least you wouldn't think so. He's well worth keeping an eye on tonight though. His talent is immense! Moses will play part of the Holden Cup trial and then a portion of the NRL clash.

- I mentioned Curtis Sironen earlier, and he's well worth watching tonight. He's officially made the move to the second row. He will offer us something different in 2014. I get the feeling he could be one of the guys likely to impress in this trial period. He's got the skills, the strength and his team mates have the confidence in him. All that's left is for Curtis to find that confidence in his game.


Tigers v Eels, ANZAC Oval, Alice Springs - Kick off:9.15pm AEST

A second Wests Tigers side is tonight in the Alice to tackle the Eels. The side is a mix of Wests Tigers contracted players, VB NSW Cup and Holden Cup players. NRL contracted players Joel Luani, Ben Murdoch-Masila and Ava Seumanufagai all play, presumably to get the minutes under their belt they wouldn't get in Camden. So what to look out for here?

- Ben Murdoch-Masila is fresh off his birthday and will be keen to impress here. He's the most senior member of this squad alongside Jarred Farlow and he'll be expected to deliver a professional performance. BMM needs a good year, or he risks being over taken by the youth coming through.
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- Kyle Lovett is another one worth watching for tonight. He's highly rated and it will be interesting to see how much he's come on this pre season. Lovett is one of these guys who will knock on the door of Ben Murdoch-Masila should his form remain average.

- Joel Luani's past 12 months have been great. An NRL debut, an international debut with the USA at last years World Cup and now a full time addition to the NRL squad. Assuming Robbie Farah plays origin this year, Luani will be his back up. He's been sent to Alice Springs no doubt to get big minutes under his belt.

- Taqele Naiyaravoro is the behemoth who keeps on impressing. His 2013 was cut short by injury, so how he starts 2014 will be important. A devastating finisher when at his best, he's down the pecking order for now but does offer us a real threat out wide.

A look ahead to: Week 1 trials v Panthers/Eels

Saturday 8th Feb,  Wests Tigers v Panthers -  Kirkham Oval, Camden. KO:7.30pm

TIGERS: Braith Anasta, Blake Austin, Adam Blair, Robbie Farah, James Gavet, Dene Halatau, Marika Koroibete, Chris Lawrence, Keith Lulia, Mitchell Moses, David Nofoaluma, Cory Paterson, Pat Richards, Kurtis Rowe, Curtis Sironen, Martin Taupau, James Tedesco, Bodene Thompson, Aaron Woods

Saturday 8th Feb, Wests Tigers v Eels - ANZAC Oval, Alice Springs, KO:9.10pm (AEST)

TIGERS: Sitaleki Akauola, Sonny Bristow, Corey Brown, Michael Bullock, Jarred Farlow, Andy Fiagatusa, Asipeli Fine, Jy Hitchcox, Sam Hollis, Inno Innosesio, Kyle Lovett, Eli Levido, Joel Luani, Allan McGrath, Ben Murdoch-Masila, Taqele Naiyaravoro, Ava Seumanufagai, Setefano Taukafa, Nathan Waters, Luke Williams


Season 2014 officially begins this weekend with two trials for our NRL boys. The first will see a strong squad head to Camden to tackle the Panthers. Whilst a combined NRL/NSW Cup squad will head to Alice Springs and clash with the Eels.

Kirkham Oval will be somewhat of a homecoming for Fullback James Tedesco and coach Mick Potter, having spent time on the oval in their early days. There's plenty to like about the squad picked for this match too. New recruits Blake Austin, Dene Halatau, Keith Lulia, Cory Paterson, Pat Richards and Martin Taupau will all play.

A host of players are also unavailable for the weekend. The most notable of those absentees include Luke Brooks (back), Liam Fulton, Keith Galloway (toe), Tim Simona (shoulder) and Nathan Brown (pectoral).

WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR?

Apart from the new recruits pulling on the shirt, there is plenty of other points of interest regarding the squad. First and foremost, it's going to be very interesting to get a look at our younger guys from last season. Physically they should be stronger and with the sprint work the outside backs have been doing in pre season, it's going to be very interesting to see the improvements in speed for the likes of Chris Lawrence, Marika Koroibete, James Tedesco and David Nofoaluma.

There's some untested NRL talent on display too, led by Mitchell Moses and Kurtis Rowe. Asipeli Fine also gets a chance to impress with the top squad. One suspects the halves pairing to start the game will be Anasta/Austin but I do expect Mitchell Moses to get plenty of time to impress as well in the halves.

Interestingly, Joel Luani was named with the other squad which means Dene Halatau is likely to see some game time at hooker. James Gavet, Chris Lawrence and Marika Koroibete also come back off injury disrupted 2013's and will be simply looking to build fitness and confidence up.

Up in Alice Springs, a combined NRL/NSW Cup squad will meet the Parramatta Eels. The squad here is much weaker and would do well to simply trouble the Eels. Of the NRL contingent, Joel Luani, Jack Buchanan, Ava Seumanufagai and Ben Murdoch-Masila all travel north. I view this decision largely down to coach Potter wanting to give the 4 forwards plenty of minutes and therefore opportunity to gain match fitness. Certainly more than they'd gain as back ups in Sydney.

I'm hoping here that we'll hear positive reports  on all the fringe players. Luani as Farah's back up, Taqele Naiyaravoro as the developing winger, Ben Murdoch-Masila as the man who has so much potential and only yet realized it in flashes here and there. It's an important hit out for these 3 especially.

Outside of that trio, other players to keep an eye on are Under 20's graduate Andy Fiagatusa, Sitaleki Akauola, returning former 20's product Stefano Taukafa and former magpie Nathan Waters. Yileen Gordon though has been omitted from that squad after his contract was terminated by the club last night for disciplinary reasons.

All in all this weekend is all about blowing the cobwebs away and staying fit and healthy. Player development is always high on the list of things too look out for in trials. Combinations, game plans and consistency will not be factors to watch out for just yet. Though it's always nice to win!