Tedesco looming as the new x-factor for Wests Tigers ***Includes update on Tedesco contract news***

Benji Marshall was long considered the x-factor for Wests Tigers in his storied career. So when Marshall left at the end of 2013, many expected Robbie Farah to carry the load in 2014. However, just 3 rounds in to the 2014 NRL season and much of the fan fare over the Wests Tigers to this point has been focused on fullback James Tedesco. Tedesco's form has been simply brilliant so far.

Standout performances against the Dragons, Titans and South Sydney have shot the young fullback into the spotlight and allayed any fears that 2012's season ending ACL injury would prevent him from reaching his potential. 2013 saw Tedesco spend most of the season playing solid and dependable football at the back, one thing was obvious though. His leg was still troubling him.

As was eventually revealed, Tedesco had been playing with a minor break in his leg but he was determined to push through for the then injury riddled Tigers. Fast forward to the opening rounds of 2014 and "Teddy" as he is affectionately called, has proven he's 100% fit again and crucially his searing pace has been rediscovered.

What we have seen so far in 2014 is that Tedesco possesses some attributes that are considered gold for fullbacks. 

1. His pace has returned. Add to that pre-season sprint training and it's clear that he's back up to speed in this department.

2. His strength has improved out of sight. Perhaps a lot of this is down to him now reaching that so called 18 month period after his ACL injury (they say this is when most players fully recover from the injury and return to somewhere near their best). 

With improved strength comes the opportunity to use his good footwork to better effect and that strength also allows him to take maximum advantage of his good instincts when taking men on. The end result being a player who is able to outpace defenders, more consistently out maneuver his opponent because of his improved agility and therefore use his overall strength to better effect.

Tedesco also possesses great ball skills and ability to read game situations very well. That's been highlighted by 3 try assists in the opening 3 weeks.

All this leads to a player who is dangerous for any opposition. Those above attributes give Tedesco a real x-factor about him in 2014. Some are already comparing him to a younger Billy Slater, in what he can bring to the Tigers attack. But it's also his blossoming combination with halfback Luke Brooks that is getting people talking. 

Tedesco and Brooks appear to have an understanding between each other that is very hard to teach. It's one that seems to involve the duo reading each others mind, or it seems that way anyway. Tedesco's tries against the Titans and Rabbitohs highlighted this perfectly.  It's hard to believe the pair have just 4 games experience alongside each other.

2013 stats - James Tedesco

Hit Ups: 49 (1st for WT's)

Offloads: 3 (tied 3rd WT's)

Tackle Busts: 21 (1st WT's)

Tries: 3 (2nd WT's)

Try Ast: 3 (3rd WT's)

Top Metres: 524m (1st WT's)

What the Wests Tigers now have is another serious attacking weapon to compliment captain Robbie Farah and young Luke Brooks. Add the experience of Braith Anasta and the Tigers appear to have a good balance to lead the team around the park effectively. 2014 could yet be more fruitful than previously thought.

************************************

Mail is James Tedesco will Re-sign

Reports this morning indicate that fullback James Tedesco is getting close to agreeing a new deal with Wests Tigers. Triple M reported last night via Rugby League Week's "The Mole" that Tedesco and the Tigers could possibly announce the signing of the fullback around the time of next weekend's first Leichhardt Oval home game versus Manly. Whilst a lot could still happen in the next 7-10 days, it's at least comforting to know that things appear to be heading in the right direction.

You can click on the below Soundcloud clip to hear the full interview with Moley.

Soundcloud interview

Round 4 @ NZ Warriors - Team Analysis

Wests Tigers this afternoon named an near unchanged line up for their Round 4 trip across the Tasman where they'll face the NZ Warriors on Saturday afternoon. In the only change to the squad, second rower Liam Fulton again misses out due to concussion, replaced by Cory Paterson.

Centre Tim Simona has been named despite some concussion symptons and along with Fulton, would need to pass a series of tests before being cleared for action in Round 4. Fellow centre Chris Lawrence was not named in the initial squad but coach Mick Potter has hinted Lawrence will have a chance to take the field should he prove his fitness. Potter says the he'll make a call on the squad tomorrow, 

"Chris Lawrence is trying to get back from his hamstring strain, we’ve got a couple of players that need to see our doctor and will be doing that today,” Potter said. “We will finalise it tomorrow, we are waiting for an update on Tim Simona and Liam Fulton.”  - Mick Potter


Either way, Wests Tigers will take a squad full of confidence across to Auckland after Friday's impressive defeat of South Sydney. The forward pack will need to show the same resolve shown versus Souths, with the Warriors pack strong and robust at all ties. Coach Potter is expecting a tough and absorbing encounter versus the Warriors, saying;

“I’m expecting a tough hard battle that will be probably one of our most physical games that we will play,” Potter said.

“They’ve got some really big forwards and speed on the edges with Sam Tomkins at fullback, who I rate as an excellent player.

“If they get in a mode where they are offloading the ball, they are going to be near unstoppable.


“We will have to be on our game and we won’t be able to rest on any of our laurels over the past two games because that doesn’t count for anything this week.” - Mick Potter

WESTS TIGERS TEAM V NZ WARRIORS

1 James Tedesco, 2 David Nofoaluma, 3 Keith Lulia, 4 Tim Simona, 5 Pat Richards, 6 Braith Anasta, 7 Luke Brooks, 8 Aaron Woods, 9 Robbie Farah, 10 Keith Galloway, 18 Cory Paterson, 12 Bodene Thompson, 13 Adam Blair - Reserves: 14 Martin Taupau, 15 Ava Seumanufagai, 16 Sauaso Sue, 17 James Gavet

Round 3 Debrief - Vs South Sydney

It was positives all round last night for the Wests Tigers as they returned to the scene of their Round 1 let down against the Dragons. In their toughest fixture of the season so far, the Tigers simply out enthused, bullied and pulled all the strings in defeating Souths 25-16.

The Tigers showed tremendous commitment and discipline to control the game against a disappointing South Sydney side. Led by a strong forward pack showing by Aaron Woods, Keith Galloway, Martin Taupau and Adam Blair, the Tigers play makers were allowed the room to move and Robbie Farah, Luke Brooks and Braith Anasta did their jobs as the Tigers set up the win in the opening 54 minutes, leading 24-6 at that point.

What perhaps was most impressive though was the physicality of the Wests Tigers. The forwards may have led the way but no one took a backward step. Not even the youngest Tiger, Luke Brooks. The Tigers simply bullied the Bunnies out of the game and they didn't like it one bit, resorting to several questionable tactics as the Bunnies appeared to lose their composure. The Tigers though were the opposite. Their aggression was controlled. When tempers flared, they kept their heads.

It was a game with plenty of talking points. The biggest of them several high tackles which were reported. Of most concern will be for Bunnies Bryson Goodwin and perhaps George Burgess. Both players were reported for high tackles on Tigers fullback James Tedesco. Goodwin in my mind has the most to worry about. If he had been sent off, i wouldn't have blinked twice. The replay of the tackle will do him no favours.

Tigers Robbie Farah, Tim Simona and James Gavet were all placed on report too. Farah and Simona should survive a tap from the NRL's match review panel, Gavet though may face further sanction for raising his knees into a tackle.

Away from all the controversy though, the Tigers claimed arguably their biggest scalp yet under coach Mick Potter. Significantly,this was a win that will give the club the respect its been lacking this season. This was also a win that should give the club and particularly its younger players, the self belief to belong at this level. James Tedesco and Luke Brooks were both brilliant when it mattered last night. Their combination already drawing comparisons to Cooper Cronk and Billy Slater! They weren't the only ones to impress. Aaron Woods, Martin Taupau and Tim Simona also stood up and gave the Bunnies issues all night.

Perhaps the biggest compliment for the Tigers though was the frustration that the Bunnies showed and with it, the composure they lacked as they failed to deal with the Tigers controlling the game.  It was a mature performance from the the lesser credentialed Tigers and one that brings new found optimism in Tigertown just 3 weeks in to the 2014 NRL season.

Round 2 Preview: Wests Tigers @ Gold Coast Titans

Titans

1 William Zillman, 2 Kevin Gordon, 3 Brad Tighe, 4 Maurice Blair, 5 David Mead, 6 Aidan Sezer, 7 Albert Kelly,    8 Luke Douglas, 9 Beau Falloon, 10 Nate Myles (c), 11 Greg Bird (c), 12 David Taylor, 13 Ashley Harrison
Interchange: 14 Matthew White, 15 Luke Bailey, 16 Mark Minichiello, 17 Paul Carter, 18 Ryan James
Coach: John Cartwright

Tigers: 1 James Tedesco, 19 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 TBC, 12 Bodene Thompson, 13 Adam Blair. Interchange: 14 Cory Paterson,  15 Ava Seumanufagai, 16 Sauaso Sue,  17 James Gavet, 18 Keith Galloway, 

Coach: Mick Potter

Date: Sunday March 16th

Venue: Cbus Super Stadium

Kick Off: 2.00pm (local time)

                  3.00pm (AEDST)

TV Times: Channel 9 - 4.00pm Delayed

                     Fox Sp. 1 - 8.30pm Delayed

Wests Tigers head on the road for the second week running when they head to the Gold Coast on Sunday afternoon. For the second week running, the Tigers get the only genuine day game on offer when they head to a warm and sunny Gold Coast.

Last week the Tigers fell away in the second half, falling 44-24 to a Gareth Widdop inspired St George-Ilawarra Dragons. The Titans meanwhile showed grit in getting the points on Monday night down at Remondis Stadium, winning 18-12 versus the Sharks.

Team News

The Wests Tigers this afternoon announced two changes to the line up which was named on Tuesday night. In comes winger David Nofoaluma for Marika Koroibete, and Prop Keith Galloway also returns, replacing Liam Fulton who hasn't recovered from the concussion suffered last Sunday. No player has been named to start in Fulton's place as yet, but the likely candidates are Cory Paterson and Sauaso Sue.

The returns of Nofoaluma and Galloway represent a huge boost for the Tigers who face a daunting task up on Surfers Paradise. The game is arguably a step up on last week and a weather forecast of 31 degrees for Sunday poses some real concerns for both sides.

Key Points

- The kicking game for Wests Tigers was poor last week. Coach Mick Potter, Captain Robbie Farah and halves Luke Brooks and Braith Anasta all admitted that there was plenty of improvement needed with the fifth tackle options. The new zero tackle rule aided the Dragons on several occasions, allowing them to roll down field on 7 tackle sets.

- Discipline. On several categories of discipline, Wests Tigers need to improve. Their ball handling, penalties conceded and defence just weren't good enough at times last weekend as they allowed the Dragons the opportunities to win the ball game. We're not talking major improvement needed, but an extra 5% in each category would go a long way to a better performance. The new rules mean that building pressure comes with high rewards this season. Failure to do so only plots your downfall.

-  Attack. There were some good signs in attack last weekend. James Tedesco's involvement was great. Some of the set plays were effective and the work from the back 5 was solid and effective at times. The impact off the bench was also decent. Some better options on 5th tackle on Sunday could make a lot of difference to our performance.

Our Opponents

The Titans possess speed in the backs and an experienced forward rotation which could prove vital. Even more vital is a halves pairing that is beginning to form a formidable partnership in Albert Kelly and Aiden Sezer. There's no doubt that the scheming halves will look to target big men Nate Myles, Dave Taylor and Mark Minichello and then spread it wide to the speedy backs.

Prediction

It certainly is a step up this week but i would expect an improved performance from the Tigers. Will it be good enough for a win? Well, we hope so. There's no doubt though that the Titans are the favourites and we'll need some good fortune if we're to win. On the surface the Titans just look too strong across the park with a line up that has been pretty similar for the past 2-3 years.

Score: Titans 20-14

Round 2 @ Titans: Team analysis

Wests Tigers

1 James Tedesco
2 Marika Koroibete
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 Liam Fulton
12 Bodene Thompson
13 Adam Blair

Interchange 
14 Cory Paterson 
15 Ava Seumanufagai
16 Sauaso Sue
17 James Gavet
18 Keith Galloway
19 David Nofoaluma

Coach: Mick Potter

Wests Tigers this week named an extended squad for their Round 2 trip to the Gold Coast on Sunday afternoon. 1-17 the squad is the same one that fell away in the second half against the Dragons. Crucially though, coach Mick Potter has added both prop Keith Galloway and winger David Nofoaluma to an extended bench and both will hope to make their season debut. 

Wests Tigers revealed in their Round 2 INJURY REPORT that both Galloway and Nofoaluma only have to satisfy those who matter in order to take on the Titans. A decision isn't expected till later in the week. Liam Fulton has also been named despite a heavy concussion last weekend. Fulton will need to pass a series of concussion tests through out the week to be any chance of taking his place in the team.

Interestingly centre Tim Simona could still be an outside chance of playing this weekend. Simona, like Nofoaluma and Galloway, will only have to satisfy coach Potter of his availability in order to play. However Simona's lack of match fitness could see him miss out regardless. He could be forced to return through the VB NSW Cup.

Back on to the team this week and Potter has given the 17 who faded in the second half last week the chance to atone for last weekend's defeat. Potter will ask for an improvement on several fronts. Not least the halves, in what shapes as an even tougher test versus the Titans.

Round 1 Debrief: Few positives for work in progress Tigers

So Sunday's NRL opener with the Dragons has come and gone. For as high as the anticipation of the Round 1 fixture was,  it seemed better to simply forget with as much ease as possible what occurred at ANZ Stadium yesterday.

A bright opening, highlighted by a well constructed try involving James Tedesco for Pat Richards to score. That man Tedesco did it all on his own on a kick return, racing the best part of 60 metres to double the lead to 12-0. From there though, the problems ensued. Thanks largely to ill-discipline, the Tigers invited the Dragons back into the contest with too much ease. In fact neither defense did much of any significance. The first half resembling an open door policy as 38 points were conceded.

The second half proved an even worse spectacle, for the Tigers at least, who after getting back into the contest at 26-24, simply fell away alarmingly. The Tigers continuing to leak points and possession to the Dragons with unimaginable ease. In the end the 20 point gap between the two sides was not an unfair indication. In fact it could've been bigger.

For the Tigers there were few positives to note from this game.  The best was arguably James Tedesco who proved he's capable of going to the next level in 2014. His first half performance was class. He laid on a try for Pat Richards with great judgement as he schemed across the field. Then did it all on his own not long after as he took advantage of some slack kick chase defense. Tedesco was the only constant threat for the Tigers in attack all afternoon.

Whilst they were on the field, Martin Taupau and James Gavet also showed good signs. Their strong running and ability to offload didn't go unnoticed. The duo look set to compliment first choice props Aaron Woods and Keith Galloway through out the year.

The biggest issue however for the Tigers will be what they did without the ball. Defensively we were poor. Perhaps it was the speed of the ruck, but what we saw defensively just didn't cut it. In the first half alone it seemed all the Dragons had to do was simply get down to the red zone and they would score. The second half fared no better for the Tigers but at least they did manage to force the Dragons into showing more patience. In the end the sheer weight of field position the Dragons were given took its toll though.

Another concern was the discipline.  It seems the new rule changes heavily advantage the attacking team and there's not a lot the defending team can do other than not give penalties away. It looks a little like T20 cricket in the fact that rules heavily favour one element of the game. In this case, the attacking team. The biggest reason for yesterday's loss was our ill discipline.  Either it was penalties or turnovers. It all snowballed and the speed of the game that the attacking team shows just can't be sustained. That though is our fault.

Another issue in yesterday's struggle was the form of our spine. Whilst Tedesco was great, the other 3 (Braith Anasta, Luke Brooks and Robbie Farah) did not win their battles. Anasta struggled to really get in the game. Because of the struggles of the side in general, Luke Brooks never really made much of an impression either. The key one though was Farah. He was disappointing. Never one for making excuses, you could forgive Robbie for being a little off the pace given the past week. For the most part our 5th tackle options were poor as well. When we needed a play to build pressure, we failed in that clutch moment to execute correctly.

The only injury concern of note to come out of the game yesterday was the neck injury/concussion for Liam Fulton. Coach Mick Potter has labelled him "Questionable" for next weekend's trip to the Gold Coast. It was a most unfortunate collision with James Tedesco which did the damage. To make matters worse, the Tigers conceded a try one tackle later. Although in my opinion the club probably has a right to a "please explain" to the referees boss after it appeared Fulton had suffered a head injury. Yet referee Ashley Klein allowed the game to continue (a little strange given the NRL's hardline stance on head injuries), only checking on the injured Tiger after a try had been scored a tackle later.

All in all though, there is a LOT to work on for the Tigers this week. It was a poor season opener. We looked well below where we're capable of being at. With a bit of luck we could get some players back next week. David Nofoaluma, Tim Simona and Keith Galloway are all listed as due back for Round 2. We'll need their talents against a dangerous looking Titans outfit.

Round 1 Preview - V Dragons

Round 1 - Wests Tigers v St George-Illawarra

Sunday March 9thANZ Stadium, Kick Off 3pmTV: Channel 9 (delayed) 4pm, Fox 8.30pm (replay)

Dragons                                     Tigers

1 Adam Quinlan                                      1 James Tedesco
2 Brett Morris                                          2 Marika Koroibete
3 Dylan Farrell                                        3 Keith Lulia
4 Gerard Beale                                       4 Chris Lawrence
5 Jason Nightingale                                 5 Pat Richards
6 Gareth Widdop                                     6 Braith Anasta
7 Michael Witt                                          7 Luke Brooks
8 Jack de Belin                                        8 Aaron Woods
9 Mitch Rein                                            9 Robbie Farah (c)
10 Dan Hunt                                           10 Martin Taupau
11 Leeson Ah Mau                                  11 Liam Fulton
12 Ben Creagh (c)                                  12 Bodene Thompson
13 Trent Merrin                                       13 Adam Blair

Interchange                                     Interchange
14 Bronson Harrison                                 14 Cory Paterson
15 Kyle Stanley                                         15 Ava Seumanufagai
16 Joel Thompson                                     16 Sauaso Sue
17 Tyson Frizell                                         17 James Gavet
20 Mike Cooper

Coach: Steve Price                            Coach: Mick Potter

Wests Tigers begin their post "Benji era" and 2014 campaign with Sunday's clash against the Dragons. For the two teams, there are similarities between both. For one, both sides are experiencing a rebuilding phase that has seen considerable experience leave the club. With that in mind, both sides are tipped to be among the sides making up the numbers in 2014. On top of that, both coaches are under pressure and uncannily charged with plotting the downfall of the club they played first grade with (Price at the Tigers - Potter at the Dragons).

The Dragons give club debut's to Dylan Farrell, Gareth Widdop, Michael Witt, Joel Thompson and if he plays also Mike Cooper (18th man). For the Tigers there are club debut's to Keith Lulia, Martin Taupau, Cory Paterson and a first grade debut for James Gavet. Pat Richards also makes his first appearance for Wests Tigers in 8 years!

Key Points - Wests Tigers

For the Tigers, you would think that any victory on Sunday afternoon has to rely on a couple of key issues. Firstly, the impact of Luke Brooks. Last time these two sides met, Brooks debuted. He also tore the Dragons up that day. So his influence will be key, His ability to run the football to the line, to bring others into the game are to be watched carefully. If he plays well there's a fair chance the Tigers get the points on the day.

The second key point has to be defense. In two trial wins over Penrith and Cronulla, the Tigers had to defend their line for periods of time. To which they did well. It's an area of the park that we've been poor at for far too long now and it's an area that if we're to improve overall, this defense needs to improve significantly.

Key Points - St George- Illawarra

For the Dragons, their key for success this weekend looks to be in two areas. First, their back row. It is strong, exeprienced and capable of success this weekend. Leeson Ah Mau's pre-season has been encouraging for the Dragons and coupled with the experience of Ben Creagh and likely origin rep Trent Merrin, this is a danger area for the Tigers.

The other area of concern for the Tigers will be the Dragons halves, but not so much for what we know about them, more for what we don't know. Gareth Widdop leaves the Storm and takes on more responsibility at the Dragons. He will partner Michael Witt who returns to the NRL in 2014. They don't have much football together under their belt and are most definitely a work in progress. What these two are able to do will effect another strength of the Dragons, in wingers Brett Morris and Jason Nightingale.

Late Mail 

The Dragons are expected to be 1-17 at this point. No players are listed as being doubtful for the game. Mike Cooper is the addition on a 5 man bench which will be culled closer to kick off. 

For the Tigers, boils have dominated the build up this week. The club expects Robbie Farah, Aaron Woods and Pat Richards to be okay, despite being quarantined this week.

The Verdict

I honestly see nothing but a Tigers win this week. I expect it to be relatively close but feel the Tigers trump the Dragons in the crucial spine area of the team. The presence of James Tedesco, Luke Brooks and Robbie Farah just looks so much stronger than that of the Dragons - Adam Quinlan, Michael Witt and Mitch Rein.

On a 1-17 basis the Tigers appear to contain a little more quality, compared to the Dragons who appear to offer a lot of untapped/unrealized potential. Make no mistake though, i'm not writing the Dragons off here. They are a great chance of winning this weekend. I just don't know if they possess the attack right now to outscore the Tigers. The loss of Josh Dugan was massive.

The return of Liam Fulton is a BIG plus too for the Tigers. He rarely has off days. The experience of Pat Richards and Chris Lawrence also looks a formidable combination out wide. Expect Luke Brooks to head in that direction often.

Score: Wests Tigers 28-18 Dragons

Round 1 @Dragons: Team Analysis

Dragons                                     Tigers

1 Adam Quinlan                                      1 James Tedesco
2 Brett Morris                                          2 Marika Koroibete
3 Dylan Farrell                                        3 Keith Lulia
4 Gerard Beale                                       4 Chris Lawrence
5 Jason Nightingale                                 5 Pat Richards
6 Gareth Widdop                                     6 Braith Anasta
7 Michael Witt                                          7 Luke Brooks
8 Jack de Belin                                        8 Aaron Woods
9 Mitch Rein                                            9 Robbie Farah (c)
10 Dan Hunt                                           10 Martin Taupau
11 Leeson Ah Mau                                  11 Liam Fulton
12 Ben Creagh (c)                                  12 Bodene Thompson
13 Trent Merrin                                       13 Adam Blair

Interchange                                     Interchange
14 Bronson Harrison                                 14 Cory Paterson
15 Kyle Stanley                                         15 Ava Seumanufagai
16 Joel Thompson                                     16 Sauaso Sue
17 Tyson Frizell                                         17 James Gavet
20 Mike Cooper

Coach: Steve Price                            Coach: Mick Potter

Analysis

Wests Tigers named a somewhat predictable first squad for the 2014 season. Essentially the squad is exactly the same as the one which played Cronulla in the team's final trial 2 weeks ago. There are however three changes to the squad, with the return of forwards Liam Fulton, Ava Seaumanufagai and Sauaso Sue.  Fulton and Sue return from injury, whilst Seumanufagai has spent his pre-season largely with the VB NSW Cup squad gaining match fitness. 

As expected, Keith Lulia fills in for Tim Simona, Marikia Koroibete for David Nofoaluma, whilst Keith Galloway waits another week, which means Martin Taupau starts in his place. There's also an NRL debut for James Gavet, whose pre-season has been immense for the club. Gavet who was rocked by a long term foot injury in 2013 gets his chance off the bench this Sunday.

On Sunday the Tigers look likely to rely on several points of attack. James Tedesco's play from the back will be crucial. 100% fit again, Teddy looks faster, wiser and more confident and looks set to be a focal point in attack this season. Chris Lawrence and Pat Richards combination out wide could also be one to watch this season. The duo bring experience and real strike power close to the line with their ability to break tackles.

Up front Aaron Woods and Martin Taupau look a confident prop duo. Captain Robbie Farah and Liam Fulton are key players and their experience will be vital. whilst Cory Paterson and James Gavet will be ones to watch from the bench.

All in all, the Tigers have a side more than capable of grabbing the points on Sunday afternoon.

The Monday Morning Focus: Week 1

Well fans, it's here! It's officially week one of the 2014 NRL season!

The form guide is almost impossible to read given the season is yet to start, however, there's plenty to look forward to in the week ahead. For most, the return of meaningful competition on a weekly basis is what is missed most. That will happen on Thursday night when premiers the Sydney Roosters tackle Souths. Wests Tigers fans will wait till 3pm Sunday, when we meet the Dragons.

Tomorrow gives us our first look at the heavily scrutinized Team List Tuesday. For the Tigers, there could be returns for 3 players off injury - David Nofoaluma, Liam Fulton and Keith Galloway are all expected to return. There could also be a fourth player in Tim Simona who may make it for Round 1. It looks touch and go for Tim though.

Most of the press on Wests Tigers in this pre-season has come with the belief that for the side to any well this season, the kids will need to perform. Much has been made of Luke Brooks and what he can provide the team. Robbie Farah's form will be critical too. Most though believe the side will do well just to avoid the wooden spoon. I don't agree with this at all!

Pre-season injuries have not been kind to Wests Tigers this year. Tim Moltzen, Dene Halatau and Curtis Sironen have all been floored with long term injuries. The good news was that we avoided more injuries in our final trial versus the Sharks, so our relative health is not too bad.

The focus though now turns to Round 1 action. It's simply brilliant to have league back - front and centre once more!