Much has been made of a plethora of withdrawals for this weekend's round of representative matches, and whilst at the top of the tree only injuries have prevented the odd player from representing his country of choice, it seems further down the representative tree things are all together a lot more relaxed.
Multiple players have withdrawn from Sunday afternoon's City v Country clash in Dubbo due to "injury". Trouble is that some of these players appear to be using the term "injury" to simply rest up a little for their clubs as we head in to the all important middle third of the season. The situation has gotten so bad now that even players from the Under 20's Origin clash on Saturday night are using the same excuses.....or their clubs are at least.
In the case of Luke Brooks and the Wests Tigers, i think we need to look at this one just a little differently. In my mind what the Tigers have done with Brooks is fair enough given the circumstances. Eight players are currently listed on the WESTS TIGERS INJURY REPORT. A further 3 players, David Nofoaluma, Keith Galloway and Blake Austin, are also injury concerns ahead of Friday week's showdown with the Sydney Roosters. Add to that Tim Simona will serve the second and final game of his suspension.
That means the Wests Tigers will have a minimum 9 of their top 25 players unavailable next Friday night. That figure could rise as Galloway and Nofoaluma are no certainties at this point to play either. Now withdrawing Luke Brooks from the Under 20's Origin game isn't necessarily a vote of no confidence in the kid's ability to get through the game unscathed, rather it's about the club protecting its own interests when in a vulnerable position.
I guess we could also argue the fact that Brooks hasn't even played a Holden Cup game this season, so what's the point?? Surely there's no harm in giving his spot to a kid looking for an opportunity Brooks has already had (last season) and no offence meant, could get more valuable experience from an NRL game anyways.
The point though is that Wests Tigers should be allowed to make the call on Brooks and not be slated for doing so due to the high amount of players currently injured from the top squad. I don't think it's an unreasonable request at all. In this instance surely the club who pays the wages of Brooks has the right to look after itself first and foremost.
Fans would be mightily peeved if Brooks or even any other our rep players this weekend were to get injured. You may ask why then do we not withdraw Aaron Woods from the City side?? In truth i believe there's merit in this also but as the City-County clash acts as a Origin trial, it certainly won't hurt Aaron to play here.
Tuesday 29 April 2014
Tuesday 22 April 2014
Round 8 team analysis: V Gold Coast Titans
For the second time in 7 weeks the Wests Tigers and Gold Coast Titans will lock horns this Sunday afternoon at Leichhardt Oval. The Tigers won the previous encounter, belting the Titans 42-12 at Cbus Super Stadium on a scorching Sunday afternoon on the Gold Coast. On that occasion Wests were led by Luke Brooks, James Tedesco and the rampaging forward pack that is now fast gaining credibility.
A lot has changed since then. Prior to Monday night's defeat at Penrith, the Titans were actually top of the table with the Wests loss their only one prior to that point. The Tigers themselves also sit pretty on the table with 5 wins in their first 7 matches, buoyed by a stellar victory over the Eels on Monday afternoon - minus a host of players including captain Robbie Farah.
The Tigers make minimal changes to the side for the round 8 encounter with the Titans with prop James Gavet unfortunately out for a month with a hamstring injury. His absence is filled by the returning Liam Fulton who missed monday's clash with a shoulder injury. Fulton returns to the run on side with Sitaleki Akauola moving back to the bench. Blake Austin retains his spot in the squad as back up hooker to Joel Luani. A combination which paid dividends versus the Eels.
The Titans lose prop Matt White from their bench this week due to suspension with Mark Ioane his replacement on the bench. Fullback Will Zillman (hamstring) is also missing despite being named in last weekend's squad and could potentially be a late inclusion perhaps?
Tigers: Kurtis Rowe, David Nofoaluma, Tim Simona, Chris Lawrence, Pat Richards, Braith Anasta (c), Luke Brooks, Aaron Woods, Joel Luani, Keith Galloway, Liam Fulton, Bodene Thompson, Adam Blair. Interchange: Martin Taupau, Ava Seumanufagai, Blake Austin, Sitaleki Akauola
A lot has changed since then. Prior to Monday night's defeat at Penrith, the Titans were actually top of the table with the Wests loss their only one prior to that point. The Tigers themselves also sit pretty on the table with 5 wins in their first 7 matches, buoyed by a stellar victory over the Eels on Monday afternoon - minus a host of players including captain Robbie Farah.
The Tigers make minimal changes to the side for the round 8 encounter with the Titans with prop James Gavet unfortunately out for a month with a hamstring injury. His absence is filled by the returning Liam Fulton who missed monday's clash with a shoulder injury. Fulton returns to the run on side with Sitaleki Akauola moving back to the bench. Blake Austin retains his spot in the squad as back up hooker to Joel Luani. A combination which paid dividends versus the Eels.
The Titans lose prop Matt White from their bench this week due to suspension with Mark Ioane his replacement on the bench. Fullback Will Zillman (hamstring) is also missing despite being named in last weekend's squad and could potentially be a late inclusion perhaps?
Tigers: Kurtis Rowe, David Nofoaluma, Tim Simona, Chris Lawrence, Pat Richards, Braith Anasta (c), Luke Brooks, Aaron Woods, Joel Luani, Keith Galloway, Liam Fulton, Bodene Thompson, Adam Blair. Interchange: Martin Taupau, Ava Seumanufagai, Blake Austin, Sitaleki Akauola
Marshall return leads to inevitable questions
Benji Marshall's impending return to the NRL has caught some by surprise, and others, not so much! Few gave Marshall a glowing reference in his bid to make it in Rugby in the first place, so it's perhaps no surprise he's making his way back already. For me, the biggest surprise is how soon it's happening.
Benji hasn't even completed a full rugby season and has apparently opted out because it was too hard. Or it wasn't worth his time. Where's the modesty? Where's the commitment to not so much honoring his multi year contract but more his development in returning to Rugby?? Did he really expect it to be so easy?? Given the poor form he left in the NRL he surely could've seen that this would take time. For me, Marshall's decision to leave the Auckland Blues must surely have let down John Kirwan, the Blues coach who put all his faith in bringing Marshall in.
What's done is done though and if you believe the reports, Marshall is close to signing with the Cronulla Sharks. No matter where he ends up though, the question needs to be asked - What do the Tigers get out of all this? And, should they get something out of all this?? In my opinion the answer is simple here. Yes. Yes, we should.
Marshall was granted a release from the final 2 years of his current contract because he was "disillusioned" with life at the Tigers. A clause in his release stated that Marshall could not return to another NRL club until 2016. That's clearly not going to be the case now. The Tigers probably have two ways they can go with regards to relaxing this clause. Obviously the fair thing to do is to let Marshall play football.
The first thing the Tigers may look towards is financial compensation. Could the Tigers ask to be paid a portion of what Marshall would've cost them over the next season and a half?? A situation similar to Ben Barba's release to the Broncos. Whilst Barba and Marshall's release scenarios aren't similar, Marshall was released under the proviso he ended up in Rugby. A financial compensation package would at least aid the Tigers who clearly lose out here given Marshall's marketability.
The other option and one not suggested at this point is to have the Tigers only allow Marshall's clause to be waived on the ground that Benji does not play against the Tigers this season and possibly next season where his contract with the club would've ended. Whilst this would ruin any potential match up for Marshall versus the Tigers in that time frame, the decision to effectively "cup-tie" (to steal a football term) him against his former club isn't exactly unfair and could be a resolution worth considering.
Ultimately, the Wests Tigers will not stand in Marshall's way. He deserves the right to return so long as all parties agree. There is little doubt though that the Tigers need to be compensated though, or at the very least have it offered to them.
Watch this space!
Benji hasn't even completed a full rugby season and has apparently opted out because it was too hard. Or it wasn't worth his time. Where's the modesty? Where's the commitment to not so much honoring his multi year contract but more his development in returning to Rugby?? Did he really expect it to be so easy?? Given the poor form he left in the NRL he surely could've seen that this would take time. For me, Marshall's decision to leave the Auckland Blues must surely have let down John Kirwan, the Blues coach who put all his faith in bringing Marshall in.
What's done is done though and if you believe the reports, Marshall is close to signing with the Cronulla Sharks. No matter where he ends up though, the question needs to be asked - What do the Tigers get out of all this? And, should they get something out of all this?? In my opinion the answer is simple here. Yes. Yes, we should.
Marshall was granted a release from the final 2 years of his current contract because he was "disillusioned" with life at the Tigers. A clause in his release stated that Marshall could not return to another NRL club until 2016. That's clearly not going to be the case now. The Tigers probably have two ways they can go with regards to relaxing this clause. Obviously the fair thing to do is to let Marshall play football.
The first thing the Tigers may look towards is financial compensation. Could the Tigers ask to be paid a portion of what Marshall would've cost them over the next season and a half?? A situation similar to Ben Barba's release to the Broncos. Whilst Barba and Marshall's release scenarios aren't similar, Marshall was released under the proviso he ended up in Rugby. A financial compensation package would at least aid the Tigers who clearly lose out here given Marshall's marketability.
The other option and one not suggested at this point is to have the Tigers only allow Marshall's clause to be waived on the ground that Benji does not play against the Tigers this season and possibly next season where his contract with the club would've ended. Whilst this would ruin any potential match up for Marshall versus the Tigers in that time frame, the decision to effectively "cup-tie" (to steal a football term) him against his former club isn't exactly unfair and could be a resolution worth considering.
Ultimately, the Wests Tigers will not stand in Marshall's way. He deserves the right to return so long as all parties agree. There is little doubt though that the Tigers need to be compensated though, or at the very least have it offered to them.
Watch this space!
Wednesday 16 April 2014
Round 7 team analysis: Vs Parramatta Eels
6 weeks have now passed in the 2014 NRL season and not many people would've predicted this weeks match up to be a battle between 3rd (Tigers) and 5th (Eels), but yet it is! The Tigers last weekend were impressive in stifling a Cowboys attack that featured Jonathan Thurston, an able sidekick in Rob Lui and the experience of Brent Tate who posed questions all night long but were limited to just 4 points.
This week the Tigers face a completely different test, and not one too dissimilar to themselves in the Parramatta Eels. The Eels also boast an enthusiastic team, a bustling forward pack, and a cheeky number 7. This weekend's match has the makings of an enjoyable game as both sides are full of confidence, believing they can knock each other off.
For the Tigers there is one major change to the team this week with Captain Robbie Farah joining the injury list, set to miss between 4-6 weeks with an elbow injury. In his place comes NSW Cup hooker Joel Luani who debuted last season, playing on 3 occasions.
At five eighth Braith Anasta returns from a one week suspension, forcing Blake Austin to an extended bench. Fullback Kurtis Rowe has been named and is expected to recover from a hip flexor complaint and play against the Eels. The return of Anasta is vital for the Tigers with his experience set to be a calming presence for the younger guys in the team, especially Luke Brooks. Anasta also takes over the captaincy in Farah's absence.
Whilst the presence of Anasta will be vital, there's no doubt the Tigers will seek greater comfort from their forward pack in Farah's absence. Look to Aaron Woods, Keith Galloway, Liam Fulton, Adam Blair and Bodene Thompson to lift this week as they look to take the pressure off Joel Luani and Luke Brooks and make their jobs a little easier. With the likes James Gavet and Marty Taupau off the bench, the Tigers could well look to ambush the Eels, just like they did against the Bunnies and Sea Eagles.
Also, don't be surprised if Luke Brooks steps it up a notch this weekend. Whilst the pressure won't be on him to do so, it wouldn't surprise me to see him step up and fill the attacking void left by Farah. So long as the forwards lay the platform, Monday afternoon looms as a little test for Brooks and his ability.
This week the Tigers face a completely different test, and not one too dissimilar to themselves in the Parramatta Eels. The Eels also boast an enthusiastic team, a bustling forward pack, and a cheeky number 7. This weekend's match has the makings of an enjoyable game as both sides are full of confidence, believing they can knock each other off.
For the Tigers there is one major change to the team this week with Captain Robbie Farah joining the injury list, set to miss between 4-6 weeks with an elbow injury. In his place comes NSW Cup hooker Joel Luani who debuted last season, playing on 3 occasions.
At five eighth Braith Anasta returns from a one week suspension, forcing Blake Austin to an extended bench. Fullback Kurtis Rowe has been named and is expected to recover from a hip flexor complaint and play against the Eels. The return of Anasta is vital for the Tigers with his experience set to be a calming presence for the younger guys in the team, especially Luke Brooks. Anasta also takes over the captaincy in Farah's absence.
Whilst the presence of Anasta will be vital, there's no doubt the Tigers will seek greater comfort from their forward pack in Farah's absence. Look to Aaron Woods, Keith Galloway, Liam Fulton, Adam Blair and Bodene Thompson to lift this week as they look to take the pressure off Joel Luani and Luke Brooks and make their jobs a little easier. With the likes James Gavet and Marty Taupau off the bench, the Tigers could well look to ambush the Eels, just like they did against the Bunnies and Sea Eagles.
Also, don't be surprised if Luke Brooks steps it up a notch this weekend. Whilst the pressure won't be on him to do so, it wouldn't surprise me to see him step up and fill the attacking void left by Farah. So long as the forwards lay the platform, Monday afternoon looms as a little test for Brooks and his ability.
WESTS TIGERS TEAM V EELS
Tigers: Kurtis Rowe, David Nofoaluma, Tim Simona, Chris Lawrence, Pat Richards, Braith Anasta, Luke Brooks, Aaron Woods, Joel Luani, Keith Galloway, Liam Fulton, Bodene Thompson, Adam Blair. Interchange: Martin Taupau, Ava Seumanufagai, James Gavet, Sitaleki Akauola, Blake Austin (18th man)
Tuesday 15 April 2014
Tigers finally on the rise
With a pocket of serious negativity engulfing the club this past weekend, you'd be excused for thinking the Wests Tigers were on struggle street. Fans are whinging, some in feisty discontent as a divide in the club's fan base rears its ugly head once more. Only the Tigers are not struggling. Far from it! The Tigers sit 3rd on the competition table and face a showdown with fellow early pacesetters the Parramatta Eels this long weekend.
In a week where the club has begun to nominate its top 15 moments in order to celebrate our 15th season as a joint venture club, i thought i'd take the opportunity to compile my own list of sorts. The idea being to crush the negativity that has surrounded the club in recent days. In recent days i've adopted the hashtag #thepositiveWTfan in the hope it will encourage fans to be exactly that. Positive. From where i sit, there's a lot to be positive about.
So without further delay here is a list of reasons to be positive about our club.
1. Creating a new identity
Nearly all in the NRL community wrote us off this season, branding the club a near certain wooden spoon candidate. They said without Benji, we'd be on struggle street. I'm also pretty certain though that most fans probably felt we could give the edge of the top 8 a good run. I'm also pretty certain that no one had us sitting 3rd on the table after 6 weeks with wins against Souths, Manly the Cowboys and a win over the Titans on the Gold Coast.
We have definitely punched above our weight to start the season. But it's also fair to suggest that this is a different Wests Tigers team than the one expected. At the start of the season i talked about how the club needed to find a new identity. With the turnover of players we've had in the past 2 seasons its not been possible to keep that same identity.
What we've found is that the brash, sometimes off the cup, exciting brand of football we were known for doesn't really exist in the same form now. It used to be the way we won football games. In 2014 it is our forward pack leading the way to great effect. Aaron Woods and Keith Galloway may be top of props at the Tigers but the support cast has been as good as you could hope for. Martin Taupau and James Gavet get a special mention here too. They've been enormous!
A new identity has definitely been formed!
2. The new kids on the block
There's been a noticeable shift in focus from the Wests Tigers in the last 4-5 years and you can bet your life it started even earlier than that. Howerver only in recent seasons have we begun to see the rewards of focusing on junior development. At least 16 players from our top 25 in 2014 come from junior clubs under the Wests Tigers banner. A further 3 come via the partnership with Keebra Park High School. Those are staggering numbers and a great example of the focus of the club.
In the past 2-3 years the program has definitely found a purple patch. The quality of youngsters coming through the ranks has improved enormously and credit must go to the club for identifying and nurturing talent. Without question the likes of Aaron Woods, James Tedesco, David Nofoaluma, Tim Simona, Luke Brooks, Aaron Woods, Curtis Sironen and Sauaso Sue are the most exciting bunch of juniors to ever come through the club in the same period.
3. Wests Tigers administration
If we're honest the Wests Tigers administration has been the laughing stock of the club for so long. With the benefit of hindsight, their ability to transform the Wests Tigers into one club was and still is a complete failure. However there are signs of this changing. The changes may've only come as a result of Balmain's financial woes but an agreement with the NRL to facilitate governance changes for the Wests Tigers is a massive step in the right direction. In particular the decision to involve independent identities on the Wests Tigers board..
4. The spine of the side
With a forward pack doing good things, it's the spine of the side which will hope to cash in on the forward momentum provided. In James Tedesco and Luke Brooks we have a fullback and halfback who will hopefully be long term players for the club. They are also players who ooze rep football potential. Robbie Farah is an obvious gun hooker and whilst Braith Anasta will retire at season's end, Blake Austin and Mitchell Moses offer plenty of talent as replacements.
5. Mick Potter
Mick Potter was in an unfortunate spot last season. His first year at the club came amid a myriad of drama and misfortune. Front and centre was an injury toll akin to a medical centre waiting room on Sunday afternoon. He then had to deal with the team's talisman, Benji Marshall, slumping into the abyss as his form seemed to lurch from one disaster to another. Potter though did keep his head and whilst he did make some tough but fair decisions in 2013, he only just survived the axe.
2014 has fared a lot better for him. It's easy to see the improvement in the quality of play the side is producing. It's also easy to see that he's got them playing the style he wants them playing too. Changing the fortunes and culture of a club is never an easy task but Potter appears to be stepping out of the darkness with his head held high. He's also had great support this season from David Kidwell and Todd Payten.
Monday 14 April 2014
Where there is a will, there is a way
Six rounds in to the 2014 NRL season and things couldn't have gone all that much better for the Wests Tigers. Four wins from the opening six games have the Tigers sitting third on the table, seemingly punching above their weight.
"Punching above their weight" is a term worth considering when you take a look at the talent missing. In fact the injury numbers whilst not as bad as 2013....yet, do begin to be a cause for concern. Prior to Round 1 the club already had 3 long term injuries with Tim Moltzen, Dene Halatau and Curtis Sironen facing extended periods out of the game.
Just 6 weeks later that list contains a further 3 players set for long terms absences. Sausao Sue was first to go, looking at a Round 10/11 return from an ankle injury. The news though would get even worse with 2 crucial players in James Tedesco (9 weeks, ankle) and Robbie Farah (6 weeks elbow) added to the list. The good news is that Halatau, Sironen, Sue, Tedesco and Farah are all set to return between round 11-14 if all goes to plan.
What's remarkable is the fact we've won four of our first six matches so far. This time last year we'd lost four of our first six matches! Ultimately your start to the season can set the trend for the season, and whilst i don't believe we'll always be winning 4/6 as a ratio all season long, what it does tell us is that we're clearly a lot better than last season. A heck of a lot better!
This leads to the ultimate question. Can the Wests Tigers continue to find wins with such talent on the sideline?? Up until last weekend i would've said yes. With the forward pack playing the way they are, with Robbie Farah leading the team the way he was, it all looked possible. With Farah out though things look a little more questionable. Questionable but not impossible!
The focus now turns to others stepping in and filling the void. No. I'm not expecting Joel Luani to come out and mimic Robbie Farah's game and fill his shoes completely. Luani's job will be to play his own game. Attention will now turn to getting an extra 5% out of the likes of David Nofoaluma, Tim Simona, Chris Lawrence and Pat Richards. As solid as Braith Anasta has been this season, we now need an extra surge of quality out of him. The same goes for Luke Brooks who may just be asked to find a little extra.
The forward pack are doing a mighty job. I'm comfortable with what they're bringing to the table and do get the feeling they will lead from the front in the next few weeks, as they have so far this season. Right now though the litmus test is being provided. We have the talent. The question though is will we have the belief and confidence carry it out moving forward??
More importantly, do we as fans have the commitment to help our team through this? Our support is needed perhaps more than it's ever been this season. With a host of talent on the sideline injured we need to be that extra man, especially with home games. If we raise our voices then our Tigers will raise their game. This is how it's always been.
Sunday 13 April 2014
The onus MUST be on Wests Tigers fans as a whole
It's hard to believe that on a weekend where Wests Tigers scored their fourth win from six matches this season, on the same weekend where the club lost Robbie Farah to injury for six weeks, that neither of these points would be the most talked about issues for fans. However they most certainly are not.
Front and centre for the fans this weekend has been the flare up of the old Campbelltown vs Leichhardt debate! Yep. It's back! Just over a week ago, 16,000 fans turned up in pouring rain at Leichhardt to watch the Tigers beat Manly. 6 nights later just over 6000 fans turned up to see us beat the Cowboys in conditions far more comforting to fans who attended.
The approximate 10,000 gap in the crowd has left many Wests Tigers fans bitterly, bitterly disappointed. With good reason. The week in between the two fixtures saw a rather unusual postcode challenge occur on twitter as Campbelltown's #2560 hashtag went up against Leichhardt's #2040. The promotion was unique but great! It seemed to really unite Wests Tigers fans. There was a real sense of optimism that Saturday nights attendance would be able to match that of Leichhardt a week earlier. Sadly its flat lined. Worse than anyone could have predicted in my opinion.
Instead of pointing the finger at reasons to why this happened, i want to point the finger at Wests Tigers fans in general. How is it that we could draw two crowds so starkly different within a week of each other? I for one will not blame the "out of town opposition". I think that's a total cop out! Last time i checked. I attended the game to watch MY team. To support MY team. It doesn't who matter we play. You are there first and foremost to support YOUR team!
People will suggest that perhaps Campbelltown is out of the way of a significant proportion of our fan base, and i would love to know what percentage of our fan base/members actually live within the Macarthur region. Perhaps there are some telling stats here?? I don't know though. What i do know is that Saturday night was not good enough. We're all accountable here. We must embrace our football club.
I want to encourage all our fans, doesn't matter where you live, to get out and please make an effort to get out to games at all venues. Round 11 sees our next trip to Campbelltown Stadium for the 15 year anniversary match versus the Broncos. It's a Saturday night game kicking off at 7.30pm, just like the weekend's fixture. If we could all make a special effort to get out there for the game, that would be tremendous! I know we can do it!
Fans are the life of any football club. Without them, a club will never flourish. Without us fans, Wests Tigers will never flourish the way they could potentially. We can change that though! Lets make sure we do guys.
Front and centre for the fans this weekend has been the flare up of the old Campbelltown vs Leichhardt debate! Yep. It's back! Just over a week ago, 16,000 fans turned up in pouring rain at Leichhardt to watch the Tigers beat Manly. 6 nights later just over 6000 fans turned up to see us beat the Cowboys in conditions far more comforting to fans who attended.
The approximate 10,000 gap in the crowd has left many Wests Tigers fans bitterly, bitterly disappointed. With good reason. The week in between the two fixtures saw a rather unusual postcode challenge occur on twitter as Campbelltown's #2560 hashtag went up against Leichhardt's #2040. The promotion was unique but great! It seemed to really unite Wests Tigers fans. There was a real sense of optimism that Saturday nights attendance would be able to match that of Leichhardt a week earlier. Sadly its flat lined. Worse than anyone could have predicted in my opinion.
Instead of pointing the finger at reasons to why this happened, i want to point the finger at Wests Tigers fans in general. How is it that we could draw two crowds so starkly different within a week of each other? I for one will not blame the "out of town opposition". I think that's a total cop out! Last time i checked. I attended the game to watch MY team. To support MY team. It doesn't who matter we play. You are there first and foremost to support YOUR team!
People will suggest that perhaps Campbelltown is out of the way of a significant proportion of our fan base, and i would love to know what percentage of our fan base/members actually live within the Macarthur region. Perhaps there are some telling stats here?? I don't know though. What i do know is that Saturday night was not good enough. We're all accountable here. We must embrace our football club.
I want to encourage all our fans, doesn't matter where you live, to get out and please make an effort to get out to games at all venues. Round 11 sees our next trip to Campbelltown Stadium for the 15 year anniversary match versus the Broncos. It's a Saturday night game kicking off at 7.30pm, just like the weekend's fixture. If we could all make a special effort to get out there for the game, that would be tremendous! I know we can do it!
Fans are the life of any football club. Without them, a club will never flourish. Without us fans, Wests Tigers will never flourish the way they could potentially. We can change that though! Lets make sure we do guys.
Tigers face their biggest test as Farah joins casualty list
For 77 minutes of last night's contest at Campbelltown Stadium, all seemed to be sitting pretty well for Wests Tigers. A gritty, grinding performance against the Cowboys had seen the side come out on top, 16-4 winners. Then in the blink of an eye, the man who had orchestrated one of his more dominant individual performances for the club went reeling out of a tackle and fell to the ground clutching his elbow. "Oh no! Not Robbie Farah!" most would surely have thought.
The news following only added fear to the situation. Subsequent scans confirmed damage but thankfully nothing major. The bad news? Farah is still looking at 6 weeks on the sideline. That also puts him in extreme doubt for Origin 1. Most Tigers fans though will be thinking little about that and more about the absence of their club captain.
For the Tigers the news is a bitter, bitter blow. Hot on the heels on losing youngsters Sauaso Sue and James Tedesco for extended periods, throw in long term absentees Dene Halatau, Curtis Sironen and Tim Moltzen and a fair bit of 1st grade talent is missing. This is definitely cause for concern. So far the depth has done an admirable job. However, there's no doubt that Farah is the biggest loss of them all. Irreplaceable!
Likely to step in to Farah's place next week is young Joel Luani who debuted for the club last season in place of Farah. Luani is a steady hooker who is his own man, not the next Robbie. Luani's inclusion also means coach Mick Potter will likely need to find a back up hooker for the bench.
NYC hooker Manaia Cherrington's time is surely too soon. he could though feature. The likely other contenders are Liam Fulton or Jarred Farlow. With Braith Anasta to return next week, it's likely Blake Austin's name could come up. However, has he ever played the hooking role before???? I'm not sure that's the way Potter will go. Nathan Walters could be another name to come up for the reckoning.
Critically, Potter is likely to already have had a plan ready given the likely loss of Farah during origin. So with that in mind, Potter will simply execute that plan a few weeks earlier than expected. Either way, i don't envy Mick Potter this week. He's got a tough decision to make. The Tigers too face a likely tough period on the field too.
The news following only added fear to the situation. Subsequent scans confirmed damage but thankfully nothing major. The bad news? Farah is still looking at 6 weeks on the sideline. That also puts him in extreme doubt for Origin 1. Most Tigers fans though will be thinking little about that and more about the absence of their club captain.
For the Tigers the news is a bitter, bitter blow. Hot on the heels on losing youngsters Sauaso Sue and James Tedesco for extended periods, throw in long term absentees Dene Halatau, Curtis Sironen and Tim Moltzen and a fair bit of 1st grade talent is missing. This is definitely cause for concern. So far the depth has done an admirable job. However, there's no doubt that Farah is the biggest loss of them all. Irreplaceable!
Likely to step in to Farah's place next week is young Joel Luani who debuted for the club last season in place of Farah. Luani is a steady hooker who is his own man, not the next Robbie. Luani's inclusion also means coach Mick Potter will likely need to find a back up hooker for the bench.
NYC hooker Manaia Cherrington's time is surely too soon. he could though feature. The likely other contenders are Liam Fulton or Jarred Farlow. With Braith Anasta to return next week, it's likely Blake Austin's name could come up. However, has he ever played the hooking role before???? I'm not sure that's the way Potter will go. Nathan Walters could be another name to come up for the reckoning.
Critically, Potter is likely to already have had a plan ready given the likely loss of Farah during origin. So with that in mind, Potter will simply execute that plan a few weeks earlier than expected. Either way, i don't envy Mick Potter this week. He's got a tough decision to make. The Tigers too face a likely tough period on the field too.
Tuesday 8 April 2014
Round 6 team analysis: V North Queensland Cowboys
After the highs of Sunday afternoon's big victory in the big wet at Leichhardt Oval, the Wests Tigers shift home base further west this weekend when they welcome the North Queensland Cowboys to Campbelltown Stadium this Saturday night. The game marks the Tigers first outing in Campbelltown this season.
The high's of Sunday have been dampened though this week with the loss of two key players. In form fullback James Tedesco is gone, looking at up to 9 weeks on the sideline with ankle ligament damage. Also missing is experienced five eighth Braith Anasta who took the early plea for the nrl match review committee and will miss one week.
In their places come rookie fullback Kurtis Rowe who will debut for the club, whilst former Panther Blake Austin gets his first opportunity in place of Anasta. Rowe's selection is the biggest surprise. Assistant coach Todd Payten admitted that the coaching group considered the option of shifting either Tim Simona or Pat Richards to fullback but decided against it, prefering to keep the backline settled where possible.
Todd Payten -
‘‘We had some other options available in the first grade squad if we wanted to shuffle things around,’’ Payten said. ‘‘We spoke as a coaching group and decided K deserved his shot. It’s a big thing to move players out of position. That was part of our conversation – he’s here at the club for a job and while he’s yet to experience first grade, he’ll handle it.
‘‘If we had have shuffled Patty [Richards] or Timmy Simona back there, they’re not full time No.1s. I think positioning-wise and talk-wise, I think we would have lost a little bit. And I think we would have lost a little bit in the centres and on the wing. I think we’ve come up with the right decision.’’
Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/league-news/wests-tigers-name-debutants-kurtis-rowe-and-blake-austin-20140408-zqsbi.html#ixzz2yLIX6m00
With Anasta and Tedesco out, the Tigers face their first real test of their attacking abilities. Tedesco in particular has become an x-factor for the club in the opening month of the season. His replacement Rowe does possess some similar attributes, most notably his speed and try scoring ability, but Tedesco has arguably been the player of the season to this point in time - so he's no easy replacement.
Blake Austin's form the Tigers in the NSW Cup has been brilliant. Leading the side to joint leadership of the table after 5 matches. At 23, Austin is well and truly ready to relaunch his nrl career after only modest success with the Panthers. There's a belief that whilst he has the attributes to make it at nrl level, he was thrown in the deep end at the Panthers and a now more mature Austin is perhaps better equipped this time around.
WESTS TIGERS TEAM V NTH QLD COWBOYS
1.Kurtis Rowe, 2. David Nofoaluma, 3. Tim Simona, 4. Chris Lawrence 5. Pat Richards, 6. Blake Austin,7. Luke Brooks, 8. Aaron Woods, 9.Robbie Farah ©, 10. Keith Galloway, 11.Liam Fulton, 12.Bodene Thompson, 13. Adam Blair, 14. Martin Taupau 15. Ava Seumanufagai, 16. James Gavet,17. Sitaleki Akauola, 18. Keith Lulia
Monday 7 April 2014
Tigers deal with Teddy, Braith blows
Sunday's mightily impressive victory over Manly at a rain sodden Leichhardt Oval has come at a cost for the Wests Tigers with two blows for the 5th placed side. Fresh from "ambushing" the Sea Eagles at the Tigers spiritual home came news that fullback James Tedesco has ligament damage in his ankle and faces a minimum 4-6 weeks on the sideline.
Further scans and consultation with a surgeon today could lead to a longer layoff for the in form fullback with some estimates suggesting he could miss between 8-10 weeks with what could be diagnosed as an ankle syndesmosis injury. Either way it appears likely he'll miss between 4-10 weeks regardless.
The Tigers were dealt a second blow yesterday with news that the experienced Braith Anasta could miss between 1-2 games after being charged by the NRL's match review committee for a shoulder charge. He'll need to successfully challenge the charge to have any hope of playing on Saturday night versus the Cowboys.
There is however better news with prop Ava Seumanufagai and Tim Simona appearing to pull up relatively well, despite picking up knocks on Sunday afternoon.
So with Tedesco and Anasta likely missing for the return to Campbelltown Stadium on Saturday night, attention turns to the men most likely to replace them.
By Moving Simona to fullback coach Mick Potter would then most likely call in the reliable Keith Lulia to fill the vacated centre position.
Option number 2 appears to be to move David Nofoaluma from the wing to fullback. Nofoaluma does have some junior football experience at the back. Ironically he played fullback in a team where Tedesco played wing. Nofoaluma is safe under a high ball, seems to have good positional play and could be a good short term fix. To be honest he or Pat Richards could probably both do a job although Richards appears a better fit on the wing.
If Nofoaluma moves to the back then the Tigers have a couple of ways they could go here. One would be to bring in Marika Koroibete to the wing. The other involves again shifting Tim Simona to the wing and bringing in Keith Lulia. This however appears a little less likely but one that shouldn't be ruled out.
The extreme long shot involves bringing in NSW Cup fullback Kurtis Rowe in a straight swap for the injured Tedesco. Many believe Rowe is still a fair way off the top grade currently but with Potter already down on troops, i suppose there is the possibility he'll look to stabilize the back line where possible and opt for the minimal disruption in bringing in Rowe.
Further scans and consultation with a surgeon today could lead to a longer layoff for the in form fullback with some estimates suggesting he could miss between 8-10 weeks with what could be diagnosed as an ankle syndesmosis injury. Either way it appears likely he'll miss between 4-10 weeks regardless.
The Tigers were dealt a second blow yesterday with news that the experienced Braith Anasta could miss between 1-2 games after being charged by the NRL's match review committee for a shoulder charge. He'll need to successfully challenge the charge to have any hope of playing on Saturday night versus the Cowboys.
There is however better news with prop Ava Seumanufagai and Tim Simona appearing to pull up relatively well, despite picking up knocks on Sunday afternoon.
So with Tedesco and Anasta likely missing for the return to Campbelltown Stadium on Saturday night, attention turns to the men most likely to replace them.
James Tedesco -
With Tedesco out the Tigers have a few ways they can go here. Most of these though involve the shifting of players from other positions. At the top of my queue is Tim Simona. Simona filled in at fullback when Tedesco left the field on Sunday afternoon. He has the pace, the footwork and strength to do a job here but is certainly not in the same class as Tedesco. Simona does have recent experience at fullback having spent time there for the Tigers in NSW Cup in recent seasons.By Moving Simona to fullback coach Mick Potter would then most likely call in the reliable Keith Lulia to fill the vacated centre position.
Option number 2 appears to be to move David Nofoaluma from the wing to fullback. Nofoaluma does have some junior football experience at the back. Ironically he played fullback in a team where Tedesco played wing. Nofoaluma is safe under a high ball, seems to have good positional play and could be a good short term fix. To be honest he or Pat Richards could probably both do a job although Richards appears a better fit on the wing.
If Nofoaluma moves to the back then the Tigers have a couple of ways they could go here. One would be to bring in Marika Koroibete to the wing. The other involves again shifting Tim Simona to the wing and bringing in Keith Lulia. This however appears a little less likely but one that shouldn't be ruled out.
The extreme long shot involves bringing in NSW Cup fullback Kurtis Rowe in a straight swap for the injured Tedesco. Many believe Rowe is still a fair way off the top grade currently but with Potter already down on troops, i suppose there is the possibility he'll look to stabilize the back line where possible and opt for the minimal disruption in bringing in Rowe.
Braith Anasta -
This one is a lot more straight forward. There appears only one realistic option here and that is to bring in NSW Cup five eighth Blake Austin. Austin has been a dominant force in the opening month of the season and with his confidence up, there's no better time to bring him in. It's hard to see Potter opting for anything but Austin really.
Tuesday 1 April 2014
Round 5 v Manly: Team analysis
After a disappointing trip across the Tasman last weekend the Tigers return to their spiritual home this Sunday afternoon to tackle Manly. Sunday's clash at Leichhardt Oval is the first at the venue this season and comes at a good time for the Tigers who were left battered by a physical Warriors outfit, losing 42-18 last weekend.
The Tigers picked up 4 injuries of concern in Wellington last weekend. Thankfully 2 of those injured have been named to play this weekend. James Tedesco (concussion) and Aaron Woods (ankle). Cory Paterson (concussion) has not been named at this stage but could be a late inclusion if he passes cognitive tests regarding his concussion before Sunday.
One player who definitely won't be there is Sauaso Sue who will miss 6-8 weeks with an ankle syndesmosis injury. His replacement on the bench is Sitaleki Akauola who comes back into the reckoning and will be keen to impress.
The biggest talking point regarding the squad for the Round 5 clash is the selection of Keith Lulia and Chris Lawrence in the centres, whilst Tim Simona is only named among the substitutes. The common belief is that Simona will force one of the two out of the starting 13 come kick off. Another good piece of news is the return of Liam Fulton who will be looking to avoid a third concussion in five weeks.
Manly represent another tough test for the Tigers. Last weekend's 8-0 win over the Roosters may not have been the prettiest of games but their defensive performance would've pleased many at the club. The Sea Eagles have the wood on the Tigers in recent years and Daly Cherry-Evans has been front and centre of that form and promises to hold the key to plotting the Tigers downfall this weekend.
The Tigers though will fancy their chances at Leichhardt!
The Tigers picked up 4 injuries of concern in Wellington last weekend. Thankfully 2 of those injured have been named to play this weekend. James Tedesco (concussion) and Aaron Woods (ankle). Cory Paterson (concussion) has not been named at this stage but could be a late inclusion if he passes cognitive tests regarding his concussion before Sunday.
One player who definitely won't be there is Sauaso Sue who will miss 6-8 weeks with an ankle syndesmosis injury. His replacement on the bench is Sitaleki Akauola who comes back into the reckoning and will be keen to impress.
The biggest talking point regarding the squad for the Round 5 clash is the selection of Keith Lulia and Chris Lawrence in the centres, whilst Tim Simona is only named among the substitutes. The common belief is that Simona will force one of the two out of the starting 13 come kick off. Another good piece of news is the return of Liam Fulton who will be looking to avoid a third concussion in five weeks.
Manly represent another tough test for the Tigers. Last weekend's 8-0 win over the Roosters may not have been the prettiest of games but their defensive performance would've pleased many at the club. The Sea Eagles have the wood on the Tigers in recent years and Daly Cherry-Evans has been front and centre of that form and promises to hold the key to plotting the Tigers downfall this weekend.
The Tigers though will fancy their chances at Leichhardt!
Wests Tigers team v Manly
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 (c)
10 Keith Galloway
11 Liam Fulton
12 Bodene Thompson
13 Adam Blair
Interchange
14 Martin Taupau
15 Ava Seumanufagai
16 James Gavet
17 Tim Simona
18 Sitaleki Akauola
Coach: Mick Potter
2 David Nofoaluma
3 Keith Lulia
4 Chris Lawrence
5 Pat Richards
6 Braith Anasta
7 Luke Brooks
8 Aaron Woods
9 Robbie Farah (c)
10 Keith Galloway
11 Liam Fulton
12 Bodene Thompson
13 Adam Blair
Interchange
14 Martin Taupau
15 Ava Seumanufagai
16 James Gavet
17 Tim Simona
18 Sitaleki Akauola
Coach: Mick Potter
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