Tedesco decision raises questions more than answers

James Tedesco's decision to yesterday accept a 3 year deal with the Canberra Raiders was of no surprise in the end. For the past few weeks speculation has centred on the fact the Tigers were struggling to make headway on the fullback's future and by the time Tedesco was photographed down in Canberra being "shopped around', some will say he was as good as gone. We'll never really know.....

What we do know though is that the deal is official. Tedesco agreeing terms with the Raiders in a deal worth $1.9m over 3 seasons. The deal alleged to have trumped the Tigers late counter of 4 years at an alleged similar financial total.  The Tigers simply could not match the Raiders offer. The Raiders viewed Tedesco as a marquee signing - something the Tigers rightly wouldn't have viewed him as. 

The Raiders, desperate to replace the departing Anthony Milford, had cash to burn and with barely nothing else going for them, had only money as their strongest selling point. Sure, there was the "promise" of an exciting future of change down in Canberra, led by Ricky Stuart - "the world's greatest coach". But what in the world is he changing down there?? And why is he changing it?  The roster includes the likes of Jack Wighton, Jared Croker, Reece Robinson. Edrick Lee is on the books although out injured. Mitch Cornish is coming up, Josh McCrone, Josh Papaali, Paul Vaughn, Joel Edwards and Shannon Boyd are all good first graders.

Sure the forward pack has some age but that's barely enough to warrant a clean out as super coach Sticky is doing. The culture at the Raiders has often been criticised too. Is this the reason for a cleanout perhaps? Gone are your Carney's and Dugan's and Thompson's but for too long the NRL club has sold itself as an unattractive option. Not a lot has changed in 2014. 

Away from bagging the Raiders though, who are simply conducting business and back to the Wests Tigers. Tedesco's departure opens up some serious questions of their own. In my opinion the most likely candidate to fill the shoes is current fullback Kurtis Rowe. Rowe may be still 12 months off being where the club wants him to be with his output for the team but that will come with further experience, maturity and physical development. I remember plenty of Tigers fans unconvinced of Tedesco's abilities not even 12 months ago. A lot can change in 12 months.

Rowe shows promise and flashes of ability at this point. I've got little doubt that if he continues to work hard at his game he can fill the loss of Tedesco just fine. Another option could well be Mitchell Moses, at least in the short to medium term. With Blake Austin on the books too it does allow the possibility of bringing Moses into the team at fullback. He certainly has the skills to play fullback but would need a run of games in NSW Cup to further convince me he's a viable option there. Some fans have suggested moving David Nofoaluma or Tim Simona to fullback too. I understand those points but i'd be reluctant to move them from their current positions. I'd rather we persisted with Rowe to be honest. I do feel he'll improve with time.

Replacing Tedesco is the easy part in my books because the club has an ever bigger issue to contend with as a result of his departure and it's something the club has alluded to in today's Sydney Morning Herald.

Tigers threaten to stop junior development in wake of Tedesco departure

The above article has the Wests Tigers pleading with the NRL to better protect itself and other clubs who focus on junior development. I think it's extremely unfair on Wests Tigers that they can produce a player, invest 8 years in development, help him over come serious injury, then offer him a deal which is an upgrade on his current deal and STILL lose him to another club. Even worse, Tedesco is just 21 years old and should still improve as a player.

Forget the specifics of Tedesco's contract offer with the Tigers but where is the fairness in this situation for the Tigers? Is it not time to introduce a transfer fee for players 23 or under??? Some will disregard the cry as sour grapes but sour grapes it's not. In the case of Tedesco, he was part of a development outlay of between $600,000 and $1million per season and he was lost to the club at age 21. Wests Tigers receive not a cent in return. 

It's a business decision, i get it. But it's an unfair one!

For too long fans of all clubs have been talking about the NRL needing to better protect clubs and their assets. Tedesco did not want to move, he gave the club time after time to find a way to keep him but there was no way the club could compete with the money the Raiders offered. What then is the point of clubs spending such amounts of money on junior development if the NRL is not going to protect them from the clubs who simply buy their juniors??

Canberra do develop their own juniors but ironically saw fit to offer Tedesco a contract that was considerably more than what he was worth, To call this smart by the Raiders would be misinformed. Is it a risk? Perhaps. It could pay off though. Time will tell. This though is irrespective of the fact that it was an unfair position for the Wests Tigers to find themselves in. They should've been better protected. All clubs deserve better protection from the NRL.

An identity built on.....??

15 years ago Wests Tigers were a club built on the identity of two foundation clubs - Balmain and Western Suburbs.  Two clubs with storied, proud histories came together and were officially born when the Tigers and Magpies came together as Wests Tigers and took to the field in 2000 against the Brisbane Broncos at Campbelltown Stadium. This weekend they'll get to celebrate that moment's 15th anniversary and do it all again.

Back in 2000 and indeed the first 4 years, the club was built on the identity of both Wests and Balmain. All the key components of the club, from the juniors who stood in first grade, club officials and of course fans, they all came together under the banner that  was the product of both foundation clubs.

In 2005 though things changed. Wests Tigers won the premiership and began to forge their own identity. The club now had something it could brand as their own. Not the product of Wests or Balmain. Instead this was the product of Wests Tigers. In the ensuing years the club has failed to grasp that new identity. In part because of mismanagement at club level but also in part due to unwillingness of fans to fully open themselves to what is Wests Tigers.

The club has spent years bickering with itself. Struggles over perceived favourtism towards the Balmain half of the joint have gone on for nearly the entire 15 years. There is still a perception that decisions made by Wests Tigers need to be made in the best interests of the two foundations clubs. Only this year, with the help of the NRL has progress been made on the bickering. An independent board created with the NRL's help will go along way to ending this once and for all.

As a supporter though, i often look at it and wonder why in the world are we still bickering for the sake of something that's not even our main priority?? 15 years ago both clubs made a decision to forge a new path and a new identity. 15 years later and it HAS to be our priority and all decisions made NEED to be in the best interests of Wests Tigers.

From a footballing perspective i think the club went in a new direction when Tim Sheens came to the club back in 2003. With little money it appeared the best option for the club was to focus on itself. The partnership with Keebra Park High School was put in the spotlight by Benji Marshall's arrival and probably gave the club the belief that developing their own players was the way to go. 

It has taken time but the past 4-5 years have provided massive results in terms of development.. You only have to look at the 2014 NRL squad for the proof. 21 of 35 players listed in the NRL squad (via WT's official webpage) have come through the full junior development system. There's even more who now ply their trade with other NRL clubs. Something is definitely working!

Wests Tigers were NYC champions in 2012. Balmain won consecutive SG Ball titles in 2012-13. Wests were also minor premiers in the league in 2011. Something is definitely working for the club and its junior development. This is in my eyes the clubs identity. We are a development club which provides an effective pathway into NRL football.

This identity is what needs to be grasped. It's something to be proud of! Back in 2000 the club had no identity. It was a roster put together from other clubs and a supply of former players from Balmain and Wests. The first 3 seasons were average to pathetic. If we look at the club today an identity does exist. The younger fans get this too. They only know Wests Tigers and they think of names like Benji Marshall and Robbie Farah. Soon it will be Luke Brooks and Curtis Sironen.

Whilst i'll always respect our past, it's as much about embracing our future and right now our future looks real exciting. As we reflect on what has come before us this past 15 years, i hope we'll all look ahead to what the next 15 years can be like if we embrace this club once and for all and support it for what it is.

This friends is a call to arms!

#SupportYourClub

Round 11 team analysis: V Brisbane Broncos

Tuesday's news that both Robbie Farah and Aaron Woods will line up for New South Wales in Origin 1 next Wednesday night was not the biggest of surprises for Wests Tigers. Farah barring injury was always likely to be selected whilst Woods form was always going to dictate his selection. If he played well he'd be rewarded, and he has.

This now means that coach Mick Potter gets to activate his Origin plan. Only, Potter has already had to activate it due to Farah's dislocated elbow last month. That gave Joel Luani a run in the team then and now Luani returns to the side for the clash with Brisbane Broncos this Saturday night at Campbelltown Stadium.

Luani's return is one of two significant changes to the line up this week. The other regarding Aaron Woods will see Martin Taupau replace the NSW Origin prop in the starting line up this week. Cory Paterson who stood out impressively last weekend unfortunately is missing this week due to injury which means a recall for Sitaleki Akauola.

The bench sees the addition of Keith Lulia in a move which has fans scratching their heads, condsidering Blake Austin is also on the bench, it leaves just two notable forwards on the bench in Ava Seaumanufagai and Sauaso Sue. Coach Mick Potter has revealed that Lulia, normally a centre, will spend time in the back row this weekend but some suggestions from fans believe we could see a late addition to the bench with the inclusion of a third forward at Lulia's expense.

For the Broncos they'll be without Sam Thaiday (injury), Matt Gillett, Corey Parker and Justin Hodges (all Origin) this weekend. This evens the ledger significantly. However the Broncos crucially still retain their spine with Ben Barba, Josh Hoffman, Ben Hunt and Andrew McCullough all available for the Broncos.

It promises to be a tough match for both sides and one that is hard to pick a clear favourite. The Broncos look stronger in key positions but Wests Tigers will fancy their chances in front of a home crowd on an emotional night in which the club will celebrate it's 15th anniversary. It would be quite the amusement if we were to see another 24-all draw like the two sides played back in 2000.

Stranger things have happened........

WESTS TIGERS TEAM V BRISBANE BRONCOS

Kurtis Rowe, David Nofoaluma, Tim Simona, Chris Lawrence, Pat Richards, Braith Anasta (c), Luke Brooks, Martin Taupau, Joel Luani, Keith Galloway, Sitaleki Akauola, Bodene Thompson, Adam Blair. Interchange: Sauaso Sue, Ava Seumanufagai, Blake Austin, Keith Lulia

Taupau set for reward in Woods' absence

Wests Tigers arrested a two game losing streak with a tough, hard thought two point win over Cronulla on Saturday night at Remondis Stadium. The return of Captain and hooker Robbie Farah was pivotal for Wests with the NSW Origin hooker's direction around the park crucial in the performance of young halfback Luke Brooks success on the night.

Now the Tigers will have to go it alone without Robbie once more with Farah and Aaron Woods expected to be named this morning for NSW as the 2014 State of Origin series begins. The Tigers have won previously without Farah this season though, winning the Round 7 encounter with the Eels 21-18. Farah's place in the side will be taken again by Joel Luani which also means Blake Austin is assured a place on the bench once more.

The Tigers though will miss Aaron Woods for the first time this season if he is selected in the Origin squad. Coach Mick Potter faces a minor selection dilemma if Woods is to be unavailable. His best option in replacing Woods would seem to be Martin Taupau. However Taupau's impact from the bench has been brilliant this season and Potter may be keen to keep his enforcer there in the role. If he chooses to do that he will lean on one of either Sauaso Sue or Ava Seumanufagai to fill the starting role.

The best man for the job this week appears Seumanufagai. Ava's got the match fitness under his belt and is dependable. Sue who only last week returned from injury is perhaps best left to play from the bench on this occasion as he works on his match fitness and is kept out of the early exchanges. Having said all this though, Taupau remains my best option to start in place of Woods but his role as the impact forward is critical. 

Potter's decision may be made easier should James Gavet be available this week. If he is then Taupau would almost certainly start with Gavet to resume his role as enforcer from the bench. If Gavet is not fit for selection this week it is likely Sitaleki Akauola will return to the 17. No matter what way Potter chooses to go there will be added responsibility on Keith Galloway this week. Galloway has had a solid start to the season but will be looking to rise another level should Woods be missing.

Tigers intent on arresting the slide

Three weeks ago the Wests Tigers were sitting pretty on the table, five wins from seven - the best start the joint venture club has ever made. However back to back losses to the Gold Coast Titans and Sydney Roosters have taken a little shine off the 2014 season and the importance has not been lost on key players.

This week Aaron Woods spoke of the importance of getting back in the drivers seat and not letting slip the good start to the season. Woods believes it's vitally important the Tigers get back on track this weekend against a Sharks side travelling below par themselves, saying;

"Cronulla will be tough, but we are desperate too. We don't want to make it three in a row,"  Woods said.

"It has been massively disappointing and we have to rectify that this week." 

 The two most experienced Tigers of them all agree too. Captain Robbie Farah and Braith Anasta have both spoken of the importance of getting back on track this weekend and not undoing the good work of their early season form. Anasta believes the return of  Captain and Hooker Farah will go along way to arresting the slide;

"Robbie's a big loss for us, without him the last 3 weeks we've slowly sort of lost our way in attack and direction...." Anasta said.

 "Hopefully with myself back out there but in particular Robbie i think will really help our team"

 The Tigers get that chance to rectify their wrongs this weekend against a Sharks side who have struggled big time. With just two wins to their name the Sharks sit last on the table by way of differential. With just 135 points scored in nine games the Sharks attack looks frail once more. The loss of Toddy Carney and this week Andrew Fifita only blunts it even more. 

 Of more surprise for the Sharks has been their defence. Usually tough and compact, only the Eels and woeful Raiders fare worse in the category. They do though have an ally this weekend as they'll play in front of their faithful at Remondis Stadium. As an added incentive for the fixture this weekend no less than 6 former Tigers line up for the Sharks! If we include David Fifita who played NSW Cup with Balmain, it's actually 7!

For Wests Tigers though the focus won't be on Tiger-Sharks but more importantly on themselves. The key this weekend is to get back to what we were doing so well previously. The direction that Captain Farah and Anasta bring will go along way to restoring that.

Round 10 team analysis: V Cronulla Sharks

This is the match that many Wests Tigers fans have been waiting for. Built on a rivalry of players who left one to join the other, the Wests Tigers versus Cronulla Sharks match up carries a little extra incentive for all involved.

For the Tigers there's also the incentive of getting back to winning ways after dropping the past 2 matches convincingly. Losses to both the Roosters (6-30) and Titans (6-22) have stalled the progress of the five wins in seven earlier this season. The dip in form has coincided with the loss of players, in particular key personnel. For this week's match up the Tigers gain four players - Robbie Farah, Braith Anasta, Sauaso Sue (all injury) and Tim Simona (suspension).

Their returns will be vital. In particular Robbie Farah as the team's leader and orchestrator and Braith Anasta as the experienced, level headed side kick for Luke Brooks. Their presence has been sorely missed, the guidance and direction they offer clearly a factor in the 12 points scored in the past 2 matches. Tim Simona's return in the centres gives the Tigers their preferred centre/wing combinations once again as he reforms his partnership with fellow youngster David Nofoaluma.

In changes to the side this week:

IN - Tim Simona, Braith Anasta, Robbie Farah, Sauaso Sue

OUT - Keith Lulia, Joel Luani, Sitaleki Akauola, Jack Buchanan (All NSW Cup)

The Tigers appear to be getting the Sharks at a good time. Down on confidence and minus the key Andrew Fifita, the Sharks are not the side expected at the beginning of the season. At Remondis Stadium though they are just that little bit more resilient so the Wests Tigers will need to bring their A game this week. With Anasta and Farah returning to the side Luke Brooks should benefit big time. This past fortnight Brooks has gained the experience of having to step up in the absence of more experienced play makers and will benefit from that in the long run.

Kurtis Rowe found the confidence he'd been lacking in recent weeks in the second half last week. His performance in the second 40 versus the Roosters was a sign that he feels more comfortable with his role in the team. Rowe was one of our best last week and he gets another shot this weekend.

The bench this week sees the return of Sauaso Sue who along with Martin Taupau and Ava Seumanufagai will look to help out muscle a hard working Sharks pack. With James Gavet still out, Sue's impact will be vital. Interestingly Cory Paterson moves into the starting line up this week. Paterson who started from the bench last week get's his reward in filling the spot vacated by Sitaleki Akauola.

WESTS TIGERS TEAM V CRONULLA SHARKS

 1. Kurtis Rowe 2. David Nofoaluma 3. Tim Simona 4. Chris Lawrence 5. Pat Richards 6. Braith Anasta 7. Luke Brooks 8. Aaron Woods 9. Robbie Farah 10. Keith Galloway 11. Cory Paterson 12. Bodene Thompson 13. Adam Blair. Interchange: 14. Martin Taupau 15. Ava Seumanufagai 16. Blake Austin 17.  Sauaso Sue

Projecting a good news day?

With a bit of luck Wests Tigers have reached rock bottom for this season! 

Okay, that may seem like a strange thing to say given the side currently occupies a top 8 position after winning 5 of their first 9 matches this season, but delve a little deeper and what you find is a team that if we're honest has probably punched above its weight so far. Key injuries have robbed the side of experience and talent this season but the next month will see the majority of those players return.

Friday night's 30-6 loss at the hands of premiers the Sydney Roosters is hopefully the low point of the season. The Tigers had 10 players more than capable of starting the match unavailable due to injury or suspension. Their spine of Kurtis Rowe, Blake Austin, Luke Brooks and Joel Luani had only 35 matches of NRL experience to it's name. Friday night's performance was a throwback to 12 months prior as for all the effort mustered, the Tigers simply looked outclassed and out gunned.

However, over the next month the Wests Tigers experience looks set to return.  Heading the list is the likely return of hooker and Captain Robbie Farah who is expected to be named this afternoon to play the Sharks on Saturday night. Returning alongside him should be centre Tim Simona who returns from suspension. The Wests Tigers injury report also lists five-eighth Braith Anasta and second-rower Sauaso Sue as due to return this week too. Prop James Gavet is also listed to return either this week or next.

The news only gets better with fullback James Tedesco, second-rower Curtis Sironen and utility Dene Halatau all set to return by the start of June. Key forward Liam Fulton's return is as yet unknown whilst utility back Tim Moltzen is simply concerned with just getting back on the park after a long lay off.

All in all though, it's hoped we'll have a little bit more optimism to share this afternoon and hopefully a few key players able to return for the trip to Remondis Stadium this weekend.

WESTS TIGERS INJURY REPORT- As of end of Round 9

Leichhardt learning paves the way

They say a week is a long time in NRL football, so the two weeks between games for Wests Tigers must surely feel like an enternity! It seems most people agreed that the forced break in our season has come at a good time. Back to back physical, gritty games of football versus the Eels and the Titans had the Tigers feeling a little worse for wear. To make matters worse the injury toll was growing too and others were carrying minor issues. So a break was much needed.

Fast forward to today and the Tigers injury situation hasn't improved but the general feeling coming out of the club this week was that the week off had allowed the boys to freshen up and get ready for a big challenge versus the Sydney Roosters tomorrow night. It's also given the boys and indeed the coaching staff the chance to perhaps analyze what went wrong at Leichhardt Oval versus the Titans.

I don't think we were far off the pace back in Round 8, however you only have to be off your game a little and it can have a devastating effect. The Titans were well and truly up for the game and we were no match for them. For the second week in a row our attack was ineffective without the presence of Robbie Farah. There's no doubt the combinations in attack are being re-evaluated.

With James Tedesco and Robbie Farah out the attack has had to reassemble itself. It appeared versus the Titans that there was an designed effort to get Kurtis Rowe involved more in attack and he needs to so. At hooker Joel Luani, like Rowe, is still finding his way in the NRL. He's no Robbie but he can still do a job for the team.

Blake Austin has shown spark in each game he has played this season so far and the chance to play 80 minutes versus the Roosters should be a massive plus for both he and the team. Austin is a guy who feels ready to take his chance and the side needs him to do so. Luke Brooks will need his support on Friday night. Austin may well be the key figure this week for Tigers.

With Braith Anasta also out, someone needs to take the bull by the horns and lead our attack. Brooks has the ability but not yet the confidence to do so. Austin for me is that man. He's been around first grade football long enough to know what to do. His direction will be vital. Without someone leading the way, i fail to see how we can compete on Friday night. This situation calls for brave hearts and cool heads.

Round 9 team analysis: V Sydney Roosters

After a much needed week off for the Wests Tigers the attention turns back to football and Friday night's showdown with premiers the Sydney Roosters at Allianz Stadium. The Tigers turned in a disappointing showing in their last start, going down 22-6 to the Gold Coast Titans at Leichhardt Oval. The Roosters fared far better with arguably their most compelling performance of the season, trouncing the Dragons 34-14 on Anzac Day.

The Tigers this week will line up with a squad well short on key players in key positions with Braith Anasta's unavailability condemning the side to a third player unavailable from the clubs spine, he joins James Tedesco (1) and Robbie Farah (9) on the sidelines, leaving only rookie halfback Luke Brooks available. That itself will be a key test for the Tigers this week. In Anasta's place comes Blake Austin who so far has impressed with each outing for Wests and his presence will be key on Friday night as he teams with Brooks against NSW Origin duo James Maloney and Mitchell Pearce.

In other changes to the squad for Friday night, Keith Lulia comes back into the starting line up in place of the suspended Tim Simona (serving the final of a two match ban). Second rower Cory Paterson also returns on the bench for the Tigers, filling the hole provided by Blake Austin's promotion to the starting side.

Friday night's test shapes as a daunting one for the undermanned Tigers who face a Roosters side close to full strength. 10 of the starting 13 represented various rep sides last weekend, with only former Australia and NSW fullback Anthony Minichello, dual international Sonny Bill Williams and Jake Friend not doing so. Those three themselves are class players.

Some will suggest the Tigers will hope to simply keep it respectable this week but the Tigers will need their young guns to find a level this week if they're stand a chance.

WESTS TIGERS TEAM V SYDNEY ROOSTERS

Kurtis Rowe, David Nofoaluma, Keith Lulia, Chris Lawrence, Pat Richards, Blake Austin, Luke Brooks, Aaron Woods, Joel Luani, Keith Galloway, Liam Fulton, Bodene Thompson, Adam Blair. Interchange: Martin Taupau, Ava Seumanufagai, Cory Paterson, Sitaleki Akauola

Farah to return in Round 10?

Fox Sports news this morning are reporting that inspirational Wests Tigers Captain Robbie Farah will return to the side in Round 10 when the Tigers travel to the shire for the battle with the Tiger-sharks next Saturday week.

Whilst no official word has been given on his return yet, centre Chris Lawrence says he'd put money on Farah playing in Origin 1 and coach Mick Potter expects him back early. The sight yesterday of Farah training freely with the first grade squad was a sight to behold for Tigers fans who have seen their side's attack struggle in his absence.

Now some may hold hope of a return on Friday night for Farah, given we line up against an improving Roosters outfit, however that's highly unlikely to happen with the club wanting to see Farah with a week's training under his belt beforehand. Not to forget it's also certainly way too soon. But at least we can look forward to a more certain return the following weekend. With nearly 2 weeks training under his belt by the time we head to Remondis Stadium, Farah almost certainly would be good to go. It appears all that's left for Farah is to tick off the boxes that Wests Tigers physio Peter Moussa has for him to pass.