When news of Tim Moltzen's latest injury setback broke i'm sure there were more than a few who didn't seem too concerned with the news. Well, at least not in the kind of way that could have been calamitous for the oncoming season. I think most people were genuinely upset for Tim on a personal level. Having another serious injury to a list that seems to grow year by year is a serious concern for any footballer who's yet to really reach the ability he possesses.
However it seems the significance of the latest injury was perhaps a little bigger than most of us had realized. Reading various articles over the days proceeding the injury seemed to indicate one strong factor. It appears Tim Moltzen was the man Wests Tigers were expecting to fill the vacancy created by long term five eighth Benji Marshall. Or at the very least he was the man set to be given first crack at the number 6 jersey. This decision has merit. Moltzen's junior football saw him play a lot of five eighth, and running the football is a definite strength of his. He also has the experience as a footballer to take on the role of senior player in the halves, most likely alongside rookie Luke Brooks.
Moltzen's return date is yet unknown. However he is targeting a mid year return and has stated that his return will not be rushed. He's currently 2 weeks post op according to Wests Tigers physio Peter Moussa .
WESTS TIGERS INJURY REPORT - as of 17/12/13
http://t.co/Y91GTk8PK3
It essentially means that Wests Tigers have to move on to plan B at the five eighth position. Leading the candidates set to fill the role is the experienced Braith Anasta. Anasta who has hinted 2014 may be his last, has a wealth of experience in the position and would be a good sidekick for Luke Brooks from that point of view. He may not be the dynamic ball running virtuoso that Marshall once was for the Tigers but he will offer a steady and smart influence on Brooks. He appears the most likely candidate.
Next on that list is new recruit, former Panther Blake Austin. Austin lacks the experience of Anasta but does have the skills worthy of being given a shot. For him, a good pre-season is essential. He'll need to show coach Mick Potter that he's up for this challenge. Trial form will be the essential too. I've not seen a lot of him on the field in recent times but off the field I like what I see. He appears to have really matured as a person and given that he's still young. This could lead to good things on the field. He appears switched on and focused.
If for whatever reason Coach Potter opts to overlook Anasta or Austin, Curtis Sironen would be next in line. I think this is the last realistic option available. Sironen's future is undoubtedly in the second row and it appears more than likely that this will happen in 2014. He has the size, the skill and his confidence in that role is growing and growing. As a short term fix though, he could do the job in the halves until Moltzen returned. However i'd prefer to see Anasta or Austin ahead of him purely so Curtis could focus on the second row.
Last but not least comes Mitchell Moses. There's little doubt Mitch will make it one day but the odds appear well against him for early 2014. The talk is Moses will spend most of 2014 between the NYC and hopefully the NSW Cup. Much like Luke Brooks did in 2013. The two biggest issues for Mitch right now are firstly to get his body right He's come off a serious leg injury which hampered him throughout 2013. The other issue is his size. Right now Mitch's frame just isn't ready for the rigours of NRL. Once he gets a bit more muscle on him we should see his development improve rapidly. Mitch is the man the Tigers will rely on in the long term. Just not at this point.
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