Strength in depth the key for Wests Tigers

Via @NothingButWT

The way forward for the Wests Tigers in 2014 is simple, don’t get injured. In 2013, over 110 games were missed through injury from the club’s Top 25 contracted players. This led to the club giving 10 players their NRL debuts and also using 5 players who were eligible for the U20’s competition.

Even with Marshall, Ayshford, Reddy and co departing at the end of 2013, the club has built depth for the new season at a level it has never seen before. There has never really been a strong “pressure to perform” at the club, as it has only ever had 20-23 players who are ready and capable to play in the NRL.

In 2014, we have over 40 players who have either played in the NRL or are graduating from the Holden Cup with potential to break into the side this year or next. With 19 of the preseason NRL squad being 22 years of age or younger, the club’s future is secure. But as usual, it’s an expectation that teams must perform ‘here and now’.

Possible NRL 17: James Tedesco, David Nofoaluma, Chris Lawrence, Tim Simona, Pat Richards, BraithAnasta, Luke Brooks, Aaron Woods, Robbie Farah ©, Keith Galloway, Curtis Sironen, Liam Fulton, Sauaso Sue; Adam Blair, Marty Taupau, Ava Seumanufagai, Ben Murdoch-Masila.

Possible NSW Cup 17: Kurtis Rowe, TaqeleNaiyaravaro, Keith Lulia, Corey Brown, Marika Koroibete, Blake Austin, Tim Moltzen (pending fitness), Jack Buchanan, Joel Luani, Nathan Brown, Bodene Thompson, Cory Paterson, Dene Halatau; Mitchell Moses, James Gavet, Andrew Vela, Yileen Gordon.

As illustrated above, Wests Tigers’ depth is second to none. Last year, our NSW Cup side once again made the Top 8. Not only did they suffer a number of key injuries, but also lost a number of players to top grade throughout the year. Even with the possible NRL and NSW Cup sides selected, the calibre of player who is left over is outstanding.

Jarred Farlow, SitalekiAkaoula, Asipeli Fine, Sam Hollis, Nathan Waters, Jack Madden, Kyle Lovett, Andrew Fiagatusa,Michael Bullock, InnoInosesio, Jy Hitchcox could all possibly start the year in the Ron Massey Cup. Their position in the side has nothing to do with their talent. All players are rated highly and rightly so, but it’s the strength in depth in 2014 that has created this headache.

The unbelievable injury toll that, at times last season ruled 30 players through all 3 grades out per week, has been a blessing in disguise. Tedesco, Simona, Nofoaluma and the like all started the season in NSW Cup/Holden Cup, but have now established themselves as first graders.

Now is not the time for fans to be nervous or negative. What lies ahead for the club is something that Wests, Balmain and Wests Tigers fans have never witnessed before. This side will bring success, the key to this is patience. All young players are inconsistent. That is universal, in all sports, in all levels of sport.

From a statistical stand point there really wasn’t much to write home about in 2013.

NRL/NSW Cup Player Movements:

GAINS: Sam Hollis, Blake Austin (Panthers), Marty Taupau, Dene Halatau (Bulldogs), Cory Paterson (Hull KR), Pat Richards (Wigan), Corey Brown (Western Force), Yileen Gordon (Newtown), Nathan Waters ( Illawarra Cutters), Andy Fiagatuse, Kyle Lovett, Luke Brooks, Nathan Brown, Mitch Moses, Kurtis Rowe, Andrew Vela (WT Holden Cup).

LOSSES: Benji Marshall (Rugby Union), Blake Ayshford (Sharks), Joel Reddy (Rabbitohs), Shaun Spence (Panthers), Eddy Pettybourne (Wigan), Matt Bell (Burleigh Bears), MosesePangai (Raiders), LoteTuqiri (Rugby Union), Matt Groat (Dragons), Masada Iosefa, Sean Meaney, Matt Utai (released)