2014 shapes as an important season for the Wests Tigers. Much has changed since 2011 when the club last made the top eight. A disappointing 2013 was largely highlighted by an exciting crop of youngsters who showed potential to be long term players for the club. In 2014 though, the pressure valve will be on others to lead by example and perform well.
Below are 5 players who simply need to perform this season. If they don't, they'll find themselves looking for a new club next season or at least wishing they could. Others will simply have the weight of expectation on them to lead the team into a better place this season.
5. Robbie Farah - Captain Farah is going nowhere. He is our marquee man, our franchise player. However in 2014 the team needs him to continue his great form. His leadership is second to none, so the example he sets is not of concern. What is of concern though is the ability of the team to play off Farah. It's pretty obvious that if we're to win games, Robbie will be relied on to come up big when it counts.
The Key to success: Robbie needs to be busy. When he's busy it seems to rub off on others. His decision making needs to be spot on too, as does his trust in other key personnel. Robbie can't do it all on his own. The moment he tries, the side will fail.
4. Luke Brooks - It's a little unfair to put Luke Brooks under any pressure, but the fact is that in the NRL, all players will be under pressure to perform. Brooks clearly has the skills to do a job and in the best case scenario he will make a positive difference for the Tigers. Luke just needs to worry about what he needs to do. If he does that, then 2014 will be a success for him.
The Key to success: Luke just needs to worry about his own game. Yes, that's clichéd, but it's also true. He has the skills but not yet the experience. The ride WILL be bumpy. So long as his organizational skills show advancement and he learns to run the football and play the percentage. He'll be fine.
3. Chris Lawrence - Lawrence by his own admission has had a disappointing past 2 seasons. Injuries have hampered him to a large extent and we really haven't seen him near his best. However, at his best he is a definite rep calibre player. His pre season so far has been great. He is fit and from all reports firing! This is good news for all because Lawrence brings experience and a professional attitude to the table. If he can keep injury free, I reckon we see Lawrence begin to show his best again.
The Key to success: I can't help but think the key here is fitness. Chris has the quality. He has the experience but the ability to remain fit has deserted him in recent seasons. At his best, he is a devastating centre with a real knack for hitting holes and crossing try lines. What we'd all give to see this again.
2 - Tim Moltzen - 2014 shapes up as massive for Tim Moltzen. A player who'll be relied upon more than ever before, now that Benji Marshall has gone. Moltzen's biggest issue has been consistency. He shows flashes of good football here and there, but usually no more. Injuries have set him back hugely in recent seasons. A fractured knee cap will have him starting behind the 8 ball yet again for this season. The emergence though of Mitchell Moses and the arrival of Blake Austin, both younger, mean Moltzen is fast running out of opportunities. If he has future here, he needs to make sure of it!
The Key to success: First and foremost, it's fitness too. Moltzen has had too many issues in recent seasons. so good fitness is the foundation for improvement. After that, Molzten really needs to find continuity in where he is positioned in the team. Some say he was burdened by the poisoned chalice of the "utility" tag by Tim Sheens. So continuity is important for him
1- Adam Blair - Much has been said about Adam Blair in the media. Comparisons of his form here and that of his time in Melbourne certainly don't add up well. Things though did improve a little in the second half of 2013, and in 2014 the onus on Blair is heavier than ever before. His leadership will be vital. His work rate crucial. Blair has two more seasons to go on his so-called "Big money" contract and more than ever, his side needs him. One gets the feeling this is his "Stand and deliver" year.
The Key to success: One of Blair's biggest criticism's has been his work rate. So keeping that high is a great place to start. This season though, more than ever before, his experience will be vital. As a senior figure, he is crucial to the younger players. I do think Blair will thrive in this role and hopefully it reflects in his form. At his best, he is a rep player without doubt!
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