Wests Tigers today begin their 2014 season. After a long and arduous pre season, the Tigers begin what is largely seen as a new era for the club. This is highlighted by a revamped coaching staff including David Kidwell, Todd Payten and Andrew Webster. The addition on the playing roster of Pat Richards, Dene Halatau, Cory Paterson, Keith Lulia, Blake Austin and Martin Taupau also adds to what is certainly a new feel around the club. So what to look out for today??
Tigers v Panthers, Kirkham Oval, Camden - Kick off 7.30pm
For the first trial of the year, expectations should be measured. Little attention will be paid to team cohesion or quality of football. Instead the biggest interest will be on player development. Who is bigger, stronger, leaner and faster? With Robbie Farah and Luke Brooks missing, it'll be hard to gauge much on attacking structures. Some of the key points for today include:
- The progression of last year's young guns James Tedesco, David Nofoaluma, Marika Koroibete, Sauaso Sue and Curtis Sironen. Just how far have their games improved this off season??
- Blake Austin is one to watch. He'll play halfback tonight and is in the mix to start round 1 alongside Luke Brooks should he impress. He'll need to out point Braith Anasta though. Anasta is the hot favourite to start at five-eighth for round 1. Never say never though.
- Mitchell Moses has had a good pre season. Physically he appears much stronger. He's also impressed those who matter in pre season. He won't be in the mix for round 1, at least you wouldn't think so. He's well worth keeping an eye on tonight though. His talent is immense! Moses will play part of the Holden Cup trial and then a portion of the NRL clash.
- I mentioned Curtis Sironen earlier, and he's well worth watching tonight. He's officially made the move to the second row. He will offer us something different in 2014. I get the feeling he could be one of the guys likely to impress in this trial period. He's got the skills, the strength and his team mates have the confidence in him. All that's left is for Curtis to find that confidence in his game.
Tigers v Eels, ANZAC Oval, Alice Springs - Kick off:9.15pm AEST
A second Wests Tigers side is tonight in the Alice to tackle the Eels. The side is a mix of Wests Tigers contracted players, VB NSW Cup and Holden Cup players. NRL contracted players Joel Luani, Ben Murdoch-Masila and Ava Seumanufagai all play, presumably to get the minutes under their belt they wouldn't get in Camden. So what to look out for here?
- Ben Murdoch-Masila is fresh off his birthday and will be keen to impress here. He's the most senior member of this squad alongside Jarred Farlow and he'll be expected to deliver a professional performance. BMM needs a good year, or he risks being over taken by the youth coming through.
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- Kyle Lovett is another one worth watching for tonight. He's highly rated and it will be interesting to see how much he's come on this pre season. Lovett is one of these guys who will knock on the door of Ben Murdoch-Masila should his form remain average.
- Joel Luani's past 12 months have been great. An NRL debut, an international debut with the USA at last years World Cup and now a full time addition to the NRL squad. Assuming Robbie Farah plays origin this year, Luani will be his back up. He's been sent to Alice Springs no doubt to get big minutes under his belt.
- Taqele Naiyaravoro is the behemoth who keeps on impressing. His 2013 was cut short by injury, so how he starts 2014 will be important. A devastating finisher when at his best, he's down the pecking order for now but does offer us a real threat out wide.
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