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.
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