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)

NYC Holden Cup Preview - Wests Tigers (5th) vs Brisbane Broncos (8th) - Elimination Finals

Via @NothingButWT

The Tigers enter the finals in what could be described as patchy form. Three wins from their last five ended any chance the Tigers had of securing a place in the top 4. The Broncos have also won three of their last five games but were handsomely beaten by the high-flying Bulldogs in Round 26. 

It has taken time for Mitch Moses, Luke Brooks and Nathan Brown to slot into the team as all three have only played 15 games each which has brought a lack of consistency to the side. Moses of course has been ruled out for the remainder of the season, but the injury blow has been softened by the club being able to call on 2012 Jack Gibson Medal winner (Toyota Cup Grand Final Man of the Match) Matt Mulcahy. The Tigers also finished the year as one of the best defensive sides in the U20's competition, but for one reason or another they pick and choose when they will do the hard yards and rip in in defence.

I was fortunate enough to attend the last clash between the Wests Tigers and the Broncos at Suncorp in Round 14 and it was by far the most complete performance i have seen from a Wests Tigers under 20's side (2008-2013). Can the team overcome the loss of Mitch Moses and advance to the second week of the finals? I believe they can. On that particular night Matt Mulcahy played five-eighth and Luke Brooks played halfback with Mitch Moses on the bench. Since that time, Kurtis Rowe has returned to the fullback position and has hit top form. 

In my opinion this game will be won or lost by the Tigers, more so than being influenced by the Broncos. In their last encounter the Broncos shot out to an early 10-0 by attacking the flanks of the Tigers. The Tigers stuck to their gameplan from the 20th minute mark and targeted the Broncos through the middle (arguably their strength). The Tigers tore the Broncos defence open with short balls and multiple runners. On this night Luke Brooks starred with 3 tries, 2 line breaks and 3 line break assists. For the Tigers to win this game, look at them to again target the big,mobile forward pack of the Broncos especially as it is a day game. Kyle Lovett, Brenden Santi and Fosio Tatola were instrumental in the win and often found themselves breaking through the first line of the defence.

On this night Manaia Cherrington had a quiet game and Kurtis Rowe played on the wing and Nathan Brown was ruled out through injury. Add these three form players in around the ruck and the Tigers could put on a score, IF they turn up to play and are willing to put in for 80 minutes and follow the gameplan given to them by Toddy Payten. 

As i touched on earlier, the Broncos' strength is in their forwards with Molo, Timu and Ofahengaue playing a part in their top 8 finish. The Broncos, on that night fielded a stronger lineup than they will this weekend but they cannot be underestimated and will "pull the Tigers pants down" if they decide to turn up and go through the motions.

A lot of talk and hype around this Tigers side is mainly aimed at Brooks and Moses, in my opinion the side's strength is in the forwards. The forward pack consists of hard workers Santi, Lovett, underrated prop Andy Fiagatusa and 2013 SG Ball premiership winner Fosio Tatola. Add in the club's best hooker prospect since Robbie Farah in Manaia Cherrington and a dynamic ballrunner and offloader in Nathan Brown and you start to see why they are so important. When these guys lay the platform, they provide Luke Brooks the time, space and field position to work his magic, which we have all seen. If we follow the same gameplan we used in Round 14, Holden Cup Top Tryscorer Kurtis Rowe WILL finish the game with at least 2 tries.

As i wrote in my earlier article regarding Luke Brooks before he made his NRL debut, in the Round 14 clash he created 3 line breaks from his no look passes to the flat runner. On that night Caleb Timu had an unusually poor game by his standards, so i predict him to have a massive impact off the bench for the Broncos.

Prediction: If the Tigers turn up and play for 80 minutes, as well as follow the gamplan they should win by a fair margin. If the Tigers don't turn up and don't put in for 80 minutes they may well be shocked by a Broncos team who put in 100% effort week in, week out, they may well have a Mad Monday to look forward to. Tigers to win 30-14 with Kurtis Rowe to continue his tryscoring form.