So Wests Tigers are officially underway for 2014! A portion of the squad returned to training on Monday in which they will be worked under the new coaching staff of Mick Potter, Todd Payten, David Kidwell and 20's coach Andrew Webster. So what are some of the early talking points amongst the media and fans of the club heading into the first week of training?
1. Not surprisingly much has already been made of Benji Marshall's departure. It's a new chapter at Wests Tigers and coach Mick Potter seems comfortable in forging a new path for the Tigers in 2014. He appears to have the tools capable of building the club up. The big question will be how the young guys respond in 2014 and just how much patience gets directed Potter's way.
2. There's been some early talk regarding young halfback Luke Brooks who's stellar debut versus the Dragons has raised the expectations put on the 18 year old. Coach Potter has confirmed that whilst Brooks will most likely start the season as first choice, the club is not placing expectations on him. If he needs a step back from first grade, it will happen. The club realises it is a steady goes approach for young Brooks. Brooks himself is currently undergoing a strength and conditioning program after it was revealed he had some some stress fractures developing in his back. He's not expected to have this hinder his pre season though.
3. A lightly less travelled issue this off season has been the state of the facilities at Concord. Coach Mick Potter and CEO Grant Mayer have been on record as stating that the facilities at Concord Oval were in need of an upgrade. Some photos during the off season have shown some upgrades being made around the facility and coach Potter also revealed this week that the club would make some advancements in the field of sport science this season. Improving the facilities all round will be crucial to the success of the team in 2014. Although this appears to be something that will take place over a few seasons. However, some progress is better than none it seems.
4. One thing again appears obvious regarding the Wests Tigers squad for 2014. There's an awful lot of inexperience once more. Much will be heaped on the likes of Robbie Farah, Adam Blair, Keith Galloway, Aaron Woods, Chris Lawrence and new signings Pat Richards and Dene Halatau. However the current Rugby League World Cup has aided several of our younger players in their developments. James Tedesco has been real impressive in the unfamiliar role in the centres for Italy. The experience seems to have certainly aided his development. Joel Luani and Sauaso Sue have also spoken confidently about the benefits they have gained whilst part of their World Cup squads. I'm sure Marika Koroibete is the same with his Fiji squad. This World Cup has not only extended the seasons of several of our younger brigade, but also appears to aided their developments. This is great news!
Monday, 11 November 2013
Monday, 21 October 2013
World Cup an important step for younger Tigers
This time next weekend the Rugby League World Cup will be under way! It's a somewhat unique experience for league fans who are so used to seeing Australia, New Zealand and England regularly do battle on any sort of significant scale. Now we throw in the Cook Islands, the USA and good ole' Ireland amongst the 14 teams who will contest the 2013 World Cup in England and Wales.
For Wests Tigers the representation is strong and definitely worth keeping an eye on most matches. Representing the club are the following players:
AUSTRALIA - Robbie Farah
COOK ISLANDS - Keith Lulia
FIJI - Marika Koroibete
IRELAND - Pat Richards
ITALY - James Tedesco
SAMOA - Sauaso Sue
TONGA - Ben Murdoch Masila
USA - Joel Luani
Masada Iosefa (Uncontracted), Brenden Santi (Parramatta 2014) also kind of represent the club having represented the club in 2013.
Whilst seasoned players such as Robbie Farah, Keith Lulia and Pat Richards will take the World Cup in their stride, the Cup represents a unique and important step in the development of our younger brigade. Not only is it an extension of their 2013 season but also an opportunity to play with quality players in an international arena. For example, imagine the benefits James Tedesco can reap by training and being nurtured by Anthony Minichello. Or the same benefits for Sauaso Sue who can find value in what fellow Tonga squad members Reni Maitua or David Fa'alogo can offer.
Joel Luani gets a massive chance to play against opposition stronger than he is used to when he lines up for USA, assuming of course they get out of their group. As does Marika Koroibete who's 2013 season barely got going due to injury. Koroibete will get the chance to face both England and Australia. It's a massive learning curve for the young winger.
Perhaps though the biggest challenge falls to Ben Murdoch-Masila who's 2013 form showed flashes of his potential but also lacked the consistency needed. Tigers coach Mick Potter seemed to give Murdoch-Masila an enlarged role towards the back end of the season which did have some success. There's no doubts though that Ben needs to fine tune his game and make it more consistent because at his best he can be damaging. Who knows? His experiences here at the World Cup may just help him do so.
Overall this World Cup can be a real benefit for Wests Tigers. To have the likes of Tedesco, Sue, Murdoch-Masila, Koroibete and Luani all involved is only going to help their development as younger players. The challenge rests with them though. The experience gained by this opportunity will hopefully lead to benefits at club level that will be felt down the road in time.
For Wests Tigers the representation is strong and definitely worth keeping an eye on most matches. Representing the club are the following players:
AUSTRALIA - Robbie Farah
COOK ISLANDS - Keith Lulia
FIJI - Marika Koroibete
IRELAND - Pat Richards
ITALY - James Tedesco
SAMOA - Sauaso Sue
TONGA - Ben Murdoch Masila
USA - Joel Luani
Masada Iosefa (Uncontracted), Brenden Santi (Parramatta 2014) also kind of represent the club having represented the club in 2013.
Whilst seasoned players such as Robbie Farah, Keith Lulia and Pat Richards will take the World Cup in their stride, the Cup represents a unique and important step in the development of our younger brigade. Not only is it an extension of their 2013 season but also an opportunity to play with quality players in an international arena. For example, imagine the benefits James Tedesco can reap by training and being nurtured by Anthony Minichello. Or the same benefits for Sauaso Sue who can find value in what fellow Tonga squad members Reni Maitua or David Fa'alogo can offer.
Joel Luani gets a massive chance to play against opposition stronger than he is used to when he lines up for USA, assuming of course they get out of their group. As does Marika Koroibete who's 2013 season barely got going due to injury. Koroibete will get the chance to face both England and Australia. It's a massive learning curve for the young winger.
Perhaps though the biggest challenge falls to Ben Murdoch-Masila who's 2013 form showed flashes of his potential but also lacked the consistency needed. Tigers coach Mick Potter seemed to give Murdoch-Masila an enlarged role towards the back end of the season which did have some success. There's no doubts though that Ben needs to fine tune his game and make it more consistent because at his best he can be damaging. Who knows? His experiences here at the World Cup may just help him do so.
Overall this World Cup can be a real benefit for Wests Tigers. To have the likes of Tedesco, Sue, Murdoch-Masila, Koroibete and Luani all involved is only going to help their development as younger players. The challenge rests with them though. The experience gained by this opportunity will hopefully lead to benefits at club level that will be felt down the road in time.
Tuesday, 1 October 2013
Wests Tigers 2014 squad - Halves and Hookers
Last night www.weststigers.com.au gave us the latest instalment of our 2014 squad, with the focus being on halves and hookers this time. 7 players have been named to fill the 2 positions:
Braith Anasta
Blake Austin
Luke Brooks
Robbie Farah
Joel Luani
Tim Moltzen
Mitchell Moses
OFFICIAL ARTICLE - http://www.weststigers.com.au/news-display/Wests-Tigers-2014-squad--Hookers--Halves/85372
Coach Mick Potter is leaning heavily on the experience that Braith Anasta and Robbie Farah bring on the field. Their experience and leadership will be vital. Particularly with the squad appearing as in experienced as last years squad. Luke Brooks is one that many will be expecting big things of, especially on the back of a stellar debut versus the Dragons in 2013. Whether this is fair, probably not, but this is how it will be. Joel Luani serves as our back up hooker option and will provide some assurance for when Robbie Farah is not there.
For Mitchell Moses, a lot will depend on how he goes physically with his pre season. 2013 had some class moments for Mitch in the 20's competition but a run of injuries is a cause for concern. Getting him stronger appears the first goal, first grade football will come down the road. Blake Austin joins from Penrith and looks set to challenge for the 5/8 position and serve as back up should Anasta be missing.
Last but not least there's Tim Moltzen. His first goal will simply be to get minutes in his legs coming back from an ACL injury. I'd expect him to play heavily in the Auckland Nines competition to get those minutes up. Long term, coach Potter has earmarked him for that utility role which suggests he'll start the season as back up.
Expected Combinations - NRL NSW Cup Holden Cup
6. Braith Anasta 6. Blake Austin 6. Mitchell Moses
7. Luke Brooks 7. Tim Moltzen
9. Robbie Farah 9. Joel Luani
Braith Anasta
Blake Austin
Luke Brooks
Robbie Farah
Joel Luani
Tim Moltzen
Mitchell Moses
OFFICIAL ARTICLE - http://www.weststigers.com.au/news-display/Wests-Tigers-2014-squad--Hookers--Halves/85372
Coach Mick Potter is leaning heavily on the experience that Braith Anasta and Robbie Farah bring on the field. Their experience and leadership will be vital. Particularly with the squad appearing as in experienced as last years squad. Luke Brooks is one that many will be expecting big things of, especially on the back of a stellar debut versus the Dragons in 2013. Whether this is fair, probably not, but this is how it will be. Joel Luani serves as our back up hooker option and will provide some assurance for when Robbie Farah is not there.
For Mitchell Moses, a lot will depend on how he goes physically with his pre season. 2013 had some class moments for Mitch in the 20's competition but a run of injuries is a cause for concern. Getting him stronger appears the first goal, first grade football will come down the road. Blake Austin joins from Penrith and looks set to challenge for the 5/8 position and serve as back up should Anasta be missing.
Last but not least there's Tim Moltzen. His first goal will simply be to get minutes in his legs coming back from an ACL injury. I'd expect him to play heavily in the Auckland Nines competition to get those minutes up. Long term, coach Potter has earmarked him for that utility role which suggests he'll start the season as back up.
Expected Combinations - NRL NSW Cup Holden Cup
6. Braith Anasta 6. Blake Austin 6. Mitchell Moses
7. Luke Brooks 7. Tim Moltzen
9. Robbie Farah 9. Joel Luani
Wests Tigers surpass 1'000 members in first week of sales
The news tonight that Wests Tigers have passed 1000 members for 2014 after barely a week on sale is indeed a promising sign. For one, it shows that the club has got it right with the mix of packages on offer. Fans have voted by committing to the club.
As stated in the press release:
Becoming a member has become more than simply being a season ticket holder. It's now more to do with committing to the club. Supporting it financially. In return fans feel as though they're part of the club officially. With this sort of bond between fans and club, only good can come from this.
Last season Wests Tigers recruited over 11'000 members. It's safe to say that even at this early stage, they should surpass that with relative ease.
If you haven't already jumped on board yet, I strongly urge you to take that leap and become a Wests Tigers member.
Monday, 30 September 2013
Wests Tigers 2014 squad - Outside backs
Yesterday Wests Tigers released the first of a four part series looking at the 33 man NRL squad for 2014. The series focuses on 4 areas of the squad. Outside backs - halves/hookers - backrow/lock and prop forwards. The series provides not only a list of players in our top squad for 2014 but also provides insight from head coach Mick Potter.
OFFICIAL LINK TO ARTICLE - http://www.weststigers.com.au/news-display/Wests-Tigers-2014-squad--Outside-Backs/85332
Yesterday's first instalment focuses on the outside backs. Below is a list of the players:
Marika Koroibete
Chris Lawrence
Keith Lulia
Taqele Naiyaravaro
David Nofoaluma
Pat Richards
Kurtis Rowe
Tim Simona
James Tedesco
Potter talks about the experience of Pat Richards as being vital in a group that contains the developing talents that shone brightly in 2013. Chris Lawrence and Keith Lulia compliment Richards' experience and also possess great ability to find the try line. Much of that strike power though is expected to come from the youthful trio of Koroibete, Nofoaluma and Simona. Each possess a slightly different characteristic (Koroibete - power, speed), Nofoaluma - power, great finishing ability, Simona - speed, footwork, fend) that will threaten a defence.
Two players who earn promotions to the Wests Tigers squad are Kurtis Rowe (NYC) and Taqele Naiyaravaro (NSW Cup). Both players were standouts for their respective sides in 2013. Their ability to find the try line was a standout feature from their 2013 form. Rowe will essentially provide back up to fullback James Tedesco. Naiyaravaro is one who will start the season as back up but has a real shot of forcing his way into the first team with a good pre season. Coach Mick Potter believes both Rowe and Naiyaravaro that with the benefit of the pre season, both players should be physically ready for first grade football.
Interestingly though, the man who started 2013 in the fullback jersey, Tim Moltzen, was not included as an outside back for 2014. This would most likely indicate that coach Potter sees Moltzen as an option in the halves for 2014. Unless of course the rumours that Moltzen is and has been successfully shopped around to another club in 2014 have proven true.
Likely 2014 line up:
1. James Tedesco
2. David Nofoaluma
3. Tim Simona
4. Chris Lawrence
5. Pat Richards
VB NSW Cup
1, Kurtis Rowe
2. Marika Koroibete
3. Keith Lulia
4. ?????
5. Taqele Naiyaravaro
OFFICIAL LINK TO ARTICLE - http://www.weststigers.com.au/news-display/Wests-Tigers-2014-squad--Outside-Backs/85332
Yesterday's first instalment focuses on the outside backs. Below is a list of the players:
Marika Koroibete
Chris Lawrence
Keith Lulia
Taqele Naiyaravaro
David Nofoaluma
Pat Richards
Kurtis Rowe
Tim Simona
James Tedesco
Potter talks about the experience of Pat Richards as being vital in a group that contains the developing talents that shone brightly in 2013. Chris Lawrence and Keith Lulia compliment Richards' experience and also possess great ability to find the try line. Much of that strike power though is expected to come from the youthful trio of Koroibete, Nofoaluma and Simona. Each possess a slightly different characteristic (Koroibete - power, speed), Nofoaluma - power, great finishing ability, Simona - speed, footwork, fend) that will threaten a defence.
Two players who earn promotions to the Wests Tigers squad are Kurtis Rowe (NYC) and Taqele Naiyaravaro (NSW Cup). Both players were standouts for their respective sides in 2013. Their ability to find the try line was a standout feature from their 2013 form. Rowe will essentially provide back up to fullback James Tedesco. Naiyaravaro is one who will start the season as back up but has a real shot of forcing his way into the first team with a good pre season. Coach Mick Potter believes both Rowe and Naiyaravaro that with the benefit of the pre season, both players should be physically ready for first grade football.
Interestingly though, the man who started 2013 in the fullback jersey, Tim Moltzen, was not included as an outside back for 2014. This would most likely indicate that coach Potter sees Moltzen as an option in the halves for 2014. Unless of course the rumours that Moltzen is and has been successfully shopped around to another club in 2014 have proven true.
Likely 2014 line up:
1. James Tedesco
2. David Nofoaluma
3. Tim Simona
4. Chris Lawrence
5. Pat Richards
VB NSW Cup
1, Kurtis Rowe
2. Marika Koroibete
3. Keith Lulia
4. ?????
5. Taqele Naiyaravaro
Wednesday, 25 September 2013
2013 Wests Tigers Stock Report - End of Season Edition
Season 2013 is officially over for Wests Tigers after both the VB NSW Cup and Holden Cup sides were eliminated last weekend. It means we can now officially move into off season mode. That means here on TigerNagtionNRL that blogs will still come through, they just won't be multiple times per week. Today though I present the Stock report. What is this?? Well it's a chancs to assess the form of players on the Wests Tigers roster. Play well and your stock rises. Play bad and it drops. It's simple really.
STOCK UP
James Tedesco - Tedesco started 2013 as back up to Tim Moltzen. A guy who himself was not considered a standout fullback option. After initially gaining playing time on the wing, Tedesco was shifted to his favoured position after Moltzen tore his ACL. By seasons end Tedesco had delivered several standout performances and many noted his ability as a tough, safe and effective option. 2013 was a comeback year for James who also tore his ACL in 2012. With a World Cup ahead (Italy) and a full pre season. There's no reason this stock won't continue to rise.
Tim Simona - Simona started 2013 well down the pecking order. In fact his form in early 2013 was nothing spectacular. Something though triggered in his self belief on a Sunday afternoon in Penrith. From that moment on Tim was like a new player. His speed is a massive asset, his footwork and fend also make him dangerous. However it is his confidence which is his biggest asset right now. It is soaring! Tim clearly feels he belongs at this level now. Expecting big things again in 2014.
Luke Brooks - Brooks' rise to the summit that is the NRL has been meteoric and it could've been even faster had the second tier salary cap not slowed his progress. Brooks started 2013 with only an SG Ball campaign and a few NYC games under his belt. A 2013 season spent between NYC and NSW Cup paid off for the club when Brooks made a stellar debut v St George Illawarra late in the season. He looks to have the tools to succeed. His temperament and experience will only improve over time. With Benji Marshall now departed, Brooks' star will continue to rise.
David Nofoaluma - Nofoaluma's rise to first grade was always going to happen. His ability in the lower grades was simply too hard to ignore. His ability find the try line was exceptional. Likewise, his ability to break tackles is a major asset. With more experience and size, he'll become a valuable weapon out wide. A good team needs a player like Dave. One who is extremely effective at his primary role. Scoring tries.
STOCK DOWN
Tim Moltzen - Moltzen's ACL tear could not have happened at a worse time for him. With the highly rated Tedesco breathing down his neck, a long lay off was all he didn't need. 2014 presents a clouded future for him now. Where does he play? It won't be fullback. Unconvincing previous stints in the halves or even centre leave Tim sitting outside the Wests Tigers best 17 next season. His stock, well and truly down.
Braith Anasta - Anasta provides two valuable tools right now. A wealth of experience and leadership. However at this stage of his career he needs to show more. 2013 was difficult. Bought to the club by Tim Sheens, coach Mick Potter struggled to find a productive way in which to use him. A groin injury also slowed him down for a good 6 weeks or so. With Marshall gone, many suspect Braith will fill his void. But this is no guarantee. He'll need to be effective otherwise other options will rise.
Marika Koroibete - Marika's 2013 campaign was a tough one to watch. Blessed with raw, highly sought after talent, Koroibete never got his best foot forward this season due to injuries. In his absence Tim Simona and David Nofoaluma cashed in and with a fitter Chris Lawrence and Pat Richards providing more experience, it appears Koroibete will start 2014 as back up. There's no doubt Marika is far from a finished product. A prolonged stint in NSW Cup in order to fine tune his weaknesses may be a blessing in disguise.
Ben Murdoch-Masila - Ben's 2013 was a lot like his 2012 season. He showed flashes of promise but overall never really took the next step. To be fair, off field issues have made it tough on Murdoch-Masila this season and for a good portion of the season his stock was falling. The emergence of Sauaso Sue, Curtis Sironen's eventual move to the back row and the arrival of Cory Paterson will only add more pressure for Ben to succeed. However, a good end to the season on the back of some longer game time again emerges the potential of big Ben. Maybe his stock is neither down or up????
STOCK UP
James Tedesco - Tedesco started 2013 as back up to Tim Moltzen. A guy who himself was not considered a standout fullback option. After initially gaining playing time on the wing, Tedesco was shifted to his favoured position after Moltzen tore his ACL. By seasons end Tedesco had delivered several standout performances and many noted his ability as a tough, safe and effective option. 2013 was a comeback year for James who also tore his ACL in 2012. With a World Cup ahead (Italy) and a full pre season. There's no reason this stock won't continue to rise.
Tim Simona - Simona started 2013 well down the pecking order. In fact his form in early 2013 was nothing spectacular. Something though triggered in his self belief on a Sunday afternoon in Penrith. From that moment on Tim was like a new player. His speed is a massive asset, his footwork and fend also make him dangerous. However it is his confidence which is his biggest asset right now. It is soaring! Tim clearly feels he belongs at this level now. Expecting big things again in 2014.
Luke Brooks - Brooks' rise to the summit that is the NRL has been meteoric and it could've been even faster had the second tier salary cap not slowed his progress. Brooks started 2013 with only an SG Ball campaign and a few NYC games under his belt. A 2013 season spent between NYC and NSW Cup paid off for the club when Brooks made a stellar debut v St George Illawarra late in the season. He looks to have the tools to succeed. His temperament and experience will only improve over time. With Benji Marshall now departed, Brooks' star will continue to rise.
David Nofoaluma - Nofoaluma's rise to first grade was always going to happen. His ability in the lower grades was simply too hard to ignore. His ability find the try line was exceptional. Likewise, his ability to break tackles is a major asset. With more experience and size, he'll become a valuable weapon out wide. A good team needs a player like Dave. One who is extremely effective at his primary role. Scoring tries.
STOCK DOWN
Tim Moltzen - Moltzen's ACL tear could not have happened at a worse time for him. With the highly rated Tedesco breathing down his neck, a long lay off was all he didn't need. 2014 presents a clouded future for him now. Where does he play? It won't be fullback. Unconvincing previous stints in the halves or even centre leave Tim sitting outside the Wests Tigers best 17 next season. His stock, well and truly down.
Braith Anasta - Anasta provides two valuable tools right now. A wealth of experience and leadership. However at this stage of his career he needs to show more. 2013 was difficult. Bought to the club by Tim Sheens, coach Mick Potter struggled to find a productive way in which to use him. A groin injury also slowed him down for a good 6 weeks or so. With Marshall gone, many suspect Braith will fill his void. But this is no guarantee. He'll need to be effective otherwise other options will rise.
Marika Koroibete - Marika's 2013 campaign was a tough one to watch. Blessed with raw, highly sought after talent, Koroibete never got his best foot forward this season due to injuries. In his absence Tim Simona and David Nofoaluma cashed in and with a fitter Chris Lawrence and Pat Richards providing more experience, it appears Koroibete will start 2014 as back up. There's no doubt Marika is far from a finished product. A prolonged stint in NSW Cup in order to fine tune his weaknesses may be a blessing in disguise.
Ben Murdoch-Masila - Ben's 2013 was a lot like his 2012 season. He showed flashes of promise but overall never really took the next step. To be fair, off field issues have made it tough on Murdoch-Masila this season and for a good portion of the season his stock was falling. The emergence of Sauaso Sue, Curtis Sironen's eventual move to the back row and the arrival of Cory Paterson will only add more pressure for Ben to succeed. However, a good end to the season on the back of some longer game time again emerges the potential of big Ben. Maybe his stock is neither down or up????
Tuesday, 24 September 2013
Getting to know our 2014 Wests Tigers squad - via @NothingButWT
Wests Tigers 'Top 33' for 2014:
Aaron WOODS: DOB - 13/01/1991 (22 years of age), 62 NRL games, 194cm, 109kg - Prop
- Wests Tigers NYC Graduate.
- Made his State of Origin debut in 2012.
Adam BLAIR: DOB - 20/03/1986 (27 years of age), 168 NRL games, 188cm, 106kg - Prop/ Second Row
- Kiwi Test forward
- Seems to have found his best position at prop
Andrew VELA: DOB - 19/06/1993 (20 years of age), Yet to play First Grade, 182cm, 95kg - Second Row
- Another graduate of Keebra Park SHS.
- Missed most of 2012 and 2013 after shoulder and knee reconstructions.
- A player with massive potential and was close to an NRL debut in 2012 before injury struck.
Ava SEUMANUFAGAI: DOB - 3/06/1991 (22 years of age), 17 NRL games, 189cm, 110kg - Prop
- 17 games, 0 handling errors in first grade.
- Member of the Balmain NSW Cup Grand Final team in 2012.
- joined the club in 2012 after playing for Parramatta in the NYC.
Ben MURDOCH-MASILA: DOB - 7/02/1991 (22 years of age), 52 NRL games, 186cm, 110kg - Second Row/Lock
- Wests Tigers NYC graduate.
- Keebra Park SHS graduate.
- 2013 was a breakthrough season for BMM after a tough preseason off-field.
Blake AUSTIN: DOB - 1/02/1991 (22 years of age), 15 NRL games, 187cm, 98kg - Five-eighth/Second Row/Lock/Centre
- Young player with a bright future.
- Joins the club from Penrith where he made 15 First Grade appearances.
- Ability to play a number of positions.
Bodene THOMPSON: DOB - 1/08/1988 (25 years of age), 64 NRL games, 185cm, 103kg - Second Row/Centre
- Keebra Park graduate.
- Joined the club in 2013 from the Gold Coast Titans.
Braith ANASTA: DOB - 14/01/1982 (31 years of age), 275 NRL games, 185cm, 98kg - Five-Eighth/Second Row/Lock
- Former NSW and Australian rep
- Joined the club in 2013 from the Sydney Roosters.
- Experience will be vital in 2014 with a young squad.
Chris LAWRENCE: DOB - 19/10/1988 (24 years of age), 132 NRL games, 187cm, 100kg - Centre
- Debuted at the age of 17 years 283 days making him the Youngest Wests Tigers debutant.
- Struggled with injury since a dislocated hip.
- Has played Five-eighth, Centre, Wing, Lock and Second Row.
Cory PATERSON: DOB - 14/07/1987 (26 years of age), 87 NRL games, 195cm, 102kg - Second Row
- Joins the club after leaving Hull KR in the English Super League.
- Strong player with a great offload.
- Has represented the Indigenous All Stars.
Curtis SIRONEN: DOB - 31/07/1993 (20 years of age), 25 NRL games, 195cm, 102kg - Second Row/Five-Eighth
- Wests Tigers NYC graduate
- Debuted in 2012 as teenager.
- Future leader at Wests Tigers.
David NOFOALUMA: DOB - 28/11/1993 (19 years of age), 15 NRL games, 180cm, 96kg - Wing/Centre
- Wests Tigers NYC graduate.
- Finished the regular season in 6th place in the Most Tackle Breaks in the NRL in front of the likes of George Burgess.
- Tied Ayshford's club record of 'Most Tries in a Debut Season' with 8.
Dene HALATAU: DOB - 27/01/1983 (30 years of age), 197 NRL games, 178cm, 90kg - Lock/Utility
- Rejoins the club from the Bulldogs.
- Member of our 2005 Premiership winning team.
- Will bring a great work ethic and utility value to the club in 2014
Jack BUCHANAN: DOB - 10/04/1992 (21 years of age), 23 NRL games, 193cm, 107kg - Prop
- Joined the club in 2013 from the Dragons.
- Finished in Wests Tigers Top 5 for Most Metres and Most Tackles.
James GAVET: DOB - 19/10/1989 (23 years of age), 1 NRL game, 186cm, 108kg - Prop/Second Row
- Joined the club in 2013 from the Bulldogs.
- Missed the first 4-5 months of the season with a broken foot.
- Could force his way into the first grade side with a strong preseason
James TEDESCO: DOB - 08/01/1993 (20 years of age), 20 NRL games, 180cm, 93kg - Fullback
- Wests Tigers NYC graduate
- Made his return in 2013 after doing his ACL in his debut in 2012.
- Quickly gaining a reputation among Tigers fans as the 'new Hodgo' for his fearless work at the back.
- Finished in the Top 5 in the NRL for try saving tackles with 20.
Jesse SUE: DOB - 20/04/1992 (21 years of age), 17 NRL games, 182cm, 98kg - Lock/Prop
- Wests Tigers NYC graduate.
- Prop in our 2012 NYC side that won the competition.
- Proved to be one of our best defenders with over 91% of his tackles being effective.
Joel LUANI: DOB - 16/02/1992 (21 years of age), 3 NRL games, 180cm, 92kg - Hooker/Second Row/Lock
- Wests Tigers NYC graduate
- Part of our 2012 premiership-winning Toyota Cup side.
- Will provide great cover for Robbie Farah during Origin.
Keith GALLOWAY: DOB - 2/09/1985 (28 years of age), 169 NRL games, 195cm, 112kg - Prop
- Missed a large part of 2013 through injury.
- His experience will be vital in 2014.
- Debuted in the NRL as an 18 year old.
Keith LULIA: DOB - 17/06/1987 (26 years of age), 53 NRL games, 192cm, 99kg - Centre/Wing/Second Row
- Joins the club in 2014 from the Bradford Bulls.
- Coached by Mick Potter at Bradford.
- Returns to the NRL where he had stints with the Knights and Dragons
Kurtis ROWE: DOB - 12/11/1993 (19 years of age), Yet to play First Grade, 178cm, 82kg - Fullback
- Wests Tigers NYC graduate.
- One of New Zealand's brightest young talents.
- Finished 2013 as the Leading Tryscorer in the Holden Cup along with Jono Reuben from the Raiders.
Kyle LOVETT: DOB - 23/03/1993 (20 years of age), Yet to play First Grade, 184cm, 100kg - Second Row
- Wests Tigers NYC graduate.
- Captain of our Toyota Cup side in 2013
- Member of the 2012 Toyota Cup winning side.
- Averaged over 40 tackles in NYC this season.
Liam FULTON: DOB - 8/08/1984 (29 years of age), 156 NRL games, 187cm, 95kg - Second Row/Lock
- One of the most underrated players in the NRL.
- Tackling machine who was a member of our 2005 Premiership winning side.
Luke BROOKS: DOB - 21/12/1994 (18 years of age), 1 NRL game, 179cm, 87kg - Halfback
- Wests Tigers NYC graduate.
- Still eligible for Holden Cup in 2014.
- Named halfback in the Holden Cup team of the year.
Marika KOROIBETE: DOB - 26/07/1992 (21 years of age), 15 NRL games, 180cm, 93kg - Wing
- Wests Tigers NYC graduate.
- Struggled with injury in 2013 after a great start to his career in 2012.
- Member of the 2012 Toyota Cup premiership-winning team and named in the team of the year.
- One of the fastest players in the NRL.
Marty TAUPAU: DOB - 3/02/1990 (23 years of age), 22 NRL games, 190cm, 111kg - Prop
- Joins the club from the Bulldogs.
- Former Junior Kiwi captain.
- Will add much needed impact from the bench in 2014.
Mitchell MOSES: DOB - 16/09/1994 (19 years of age), Yet to play First Grade, 182cm, 75kg - Five-Eighth/Halfback/Fullback
- Wests Tigers NYC graduate.
- Joins the NRL squad after a year in the Holden Cup.
- Still eligible for under 20's in 2014.
- Member of the 2012 Balmain SG Ball side that won the National Championship.
- Played his juniors at Parramatta before joining the Wests Tigers system.
Nathan BROWN: DOB - 1/03/1993 (20 years of age), 1 NRL game, 185cm, 107kg - Prop
- Wests Tigers NYC graduate.
- Part of our 2012 Toyota Cup winning side.
- Great young prop with a great offload and work rate.
- Known as a firebrand and made his NRL debut in 2013.
Pat RICHARDS: DOB - 27/02/1982 (31 years of age), 76 NRL games, 188cm, 106kg - Wing/Centre
- Rejoins the club after a successful stint in the English Super League.
- Part of our 2005 premiership winning side.
- Will take over as goalkicker if he can force his way into the side for Round 1.
Robbie FARAH: DOB - 23/01/1984 (29 years of age), 203 NRL games, 179cm, 89kg - Hooker
- Captain and Leader of the Wests Tigers.
- Now holds the records for the 'First WT to captain their State in SOO', 'Most First Grade Games for WT', 'Most games as Captain of WT'.
- An influential player who averaged 45 tackles and led our Line Break Assists and Try Assists in 2013.
Taqele NAIYARAVARO: DOB - 7/12/1991 (21 years of age), Yet to play First Grade, 195cm, 115kg - Wing/Second Row
- Wests Tigers NYC graduate.
- 'Big T' is yet to play first grade but already has a cult following.
- 23 tries this season in NSW Cup, which is even more impressive as he has not played since State of Origin 3.
- A big offseason could move T up as a potential impact player for the Tigers, but has shown he has great pace and is a great finisher.
Tim MOLTZEN: DOB - 15/09/1988 (25 years of age), 90 NRL games, 185cm, 85kg - Fullback/Five-Eighth/Halfback
- Wests Tigers NYC graduate
- 2013 ended prematurely after he required a second knee reconstruction.
- May struggle to get a starting spot in 2014 but will provide experienced back up in a number of key positions.
Tim SIMONA: DOB - 20/11/1991 (21 years of age), 24 NRL games, 183cm, 92kg - Centre/Wing/Fullback
- Wests Tigers NYC graduate.
- Finished 2013 as WT Top Tryscorer.
- Some great length of the field efforts in 2013.
- A Superstar in the making.
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