Tigers 2023 preview: Finally finals again for Wests?
There was a long time between finals drinks for the Wests Tigers and their die-hard fans, but a string of smart signings and some big names coming into the coaching box from 2023 could change as the weather turns.
Last year, the Wests joint venture reached its lowest point in NRL history.
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With just four wins in 24 games, the Tigers slipped to last place and earned the club’s first wooden spoon. Unfortunately, with the Rugby League comps expanding, Tigers fans can’t even say ‘the only way is up’ – a truly disastrous year could actually see them lose another place in the rankings. That said The sporty basis I can’t see them making such low lows again any time soon.
Apisai Koroisau, Charlie Staines, David Klemmer, John Bateman and arguably the league’s best second rower Isaiah Papali’i will all line up for Wests in 2023 for one of the biggest positive signings in recent memory. The Tigers, who reverse-graded at key positions last year, go into this campaign with a plethora of stars.
The big question is simple: Can these forward-heavy pick-ups, from Klemmer and Koroisau to Bateman and Papali’i, keep their momentum going, or is Campbelltown’s rot too great for even these quintessential talents to rise above?
conclusion of the last year: 16th, four wins and twenty losses
Last ten NRL campaigns: 16th, 13th, 11th, 9th, 9th, 14th, 9th, 15th, 13th, 15th
Estimated line-up for round 1
- Dain Laurie
- Charlie Staines
- Asu Kepaoa
- Brent Naden
- David Nofoaluma
- Adam Douihi
- Luke Brooks
- David Klemmer
- Apisai Koroisau
- Stefano Utoikamanu
- John Bateman
- Isaiah Papali’i
- Joe Ofahengaue
- Jake Simkin
- fonua pole
- Shawn Blore
- Alex Twal
Coach: Tim Sheens
Biggest Losses: Jackson Hastings, Luke Garner Biggest Wins: Isaiah Papali’I, Apisai Koroisau
What 2023 looks like for Wests
While it may not be the finals, we expect the Tigers to rise again. Sheens is a powerful voice in the dressing room, Benji Marshall – now the Orange and Black’s apparent coaching heir – will be a major influence on the culture and quite simply the recruits West’s management have added are stunning assets for the club.
Koroisau, in particular, may hold the key to the Tigers’ fortune. When he joined the Panthers, the Penrith side went from being a challenging team to Premier League favourites. His play from the ruck was crucial in unlocking Nathan Cleary, and while we’re not going to say Luke Brooks is anywhere on the same level if the Tigers halfback can finally find his feet after simply existing for almost a decade or more worse failed to fire in a big way, then the team will look all the better.
Expected end of 2023: 12.
The first five: Titans (H), Knights (H), Bulldogs (A), Storm (A), Broncos (A)
TopSport Odds: Premiers $51, Make Top 4: $17, Make Final 8: $4.40, Miss The Top 8: $1.18
minimum score: Be in the top 8 in the remaining six to eight weeks.
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