Coach: Tim Sheens
Gains: Geoff Daniela (Panthers), Mitch Brown (Sharks), Tame Tupou (Bradford), Arana Taumata (Melbourne Storm), Liam Ayoub, Junior Moors (Panthers), Mark Flanagan (Wigan), Jason Cayless (St Helens), Liam Fulton (Huddersfield Giants), Daniel Fitzhenry (Hull KR), Lote Tuqiri (yawnion)
Losses: Dean Collis (Sharks), John Morris (Sharks), Shannon Gallant (Cowboys), Peni Tagive (Dragons), Dene Halatau (Bulldogs), Daine Laurie (Panthers), John Skandalis (Retired), Danny Galea (Canberra Raiders).
2010 Squad: Nu Akeripa, Blake Ayshford, Mitch Brown, Jason Cayless, Rhys Curran, Geoff Daniela, Josh Davis, Simon Dwyer, Gareth Ellis, Robbie Farah, Andrew Fifita, David Fifita, Daniel Fitzhenry, Mark Flanagan, Liam Fulton, Keith Galloway, Bryce Gibbs, Chris Heighington, Matt Hyland, Chris Lawrence, Blake Lazarus, Robert Lui, Benji Marshall, Willie Mataka, Tim Moltzen, Junior Moors, Jake Mullaney, Todd Payten, Rhys Pritchard, Junior Roqica, Beau Ryan, Alan Schirnack, Jason Schirnack, Arana Taumata, Taniela Tuiaki,Tame Tupou, Aaron Woods
In 2009 the Tigers finished ninth.
The West Tigers draw for 2010.
In 2010 the Tigers will…
…be another side wanting to live up to their fans’ expectations.
With Marshall effectively signed for life and Lote Tuqiri returning the the fold, Tigers fans would be feeling confident. Their run home last season hinted at the possibilities in the squad and this year Sheens simply must make the finals to retain credibility as a coach.
Robert Lui will be the player to watch. If he can adjust to first grade, signs are that he will be a good foil for Marshall. To be honest, Tuqiri is not going to add that much the Tigers. That is not to say he won’t have his moments but, even with some good recruitment, it will be the Tigers from last year that will determine the team’s fortunes.
Chris Lawrence is one player who should live up to his potential. He was on the verge of Origin consideration at one stage but indifferent form has let him down. A consistent season is what he needs to realise his talent and associated rewards.
The Tigers will make the eight and challenge for the top four. Anything less will be one of the season’s major disappointments.
1 response so far ↓
Mountain Boy // Mar 12, 2010 at 8:25 am
well in case the round 1 preview doesn’t make it in time here’s mine –
Parra – They got taken care of by the Dragons in the trials. On Daniel A’s advice. Let them win. False confidence is a handy thing to give to an opponent. Let them think it’s round 26, 2009. On both occasions, what will be found out, is that the first game counted for little.
North Queensland – Matty Bowen back to his electrifying best. Big Willie to stand up in this one (as opposed to stand erect)
Newcastle – Lots of talk about a couple of completely replacable players. Anyone remember the Knights making the semis last year? You would be excused for thinking they got the spoon.
Cronulla – Not too much to do with the Sharks here. Mostly to do with playing a team just back from European vacation.
Penrith – Seem to struggle against the greens, but Plum and Purtell ready to give it to their old team on Penrith turf.
Gold Coast – Very Poor signings for the Warriors – the best of them the proverbial NRL football, Brett Seymour.
Eastern Suburbs – No one likes the spoon. Kind of a scientific fact. Win it and you have 10x the reason to do better the next year than the team that finished 2nd last. Also no Shrek can only be a positive.
Manly – I think the Tigers may fall into their own trap here, of building up the winger they signed, then having to show the world he was worth the money. He will get overused in attack, to the detriment of their team. Manly with the older and uglier heads.