It’s been a long time between finals drinks for the Wests Tigers and their diehard fans, but a series of astute signings and some big names coming into the coaching box from 2023 could change see the weather change.
Last year, the Wests joint venture hit its lowest point in NRL history.
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With just four wins in 24 outings, the Tigers slumped to dead last and earned the club’s first wooden spoon. Unfortunately, with the rugby league comp expansion, Tigers fans can’t even say “the only way is up”—a truly disastrous year could actually see them drop another ladder place. That said, The Sporting Base can’t see them hitting lows that low again any time soon.
Apisai Koroisau, Charlie Staines, David Klemmer, John Bateman, and arguably the league’s best second rower in Isaiah Papali’i are all set to line up for Wests in 2023 in one of the biggest positive signing sprees in recent memory. The Tigers, who last year were playing reverse graders in key spots, enter this campaign boasting a wealth 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 the rot in Campbelltown too much for even these out-and-out talents to rise above?
Last year’s finish: 16th, four wins and twenty losses
Last ten NRL campaigns: 16th, 13th, 11th, 9th, 9th, 14th, 9th, 15th, 13th, 15th
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Predicted Round 1 lineup
- Daine Laurie
- Charlie Staines
- Asu Kepaoa
- Brent Naden
- David Nofoaluma
- Adam Doueihi
- Luke Brooks
- David Klemmer
- Apisai Koroisau
- Stefano Utoikamanu
- John Bateman
- Isaiah Papali’i
- Joe Ofahengaue
- Jake Simpkin
- Fonua Pole
- Shawn Blore
- Alex Twal
Coach: Tim Sheens
Biggest losses: Jackson Hastings, Luke Garner Biggest gains: Isaiah Papali’I, Apisai Koroisau
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How 2023 is looking for Wests
While it may not be finals, we expect the Tigers to rise again. Sheens is a strong voice in the dressing room, Benji Marshall—now the coaching heir apparent to the orange and black—will have a heavy hand in the culture, and quite simply the recruits Wests management has added are stunning gets for the club.
In particular, Koroisau may hold the key to the Tigers’ fortunes. When he moved to the Panthers, the Penrith outfit lifted from a challenging team to premiership favourites. His play from the ruck was vital to unlocking Nathan Cleary, and while we won’t say that Luke Brooks is anywhere on the same level, if the Tigers halfback can finally find his feet after nearly a decade of simply existing, or even worse failing to fire in big ways, then the team will look all the better for it.
Predicted 2023 finish: 12th
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
Pass mark: Be in top 8 reach with six to eight weeks left.
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