Wests Tigers NRL 2018 season preview

• 
• Author: Mick Gannon
  Feb 22, 2018 10:32 PM
• AAP

Big four no more as Brooks takes charge

Key Ins: Josh Reynolds (Bulldogs), Benji Marshall (Broncos), Ben Matulino (Warriors), Chris McQueen (Titans), Russell Packer (Dragons)

Key Outs: James Tedesco (Roosters), Aaron Woods (Bulldogs), Moses Suli (Bulldogs), Matt Ballin (retired), Joel Edwards (released), Jamal Idris (retired)

Overview

There are some key losses for the Tigers in 2018 with NSW State of Origin players James Tedesco and Aaron Woods leaving the club in the off-season. Add to that the departure of talented half Mitchell Moses, who joined Parramatta towards the back end of last season, and you have a significant hole in the black and orange arsenal this season. This should ring alarm bells at Tigers headquarters.

There is plenty of pressure on their sole marquee signing Josh Reynolds, whose 2017 season at the Bulldogs can only be described as hot and cold. A repeat of that performance could see Reynolds struggle to keep his spot, particularly with crowd favourite Benji Marshall finding form with the Broncos in 2017.

The Tigers are going through a rebuilding phase, not dissimilar to the one we’ve seen from the Knights over the past few years. The Tigers’ challenge is to build sufficient momentum in 2018 to establish a platform for improvement in future years. But with a cast of new faces in key positions, and a tough opening five rounds which includes two games against premiers the Storm, the Tigers will struggle to get out of the blocks.

Coach Ivan Clearly will be looking to perform miracles with a roster that is devoid of representative talent, with the Origin period likely the best chance for the club to pick up points.

Unfortunately for Tigers fans, a maiden wooden spoon is more than likely to come their way.

Player to watch: David Nofoaluma is a talented winger who knows how to find the try line, crossing for 43 four-pointers in his 87 first grade appearances. He will need to be at his try scoring best in 2018 to keep the Tigers off the bottom of the ladder.

Key player: Luke Brooks is the last remaining player of the Tigers’ so called ‘big four’ from 2017. The departures of Moses and Tedesco requires Brooks to take on greater leadership and organisational responsibility, placing his team’s destiny this season firmly in his hands.

Outside backs rating: 5/10

David Nofoaluma and Kevin Naiqama are the standouts in this backline with both possessing great try scoring ability. Sadly however, that’s where the positives end for the Tigers with a shaky defensive centre pairing of Mahe Fonua and Taane Milne sure to leak plenty of points this year.  

Forward Pack rating: 5/10

The addition of Ben Matulino, Russell Packer and Chris McQueen will add significant grunt to a pack which has been undersize over recent years. Chris Lawrence and Elijah Taylor are reliable but lack the flare and ball running prowess that NRL sides have come to expect from backrowers. The starting forwards will have their moments throughout the season but the weak interchange roster will offer little support. 

Spine rating: 2/10      

The group of Tui Lolohea (Fullback), Josh Reynolds (Five-Eighth), Luke Brooks (Halfback) and Matt Mcllwrick (Hooker) is the most lacklustre and uninspiring spine in the competition. The Reynolds - Brooks halves combination doesn't excite and fullback, Tui Lolohea is rocks and diamonds, with a tendancy to go missing in action during the big games. Hooker Matt McIlwrick was solid without setting the world alight in 2017 but Cleary can rely on him to get the job done. The Tigers simply can’t get close to finals football with this cattle.