2015 in review - Wests Tigers

When writing this review, there was many a temptation to simply go back, find last year's effort and just re-publish. Sadly for a club that promised yet another fresh start in 2015, the Wests Tigers once again were mired in infighting, terribly inconsistent form, and some individual performances to forget.

The Jason Taylor era began, at least for the first fortnight, surprisingly well. The merged sides' first trip of the season to warm Robina was a success (albeit by just a point) and a week later they had accounted for the Dragons to be two-and-zero in the win-loss column... but that was about where the joy ended.

From there, there was just two wins from the following ten games - a 38-14 domination of an undermanned Canterbury on Anzac Day eve and a 22-6 Easter Monday win over Parramatta, each dropped right in the middle of an unflattering and uninspiring run of losses - including a dour 8-0 performance in front a small Campbelltown crowd in May, and a 22-12 loss to eventually wooden spooners Newcastle a week earlier.

The Tigers picked up four wins in the back half of the season, including a surprise win over reigning premiers South Sydney in Round 14, an enterprising 34-16 flogging of the Storm at Leichhardt in Round 21, and a thumping farewell to Campbelltown in Round 25 over the Warriors to the tune of 50-16.

Turning Point
The ongoing feud between Robbie Farah and Jason Taylor dominated headlines throughout the year and derailed a campaign which was already on the rocks. It did produce a magnificent performance from Farah toward the back end of the season, but the stand-off rages into the off-season at least, with both still under contract. For 2015, it dented the shaky confidence of a young Tigers side that finished *just* clear the dreaded spoon.

The Good
When they were on, they were on. There was nothing to stop the Wests Tigers - they took some big scalps in 2015 which included both last year's grand finalists in South Sydney and Canterbury-Bankstown, and a demolition of heavyweights Melbourne in front of the faithful at Leichhardt Oval. This pointscoring ability was shown most prominently in the points differential column come Round 26 - despite finishing 15th the Tigers were the best amongst the bottom six finishers. All told, there was some spark there, but it was largely lost amongst the in-fighting and injuries throughout the season.

The Bad
In pre-season Jason Taylor preached that the Tigers were going to be a much more robust defensive team this season and looked good for the first two weeks but was all downhill afterwards. They conceded 562 points through the season, perhaps best highlighted by a stunning second half comeback from the Raiders in round seven which became a running theme for most of the year.

Best Players
There is only one choice for player of the year in a dismal Wests Tigers season - fullback James Tedesco was a rock at the back and often the only threat in the backline with 17 tries in his 24 games this season with countless linebreaks and assists saw him awarded best and fairest as well at the club's end of season awards. Other notables included Keith Galloway and Pat Richards, both in their final seasons at the club, while Kevin Naiqama also showed plenty of promise, flair, and well - hair.

Disappointing Players
At points during the season Wests Tigers were a compass without an arrow, which fell a lot on young halves Luke Brooks and Mitchell Moses. The two juniors came through the National Youth Competition together and fans expected them to build on their impressive starts, but both stagnated in 2015.

Rookies
Kyle Lovett was a versatile player either used in the backline or thrown into the forwards in his first season of the NRL. He was a big spot in the season alongside Manaia Cherrington who received some time at hooker late in the season but the Tigers have another impressive set of young players in the u20s ready to make the step next season.

2016 Chances
2015 was a steep learning experience for the young Tigers and some forward reinforcement in the form of Canberra's Joel Edwards, as well as Rod Griffin and William McConnachie, the latter two from victorious Queensland Cup side Ipswich. The Wests Tigers should challenge for the top eight once again - and if Farah and Taylor can break bread to help mentor on Brooks and Moses will see them finish 5th-8th.

Best lineup for 2016
1. James Tedesco
2. Kevin Naiqama
3. Tim Simona
4. Delouise Hoeter
5. David Nofoaluma
6. Mitchell Moses
7. Luke Brooks
8. Aaron Woods
9. Robbie Farah
10. Martin Taupau
11. Curtis Sironen
12. Kyle Lovett
13. Joel Edwards

14. Ava Seumanufagai
15. Jack Buchanan
16. William McConachie
17. Sauaso Sue

Ins: Jack Littlejohn, Michael Chee-Kam (Sea Eagles), Jesse Parahi (rugby union), Justin Hunt (Dragons), Jordan Rankin (UK - Hull FC), Josh Addo-Carr (Sharks), Joel Edwards (Raiders), Rod Griffin, William McConnachie (ISC - Ipswich Jets)

Outs: Pat Richards (UK - Catalans), Keith Galloway (UK - Leeds), Shannon McDonnell (UK - St Helens), Te Maire Martin (Panthers), Tim Moltzen (Sea Eagles)