2016 NRL Preview - Wests Tigers

2015 was supposed to be the year the Tigers recovered from a squad reshuffle and moved on after the Benji era. Instead they endured yet another destabilising season where, instead of showing signs of promise, they end up just showing signs of disinterest. After winning half of their first 8 games and sitting fifth on the ladder, the Wests Tigers won just 4 of their last 16 games to only just avoid the wooden spoon on points differential.

Given the closeness of the competition, optimists would say that the Tigers were only 4 wins from the top 8, but the reality is, they never looked like a threat all year. Amateurish management saw the club trying to offload captain and stalwart Robbie Farah before the season ended, only to backflip on that decision by seasons end, despite signing Manly rake Matt Ballin as his replacement.

The disarray within the club saw strike forward Martin Taupau depart the club whose exit exposes the Tigers even more fragile back row stocks.

With some cohesion and unity seemingly being display over the last few months, the Tigers will be expecting a vastly improved season from Curtis Sironen, Luke Brooks and Mitch Moses if they are to improve on their disastorous 2015 campaign.

WHY THEY'LL WIN IT

The backline. Wests Tigers have elusive speedsters in the backline on both sides of the field. If they can get plenty of good clean ball with room to move, the power, fend and speed of Tedesco and Simona could run rampant out wide, especially against tiring back rowers.

WHY THEY WON'T

In the back row. While Chris Lawrence looks to have made a seamless transition to the pack, he will be without an equal if Curtis Sironen doesn't lift this year. Also, coach Jason Taylor may have a quandry in regards to getting all 3 of his quality rakes into the 17, so don't be surprised if Farah's dummy half speed and defensive strength sees him relocated to Lock, so as to accommodate young star Cherrington on the bench.

KEY PLAYER

James Tedesco
Bigger, stronger, faster. If Tedesco can have another injury free season, he is a very strong chance of lining up for NSW in the State of Origin this year. With speed either side of him, he will be looking to form combinations with both second rowers and a roving Farah (if he is selected at Lock).

ROOKIE TO WATCH

Josh Addo-Carr
The young speedster was snared from the Sharks by the Tigers on a one year deal, and with the Tigers stocks on the wing very low, he is a very good chance of making his NRL debut and, if his promise proves true, securing the spot immediately.

THE BIG PLAYS

Coach Jason Taylor admitted his focus in 2015 was improving the defensive aspect at the club. He copped plenty of criticism for his unimaginative game plans which served only to stifle Moses, Brooks and Farah.

PLAYER MOVEMENT IN
Matt Ballin (Manly), Jack Littlejohn (Manly), Michael Chee-Kam (Manly), Jesse Parahi (Rugby Union), Justin Hunt (Dragons), Jordan Rankin (Hull FC), Josh Addo-Carr (Cronulla), Joel Edwards (Canberra), Rod Griffin (Ipswich), William McConnachie (Ipswich), Josh Aloai (Parramatta), Tim Grant (Souths)

PLAYER MOVEMENT OUT
Martin Taupau (Manly), Pat Richards (Catalans), Keith Galloway (Leeds), Shannon McDonnell (St Helens), Te Maire Martin (Penrith), Tim Moltzen (Manly), Matt Woods (Parramatta), Salesi Funaki (Brisbane), Delouise Hoeter (Townsville), Sitaleki Akuola (Penrith)

BEST 17
1. James Tedesco
2. David Nofoaluma
3. Tim Simona
4. Justin Hunt
5. Kevin Naiqama
6. Mitchell Moses
7. Luke Brooks
8. Aaron Woods (c)
9. Matt Ballin
10. Tim Grant
11. Chris Lawrence
12. Curtis Sironen
13. Robbie Farah

14. Ava Seumanufagai
15. Suasao Sue
16. Michael Chee-Kam
17. Manaia Cherrington