2020 Preview: Wests Tigers

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2019 was a season full of the same old stories for the Wests Tigers - a new coach, had a chance to reach the finals but failed to win the games that mattered, threw away games, the odd capitulation, the odd upset victory and ultimately, finishing ninth.

2020 though presents something new for Tigers fans. A club content with it's coach. This season though contains many hurdles for the black, orange and white - most of all the burden of having so much of their salary cap tied up in players either injured or not performing well enough to warrant NRL selection. There's also a key issue that the club failed to address: replacing hooker Robbie Farah.

It looks to be the final season of enigmatic club legend Benji Marshall, whose game last year was the best it's been in almost a decade. Coach Michael Maguire has put plenty of faith in young players, especially in the forwards, showing that he is building for the future.

Once space starts to free up in the cap, Wests Tigers could be on the hunt for a few players with X-factor and that extra class.

Why they'll win it

Much like in 2005 when they won their maiden (and only) title - they'll catch everyone off guard with a side largely made up of youngsters - and Benji Marshall.

Almost the entire squad will be under 30 years of age at the start of the year, with Benji, Chris Lawrence and Josh Reynolds the exceptions to the rule.

Why they won't

Several reasons - there's very few genuine X-factor's within the side, their spine is close to one of the weakest in the game, as is their depth up front.

While the Tigers halves of Benji and Luke Brooks are set and one of the better halves combinations in the game, the Tigers will have a makeshift fullback in new recruit Adam Doueihi and are also planning on turning five-eighth Josh Reynolds into a rake while the club awaits the return of the unfortunately injury-prone but very talented Jacob Liddle.

2020 draw

Despite finishing ninth in 2019 and one win away from a finals berth, only 3 of their 11 victories came against sides who finished above them on the ladder. Luckily for them though, their opening 4 games in 2020 are against sides who finished below them last year and by Round 7 they will have played just 1 top 8 side from 2019, and 6 of the bottom 7 sides.

They also get the luxury of playing top sides around the Origin period, while their final 3 games will be against sides that finished in the bottom 5 in 2019.

They can't complain too much.

Key players

Josh Reynolds - he will have the hooking duties and will have a tough assignment. Learning the new role, the extra defensive workload and steering a rookie forward pack around. If he struggles, the Tigers could well have a very flat year, especially given there are no alternative options available until Liddle is fit.

Benji Marshall - Had a brilliant 2019 campaign, earning selection in the test side after a 7 year absence. With Farah gone and a makeshift hooker in his place, Benji will have extra playmaking duties on his hands in 2020. A role he will be more than comfortable with.

Adam Doueihi - Made a solid start to his career, playing 15 games for Souths in 2018 and again in 2019. He will be looking to cement the fullback position, as he's spent much of his career thus far playing all over the backline. AT Souths he played at Fullback, Wing, Centre and Halfback.

Rookies to watch

Tommy Talau - the young centre made his debut in 2019 and has big raps on him to be a long term centre option for the club. The injury to Paul Momirovski opens the door for him to start the season at centre, depending on who plays at fullback. Has plenty of size, power and speed and could be a real weapon out wide.

Sam McIntyre - the big back rower had a big year in the Intrust Super Premiership last season and is set to be pushing for a spot in the Tigers 17, especially given their lack of forward depth.

Player movement

New signings for 2020: Billy Walters (Storm), Luciano Leilua (Dragons), Zane Musgrove (held over from 2019), Joey Leilua (Raiders), Adam Doueihi (Rabbitohs)

Contracted for 2020: Josh Aloiai, Luke Brooks, Michael Chee-Kam, Oliver Clark, Matt Eisenhuth, Luke Garner, Robert Jennings, Chris Lawrence, Jacob Liddle, Benji Marshall, Moses Mbye, Sam McIntyre, Chris McQueen, Thomas Mikaele, Paul Momirovski, David Nofoaluma, Russell Packer, Josh Reynolds, Alex Seyfarth, Dylan Smith, Tommy Talau, Elijah Taylor, Corey Thompson, Alex Twal

2020 Development contracts: Kane Bradley, Zac Cini, Reece Hoffman, Jock Madden, Jake Simpkin

Losses: Mahe Fonua (Hull FC), Robbie Farah, Ben Matulino & Robbie Rochow (retired), Esan Marsters (Cowboys), Ryan Matterson (Eels)

Best 17

1.    Moses Mbye
2.    Corey Thompson
3.    Paul Momirovski
4.    Joey Leilua
5.    Robert Jennings
6.    Benji Marshall
7.    Luke Brooks
8.    Alex Twal
9.    Jacob Liddle
10.    Thomas Mikaele
11.    Luke Garner
12.    Chris Lawrence
13.    Matt Eisenhuth

14.    Michael Chee-Kam
15.    Josh Aloiai
16.    Luciano Leilua
17.    Josh Reynolds