2023 Preview: Wests Tigers

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4373. That's the number of days it will have been at the end of the regular season this year, since the Wests Tigers last played finals football.

Their entire history has one constant - below average defence. From 2012 til 2022, they've been ranked 10th or lower in defence every year except one - 2018, when they were coached by current Panthers and Premiership winning coach Ivan Cleary.

For the first half of their history they were largely loved for their free-flowing attack. That is now a distant memory as the 2022 Tigers were comfortably the worst attacking side in the NRL, scoring just 14.67 points per game, their worst attack in any of their previous seasons.

The continued woefulness of the Tigers resulted in yet another coach being axed, with Tim Sheens named as the ‘new' coach for 2023, but with a twist - he will be also teaching Benji Marshall how to be an NRL coach so that he will eventually succeed Sheens.

The club has made a number of major personnel changes, unsurprisingly. They have bolstered their pack as their main priority while embattled halfback Luke Brooks is set to be persevered with for at least another season.

Why They'll Win It

Edge attack. With Isaiah Papali'I and John Bateman on the edges and the ball running strength of halves Adam Doueihi and Luke Brooks coupled with the leadership of the pack provided by incoming hooker Api Koroisau, the Tigers attack is set to get a complete overhaul and it could well surprise teams all season long.

Why They Won't

Defence. The Tigers defensive structure is constantly reacting and never proactive. They slide slowly and have random players either coming out of the line or holding back, both of which get exploited and more often than not, result in tries conceded. They need to completely overhaul everything they've done, structure-wise in defence and start with line speed and working as one unit.

Key Players

Adam Doueihi is set to be the halfback and possibly even club captain, roles which he looks absolutely comfortable with. The club will be banking on him to take pressure off Brooks, who appears to have a licence to run the ball in 2023. This will only be useful if the club can run plays around him to utilize this strength in his game. This where Papali'i and Bateman come into the mix, as both are strong runners and also very good support players.

Stefano Utoikamanu will be fully fit and expected to be a devastating ball runner through the middle, along with Fonua Pole.

Breakthrough Player To Watch

Shawn Blore has had an injury riddled career thus far, denying him the chance to get into any good form and reveal what he can really do. He's spent this offseason getting himself fully fit and will be very eager to rip in and prove himself.

2023 Wests Tigers squad

Player Movements

Gains: Isaiah Papali'i (Eels), Api Koroisau, Charlie Staines (Panthers), John Bateman (Wigan), Triston Reilly (Rugby Union), Will Smith (Hull FC), David Klemmer (Knights), Brandon Wakeham (Bulldogs), David Nofoaluma (Storm - loan return)

Losses: Luciano Leilua (Cowboys), Luke Garner, Tyrone Peachey (Panthers), Kelma Tuilagi (Sea-Eagles), Jacob Liddle, Zane Musgrove (Dragons), Jock Madden (Broncos), Oliver Gildart (Dolphins), Jackson Hastings (Knights), William Kei (released), James Roberts (retired)

Predicted Best 17

1 - Daine Laurie
2 - David Nofoaluma
3 - Asu Kepaoa
4 - Starford To'a
5 - Ken Maumalo
6 - Luke Brooks
7 - Adam Doueihi
8 - David Klemmer
9 - Api Koroisau
10 - Stefano Utoikamanu
11 - Isaiah Papali'i
12 - John Bateman
13 - Alex Twal
14 - Shawn Blore
15 - Joe Ofahengaue
16 - Fonua Pole
17 - Brent Naden

2023 Wests Tigers fixtures

Some statistics courtesy RLP