Round 1 Predicted Teams: Tigers

As part of a series profiling the expected Round 1 sides for all 17 NRL clubs in 2025, the Wests Tigers believe they have assembled a squad that can shake off the wooden spoon and challenge for the playoffs.

If Benji Marshall can marshal his troops to make the top eight after a 14-year drought with all the off-field drama at the club it will be a minor miracle.

The joint venture is yet again being torn apart by factionalism in the boardroom with threats and counter-threats playing out in the media in an unwanted distraction from Marshall in his mission for the Tigers to avoid a fourth straight wooden spoon.

Marshall made an encouraging start last year in his first season at the helm but the Tigers were narrowly unable to avoid offloading the wooden spoon to Parramatta.

The Tigers has again gone on a signing spree but unlike the last couple of seasons they look to have been more astute in their purchases.

Jarome Luai’s arrival from premiers Penrith could be a game-changer for Wests particularly given the rise of rookie five-eighth Lachlan Galvin last season and the continued improvement of Jahream Bula.

With Api Koroisau at hooker, the Tigers will have a talented spine which also has enough experience to win more close games down the stretch.

Who’s new?

Luai showed last season at club and origin level that he can be a top-class on-field general and not just Nathan Cleary’s second banana.

His signing on a multimillion-dollar deal gives the Tigers the top-quality playmaker they have lacked since Marshall ended his first stint at the club more than a decade ago.

Panthers teammate Sunia Turuva gives the Tigers a top-class finisher out wide while Dragons veteran Jack Bird adds further experience to the youthful squad.

The Tigers lucked out by getting Terrell May from the Roosters when they controversially allowed him to be released from his contract and the young Samoan front-rower could be one of the buys of the year.

Sharks veteran Royce Hunt has also been brought in to shore up the forward pack while the Tigers have also added Bulldogs winger Jeral Skelton to boost their outside backs.

Lachlan Galvin is tackled by Haumole Olakau’atu. (Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)

Who’s gone?

Isaiah Papali’i has headed to the Panthers after an underwhelming two-year stint at the Tigers.

The same can be said for English forward John Bateman who was granted a release to join the Cowboys after failing to live up to expectations during his time at Concord.

Stefano Utoikamanu rejected a lucrative offer to re-sign so he could join Craig Bellamy in Melbourne but the additions of May and Hunt have offset that blow.

Veteran half Aidan Sezer has returned to the Super League with Hull FC while young playmaker Jayden Sullivan has been offloaded to South Sydney although the Tigers will be contributing a significant portion of his contract.

Key spots to unlock

Even with all these moving pieces, the Tigers line-up is as settled as it has been for the past few years.

There is still a question mark at centre with Starford To’a, Justin Olam, Brent Naden and Adam Douiehi in contention to start the season there.

Bird is training at lock after playing in several positions at St George Illawarra.

Samuela Fainu was one of the finds of the season last year and should get a start at second row with Papali’i and Bateman no longer in the equation.

Marshall also has a decision to make over his front row rotation about whether veteran David Klemmer retains a starting spot or whether he goes with Hunt and May in his run-on side.

Tallyn da Silva was a bright spot for the club late last season and the young hooker should be in contention for a bench utility spot.

Roar editor Christy Doran made the trip to Seattle with VisitSeattle.org, diving into the city’s electric sports vibe, outdoor adventures, and renowned food scene. Click here for his latest adventure in the Emerald City.