September 19, 2024

Wests Tigers have returned to the drawing board for 2024 after winning their second consecutive wooden spoon, with head coach Benji Marshall and seven new players joining the team.

Although Jarome Luai’s 2025 contract has received all of the attention lately, the Concord team will be keen to show that the future is now and start their ascent out of the NRL basement.

Experienced playmaker Aidan Sezer and young gun Jayden Sullivan look set to be given first opportunity to ignite the Tigers’ attack, but after signing a four-year deal with the club 18-year-old Latu Fainu will have the two playmakers constantly looking over their shoulders in pre-season.

There’s also healthy competition among the outside backs with the arrival of Dally M Centre Justin Olam and emerging U/19s Origin star Josh Feledy.

Olam must be there for the season opener with his winning culture and 104 games of NRL experience a huge asset to the Wests Tigers backline, while injury-riddled Brent Naden and 2023 breakout star Starford To’a are expected to fight it out to partner the Storm star.

On the back of a rookie season in which he averaged 159 metres per game and busted 59 tackles, exciting fullback Jahream Bula is certain to be given first crack in the No.1 jersey.

Returning 2023 recruits Api Koroisau, David Klemmer and John Bateman will also be desperate to bring some success to long-suffering fans when they line up for a second season in the black, white and orange.

Predicted Round 1 team

  1. Jahream Bula
  2. Charlie Staines
  3. Justin Olam
  4. Starford To’a
  5. Junior Tupou
  6. Aidan Sezer
  7. Jayden Sullivan
  8. Stefano Utoikamanu
  9. Api Koroisau
  10. David Klemmer
  11. Isaiah Papali’i
  12. John Bateman
  13. Fonua Pole
  14. Samuela Fainu
  15. Alex Twal
  16. Asu Kepaoa
  17. Justin Matamua

Key Changes

Ins: Latu Fainu (Sea Eagles), Samuela Fainu (Sea Eagles), Jayden Sullivan (Dragons), Aidan Sezer (Leeds Rhinos), Solomon Alaimalo (Super Rugby), Justin Olam (Storm).
Outs: Luke Brooks (Sea Eagles), Tommy Talau (Sea Eagles), Daine Laurie (Panthers), Shawn Blore (Storm), David Nofoaluma (released).

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