Juniors - Pathways General Discussion

jrtiger said:
we swap players with Penrith all the time, particularly at junior level. we haven’t lost James Lanyon or Yacoub Ali Jida. it’s ok.
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One thing Goodfield possessed which stood him in good stead & we lack was speed & elusiveness. He played well in his most recent game for us too, that CUBS U18 match v visiting French team.

Oh well can't keep them all and, as you say, Lanyon & Ali Jida were good gets. Plus we have another very talented centre in that 17/18yo age group, Glassie Glassie.
 
BlackWhiteGold said:
One thing Goodfield possessed which stood him in good stead & we lack was speed & elusiveness. He played well in his most recent game for us too, that CUBS U18 match v visiting French team.

Oh well can't keep them all and, as you say, Lanyon & Ali Jida were good gets. Plus we have another very talented centre in that 17/18yo age group, Glassie Glassie.
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don’t get me wrong I’m disappointed about Goodfield, I just don’t think it’s a huge loss is all.
 

Wests Tigers Pathways players earn new and upgraded deals​


The Wests Tigers continue to strengthen their depth across the men’s Pathways, with the futures of a trio of highly talented youngsters secured for 2026 and beyond.

Tino Tavana, Blake Van Drie and Siotame Havea Jr. have all been placed on elevated deals, as they progress towards consistent, senior football.

The signings follow the recent announcements of Javon Andrews and Ethan Roberts, who will arrive at Concord in 2026.

Wests Tigers Head of Football, Matthew Betsey said the deals were the result of strong performances within the club’s Pathways.

“These players have been rewarded for what they’ve done across Harold Matthews, SG Ball and Jersey Flegg – it speaks volumes for the work currently being done within our Pathways,” Betsey said.

“We want to keep seeing talent grow and develop across these sides and provide players with opportunities to progress and have greater involvement with the NRL squad.

“The boys have shown not just their talent and potential, but the characteristics and values we feel will assist them on their journey towards the NRL.

“This is a great opportunity for them to be exposed to an NRL environment across the coming years, a chance I’m sure they’re all looking forward to taking with both hands,” Betsey concluded.

Tino Tavana has signed a one-year train-and-trial deal for the 2026 season.

The outside back – who can also play fullback – has showcased his skill and speed for the Wests Magpies’ NSW Cup and Wests Tigers’ Jersey Flegg Cup side in 2025.

Tavana also impressed at fullback in the second half of Wests Tigers’ NRL trial against the Bulldogs earlier this year.

Blake Van Drie was a standout for the Balmain SG Ball Cup side this year after joining the club in 2025.

At the conclusion of the 2025 SG Ball Cup season, he received the Adam Gardiner Memorial Award as Balmain U19’s Player of the Year.

The hard-running lock forward has signed until the end of the 2027 season and will train with the NRL side in the last year of the deal.


Siotame Havea Jr. captained the Wests Magpies’ Harold Matthews Cup team this year, with his performances personified by strong running and hard-hitting defence.

A Western Suburbs local junior, Havea Jr. is signed until the end of the 2027 season, joining the club’s Development list in the final year of the deal.

www.weststigers.com.au

Wests Tigers Pathways players earn new and upgraded deals

The Wests Tigers continue to strengthen their depth across the men’s Pathways, with the futures of a trio of highly talented youngsters secured for 2026 and beyond.
www.weststigers.com.au www.weststigers.com.au
 
I'm hoping the next crop of pathways players the club can upgrade soon include ...

-Max Taotua (turns 21 next year so still eligible for JF, hopefully pre-season NRL T&T)
-Logan Deininger (turns 20 next year, I'd go pre-season NRL T&T to give him a taste & dev deal in '27)
-Josese Lanyon (turns 22 next year, same as Tino Tavana I'd hope he can get a FT NRL T&T next year)
-James Lanyon (turns 18 next year, give him some training opps with NRL next season into dev deal '27)
-Archie Duncombe (turns 20 next year, maybe pre-season NRL T&T into FT NRL T&T in '27)
 
BlackWhiteGold said:
Great interview with Archie Duncombe by @jrtiger @poopy_diaper tonight on WT Faithful platforms.

I’m going to assume his almost slip-up in it was alluding to coming into the 17 for Flegg this week lol hope so!

He’s another keeper & hope Shannon is on the front foot to lock him in beyond next season.
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Archie has plenty of potential, a real old school ball playing middle.
 
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