2021 Trials

[tigger19]

Laurie- always looked dangerous,can see why the big wraps

Stefano-Good hitups and motor,might take Mikaele’s bench spot

Madden- Mixed bag,some rookie mistakes,needs more time to develop

Simpkin- Dangerous,a real smoky for rd 1 bench spot,good n attack and d,Liddle will be starting hooker but this guy is coming on quickly

Simpkins- Good motor and played really well in his first hit out,will get game time this year

Roberts-Davis- Poor performance,Laurie should of been starting fb and a big mistake was made here

Fitzgibbon- sorry Fitz lovers but at this time he is not fg level

Cini-See above

Seyfarth- Good game,high work rate and for a forward to score a try off a kick chase shows not just fitness but effort,2nd chance at fg sometime this year

Liddle-Solid without being spectacular,holding back a little,will be starting hooker

Cooper- Did some nice things,one to watch in nsw cup

Kei- Not much game time but a bad miss read leading to a roosters try

Tuilagi- Good minutes,promising youngster

Rogers Smith- See above

Talau-Good In attack,but defence abit subpar

Hoffman- Strong,not a lot of opportunity but this guy could go either way

Dockar-Clay-Not bad but I wouldn’t be rushing to give him a top 30 spot

Cheekam- Got hurt early,Cheeks is a really likeable guy and really brings the team together,unfortunately this will be his last year at the tigers

Ben Cummins- Can’t believe this guy is still a first grade referee,disgusting performance and penalty count,Tigers had this guy referee a large amount of their games in 2020 and it is no surprise they lost them

Mate that is a pretty good summary, Cooper was in 15 wasn't he? I thought he did some really nice things with the ball in hand. Got moved into the centres at the start of the second half and held his own.

Laurie- always looked dangerous,can see why the big wraps

Stefano-Good hitups and motor,might take Mikaele’s bench spot

Madden- Mixed bag,some rookie mistakes,needs more time to develop

Simpkin- Dangerous,a real smoky for rd 1 bench spot,good n attack and d,Liddle will be starting hooker but this guy is coming on quickly

Simpkins- Good motor and played really well in his first hit out,will get game time this year

Roberts-Davis- Poor performance,Laurie should of been starting fb and a big mistake was made here

Fitzgibbon- sorry Fitz lovers but at this time he is not fg level

Cini-See above

Seyfarth- Good game,high work rate and for a forward to score a try off a kick chase shows not just fitness but effort,2nd chance at fg sometime this year

Liddle-Solid without being spectacular,holding back a little,will be starting hooker

Cooper- Did some nice things,one to watch in nsw cup

Kei- Not much game time but a bad miss read leading to a roosters try

Tuilagi- Good minutes,promising youngster

Rogers Smith- See above

Talau-Good In attack,but defence abit subpar

Hoffman- Strong,not a lot of opportunity but this guy could go either way

Dockar-Clay-Not bad but I wouldn’t be rushing to give him a top 30 spot

Cheekam- Got hurt early,Cheeks is a really likeable guy and really brings the team together,unfortunately this will be his last year at the tigers

Ben Cummins- Can’t believe this guy is still a first grade referee,disgusting performance and penalty count,Tigers had this guy referee a large amount of their games in 2020 and it is no surprise they lost them

Mate that is a pretty good summary, Cooper was in 15 wasn't he? I thought he did some really nice things with the ball in hand. Got moved into the centres at the start of the second half and held his own.

Not sure what number Cooper was mate but stood out defensively,Pretty big guy for the centre’s so not sure what his best position would be,Simpkin I thought might need more time but I think he will be on the bench rd 1,

 

[cochise]

Laurie- always looked dangerous,can see why the big wraps

Stefano-Good hitups and motor,might take Mikaele’s bench spot

Madden- Mixed bag,some rookie mistakes,needs more time to develop

Simpkin- Dangerous,a real smoky for rd 1 bench spot,good n attack and d,Liddle will be starting hooker but this guy is coming on quickly

Simpkins- Good motor and played really well in his first hit out,will get game time this year

Roberts-Davis- Poor performance,Laurie should of been starting fb and a big mistake was made here

Fitzgibbon- sorry Fitz lovers but at this time he is not fg level

Cini-See above

Seyfarth- Good game,high work rate and for a forward to score a try off a kick chase shows not just fitness but effort,2nd chance at fg sometime this year

Liddle-Solid without being spectacular,holding back a little,will be starting hooker

Cooper- Did some nice things,one to watch in nsw cup

Kei- Not much game time but a bad miss read leading to a roosters try

Tuilagi- Good minutes,promising youngster

Rogers Smith- See above

Talau-Good In attack,but defence abit subpar

Hoffman- Strong,not a lot of opportunity but this guy could go either way

Dockar-Clay-Not bad but I wouldn’t be rushing to give him a top 30 spot

Cheekam- Got hurt early,Cheeks is a really likeable guy and really brings the team together,unfortunately this will be his last year at the tigers

Ben Cummins- Can’t believe this guy is still a first grade referee,disgusting performance and penalty count,Tigers had this guy referee a large amount of their games in 2020 and it is no surprise they lost them

Mate that is a pretty good summary, Cooper was in 15 wasn't he? I thought he did some really nice things with the ball in hand. Got moved into the centres at the start of the second half and held his own.

Laurie- always looked dangerous,can see why the big wraps

Stefano-Good hitups and motor,might take Mikaele’s bench spot

Madden- Mixed bag,some rookie mistakes,needs more time to develop

Simpkin- Dangerous,a real smoky for rd 1 bench spot,good n attack and d,Liddle will be starting hooker but this guy is coming on quickly

Simpkins- Good motor and played really well in his first hit out,will get game time this year

Roberts-Davis- Poor performance,Laurie should of been starting fb and a big mistake was made here

Fitzgibbon- sorry Fitz lovers but at this time he is not fg level

Cini-See above

Seyfarth- Good game,high work rate and for a forward to score a try off a kick chase shows not just fitness but effort,2nd chance at fg sometime this year

Liddle-Solid without being spectacular,holding back a little,will be starting hooker

Cooper- Did some nice things,one to watch in nsw cup

Kei- Not much game time but a bad miss read leading to a roosters try

Tuilagi- Good minutes,promising youngster

Rogers Smith- See above

Talau-Good In attack,but defence abit subpar

Hoffman- Strong,not a lot of opportunity but this guy could go either way

Dockar-Clay-Not bad but I wouldn’t be rushing to give him a top 30 spot

Cheekam- Got hurt early,Cheeks is a really likeable guy and really brings the team together,unfortunately this will be his last year at the tigers

Ben Cummins- Can’t believe this guy is still a first grade referee,disgusting performance and penalty count,Tigers had this guy referee a large amount of their games in 2020 and it is no surprise they lost them

Mate that is a pretty good summary, Cooper was in 15 wasn't he? I thought he did some really nice things with the ball in hand. Got moved into the centres at the start of the second half and held his own.

Not sure what number Cooper was mate but stood out defensively,Pretty big guy for the centre’s so not sure what his best position would be,Simpkin I thought might need more time but I think he will be on the bench rd 1,

I liked Cooper, I think he was the one that managed to put Talau away in the 1st half, I'm not 100% sure as the play was coming towards me at the time.

I was very impressed with Simpkin, has a good motor, was a little smaller than I expected. Not sure he will be straight into 1st grade but he definitely has potential.

 

[cochise]

Just back after a good day at the footy, it was great to see some footy after couple of months break.

I thought Simpkins and Stefano were the standouts, Daine Laurie looked very elusive though I don't think I would be playing him at 5/8th.

Madden looks a long way off being ready and I would like to see him controlling a game like that before I was considering him for his debut.

Overall it was what you expect from a trial like that.

This pretty much sums up my thoughts on the game. The first half was highly enjoyable and entertaining.
Stefano and Tuki were impressive. Also thought Laurie was good in his first outing for the club.
The other two players who gained my attention were Kiah Cooper, for his defence, and Seyfarth.

I really liked Cooper, very strong defensively and did a few nice things with the ball.

 

[Madge]

On a side note, Josh Rizk played at fullback for the Jersey Flegg team and killed it. An exciting player to keep an eye on for sure.

 

[Tiger5150]

There have been many here summarise the game well, Tuki, Stef, Laurie etc all good but I want to make another point.

All throughout the preseason we have all noted how big, strong and fit our boys look and Ive wondered how it might extend into the game.

For me what I noted in the trial AND in the All Stars game, is our forwards never looked dominated. For YEARS we have been used to our forwards running it up, meeting the defence and then hitting the deck. I noticed in the trial (just a trial) that our pigs ran hard and never got stopped at the line. Even in the last quarter when we had numbers like 32, 33 on the park, they were still hitting hard on both sides of the ball. Even in the All Stars game, Packer looked like a good player and Musgrove looked hard to handle.

Its encouraging for me to see out pigs, big, strong and not getting dominated.

Dare to dream?

 

[Coastie_Tiger]

I liked what I saw of Simpkins & Stefano in the forwards. Jake S surprised me I think he will make the step up at some stage, also was interesting that him and Liddle were on there together ala when Harry was with us. Laurie looked threatening Fitzgibbon did some nice grunt work out of D. But out of all of them the one that jumped out of the pack was Seyfarth he had some extra leg drive that I didn’t think he had in him, he sort of loped anytime I’ve seen him play could be a smokey. I don’t however see the hype some give for Madden but hasn’t played in a year could be just rusty. You could see a few we’re playing for contracts Roberts Davis didn’t do himself any favours there could be one for reggies.

 

[cochise]

There have been many here summarise the game well, Tuki, Stef, Laurie etc all good but I want to make another point.

All throughout the preseason we have all noted how big, strong and fit our boys look and Ive wondered how it might extend into the game.

For me what I noted in the trial AND in the All Stars game, is our forwards never looked dominated. For YEARS we have been used to our forwards running it up, meeting the defence and then hitting the deck. I noticed in the trial (just a trial) that our pigs ran hard and never got stopped at the line. Even in the last quarter when we had numbers like 32, 33 on the park, they were still hitting hard on both sides of the ball. Even in the All Stars game, Packer looked like a good player and Musgrove looked hard to handle.

Its encouraging for me to see out pigs, big, strong and not getting dominated.

Dare to dream?

Good point mate.

 

[Tiger5150]

I liked what I saw of Simpkins & Stefano in the forwards. Jake S surprised me I think he will make the step up at some stage, also was interesting that him and Liddle were on there together ala when Harry was with us. Laurie looked threatening Fitzgibbon did some nice grunt work out of D. But out of all of them the one that jumped out of the pack was Seyfarth he had some extra leg drive that I didn’t think he had in him, he sort of loped anytime I’ve seen him play could be a smokey. I don’t however see the hype some give for Madden but hasn’t played in a year could be just rusty. You could see a few we’re playing for contracts Roberts Davis didn’t do himself any favours there could be one for reggies.

THis is pretty juvenile I guess, but Im kind of worried about team harmony now the rubber is hitting the road.

A lot of this years off season has had a very indigenous flavour to it, which I applaud. Startinging with the signing of JTJ, partnerships with indigenous groups and imprtantly increasing numbers of koori players in the squad. I know Roberts Davis is a cousin of JTJ and Fitzgibbon is obviously close to them all, but for mine Roberts Davis does not get a top 30 spot and Fitzgibbon is very borderline.

 

[BZN]

**Four things to watch in Saturday’s trial match**

* New Recruits

* Hookers

* Youngsters on the rise

* Defence

There’s still plenty of reasons to be excited for Saturday’s match as combinations will be strengthened and players to stake their claim for Round 1 selection.

I can't wait to get down there for the game tomorrow.

1 sleep!

Then a lunch at a pub and then onto the game.

Mr Cochise...you are really excited that the Rugba League is on today aren't you.
Sadly I wont be there to claim the pie and soft drink Yuh promised me if I got to the game.
Enjoy a Black and White and Gold Wests Tigers win.
Dont forget to take Your scarf so we can see some photos of You and Tiger Steve and others showing Our colours.

Yeah mate, sitting at a pub down the road from the ground right now. Favourite way to spend a day.

The boss’s birthday today so I’ll have to catch up with the results tomorrow.
Remember what Rumple said “She who must be obeyed”.

It's actually Rumpole with an O [Of The Bailey].
One of many great English tv series around that same time.

 

[Tim Sheens]

I liked what I saw of Simpkins & Stefano in the forwards. Jake S surprised me I think he will make the step up at some stage, also was interesting that him and Liddle were on there together ala when Harry was with us. Laurie looked threatening Fitzgibbon did some nice grunt work out of D. But out of all of them the one that jumped out of the pack was Seyfarth he had some extra leg drive that I didn’t think he had in him, he sort of loped anytime I’ve seen him play could be a smokey. I don’t however see the hype some give for Madden but hasn’t played in a year could be just rusty. You could see a few we’re playing for contracts Roberts Davis didn’t do himself any favours there could be one for reggies.


THis is pretty juvenile I guess, but Im kind of worried about team harmony now the rubber is hitting the road.

A lot of this years off season has had a very indigenous flavour to it, which I applaud. Startinging with the signing of JTJ, partnerships with indigenous groups and imprtantly increasing numbers of koori players in the squad. I know Roberts Davis is a cousin of JTJ and Fitzgibbon is obviously close to them all, but for mine Roberts Davis does not get a top 30 spot and Fitzgibbon is very borderline.

I would definitely be giving Fitzgibbon a development opportunity and as for Davis, he is a journeyman that went all in with a pair of 2's.

 

[Tigersmurf]

There have been many here summarise the game well, Tuki, Stef, Laurie etc all good but I want to make another point.

All throughout the preseason we have all noted how big, strong and fit our boys look and Ive wondered how it might extend into the game.

For me what I noted in the trial AND in the All Stars game, is our forwards never looked dominated. For YEARS we have been used to our forwards running it up, meeting the defence and then hitting the deck. I noticed in the trial (just a trial) that our pigs ran hard and never got stopped at the line. Even in the last quarter when we had numbers like 32, 33 on the park, they were still hitting hard on both sides of the ball. Even in the All Stars game, Packer looked like a good player and Musgrove looked hard to handle.

Its encouraging for me to see out pigs, big, strong and not getting dominated.

Dare to dream?

Is 32 the young kid Mavoni Tuifua whom we just re-signed? I thought he was really strong in attack and defence and is someone who cold move through the grades very quickly

 

[cochise]

@The_Doc mentioned it but it was interesting to see Liddle and Simpkin on the field at the same time for a small part of the game tonight. Liddle stayed a hooker and Simpkin played a little bit of 1st receiver.

 

[TrueTiger]

Well guys and gals of this great forum,I just finished a 10 hour shift and didnt see any of this trial game....
I have read through this thread about how our guys played...it was a close game that could have gone either way ....
I just want to say that there are many young guys who have huge wraps on them,I hope they put their heads down and bums up and train hard and learn what it takes to play consistently at NRL level...
From what I said a couple of days ago,that Madden needs time in CC to gain much experience if he is to make it at NRL level...I also know that this was a trial and some of the kids havent played because of covid..
I wont go into a full summary,but would like many on here to understand what it would take to be on the field for 80 mins at NRL pressure,eg do you guys really think Madden is the solution at 6/7 for us in the first round ? I dont,he would be slaughtered by a full fg side ready to win to get their season rolling,irrelevent who we are playing...Maybe Madge knows a hell of alot more than us,hence the Hastings rumour...
Anyway chins up guys we are still looking not to bad with the way Madge is scheming and planning our way to finals football...
Most of these blokes had a good hit out and had a taste of what it would be like against older seasoned players...hope they keep improving as the year goes on...

 

[Coastie_Tiger]

I liked what I saw of Simpkins & Stefano in the forwards. Jake S surprised me I think he will make the step up at some stage, also was interesting that him and Liddle were on there together ala when Harry was with us. Laurie looked threatening Fitzgibbon did some nice grunt work out of D. But out of all of them the one that jumped out of the pack was Seyfarth he had some extra leg drive that I didn’t think he had in him, he sort of loped anytime I’ve seen him play could be a smokey. I don’t however see the hype some give for Madden but hasn’t played in a year could be just rusty. You could see a few we’re playing for contracts Roberts Davis didn’t do himself any favours there could be one for reggies.


THis is pretty juvenile I guess, but Im kind of worried about team harmony now the rubber is hitting the road.

A lot of this years off season has had a very indigenous flavour to it, which I applaud. Startinging with the signing of JTJ, partnerships with indigenous groups and imprtantly increasing numbers of koori players in the squad. I know Roberts Davis is a cousin of JTJ and Fitzgibbon is obviously close to them all, but for mine Roberts Davis does not get a top 30 spot and Fitzgibbon is very borderline.

No way Roberts-Davis will get a top 30 gig a CC contract maybe, I do think however if Fitzgibbon keeps his head down and bum up he could. Having a few indigenous players for the sake of looking good isn’t what we’re going for IMO. Giving guys an opportunity hell yeah creating a pathway doing those little things like you mentioned is all part of it. If we put it all in place a few years down the road it could pay dividends, instead of every kid coming through wanting to go to South’s or whoever they might think hey JTJ, Laurie, Fitzgibbon ect ect got a shot why can’t I. You’re opinion isn’t juvenile it’s valid harmony could become an issue, I guess we’re all hoping it’s a harmonious season ahead.

 

[cochise]

I liked what I saw of Simpkins & Stefano in the forwards. Jake S surprised me I think he will make the step up at some stage, also was interesting that him and Liddle were on there together ala when Harry was with us. Laurie looked threatening Fitzgibbon did some nice grunt work out of D. But out of all of them the one that jumped out of the pack was Seyfarth he had some extra leg drive that I didn’t think he had in him, he sort of loped anytime I’ve seen him play could be a smokey. I don’t however see the hype some give for Madden but hasn’t played in a year could be just rusty. You could see a few we’re playing for contracts Roberts Davis didn’t do himself any favours there could be one for reggies.


THis is pretty juvenile I guess, but Im kind of worried about team harmony now the rubber is hitting the road.

A lot of this years off season has had a very indigenous flavour to it, which I applaud. Startinging with the signing of JTJ, partnerships with indigenous groups and imprtantly increasing numbers of koori players in the squad. I know Roberts Davis is a cousin of JTJ and Fitzgibbon is obviously close to them all, but for mine Roberts Davis does not get a top 30 spot and Fitzgibbon is very borderline.

No way Roberts-Davis will get a top 30 gig a CC contract maybe, I do think however if Fitzgibbon keeps his head down and bum up he could. Having a few indigenous players for the sake of looking good isn’t what we’re going for IMO. Giving guys an opportunity hell yeah creating a pathway doing those little things like you mentioned is all part of it. If we put it all in place a few years down the road it could pay dividends, instead of every kid coming through wanting to go to South’s or whoever they might think hey JTJ, Laurie, Fitzgibbon ect ect got a shot why can’t I. You’re opinion isn’t juvenile it’s valid harmony could become an issue, I guess we’re all hoping it’s a harmonious season ahead.

I thought Robert-Davis really struggled tonight, I thought he would step up when he was playing with the less experience players towards the end of the game but that was actually the worst period of his game with him over playing his hand and making critical mistakes.

He was solid early and had no trouble barking orders at the defensive line.

 

[Geo]

Most of these blokes had a good hit out and had a taste of what it would be like against older seasoned players…hope they keep improving as the year goes on…

That would be good except the side the Rorters fielded included players with 0 NRL game experience..not 1..ooh unless you count Brad Abbey....and most not even State Cup

 

[TrueTiger]

Most of these blokes had a good hit out and had a taste of what it would be like against older seasoned players…hope they keep improving as the year goes on…

That would be good except the side the Rorters fielded included players with 0 NRL game experience..not 1..ooh unless you count Brad Abbey....and most not even State Cup

Yep,thanks Geo,as I said I didnt see the game AT all..
thanks for pointing out that I must be dumb not to know who they played against...

 

[sleeve]

Laurie- always looked dangerous,can see why the big wraps

Stefano-Good hitups and motor,might take Mikaele’s bench spot

Madden- Mixed bag,some rookie mistakes,needs more time to develop

Simpkin- Dangerous,a real smoky for rd 1 bench spot,good n attack and d,Liddle will be starting hooker but this guy is coming on quickly

Simpkins- Good motor and played really well in his first hit out,will get game time this year

Roberts-Davis- Poor performance,Laurie should of been starting fb and a big mistake was made here

Fitzgibbon- sorry Fitz lovers but at this time he is not fg level

Cini-See above

Seyfarth- Good game,high work rate and for a forward to score a try off a kick chase shows not just fitness but effort,2nd chance at fg sometime this year

Liddle-Solid without being spectacular,holding back a little,will be starting hooker

Cooper- Did some nice things,one to watch in nsw cup

Kei- Not much game time but a bad miss read leading to a roosters try

Tuilagi- Good minutes,promising youngster

Rogers Smith- See above

Talau-Good In attack,but defence abit subpar

Hoffman- Strong,not a lot of opportunity but this guy could go either way

Dockar-Clay-Not bad but I wouldn’t be rushing to give him a top 30 spot

Cheekam- Got hurt early,Cheeks is a really likeable guy and really brings the team together,unfortunately this will be his last year at the tigers

Ben Cummins- Can’t believe this guy is still a first grade referee,disgusting performance and penalty count,Tigers had this guy referee a large amount of their games in 2020 and it is no surprise they lost them

Great comprehensive post. Tigers should hire you as media consultant.

 

[TigerWest]

Wests Tigers Head Coach Michael Maguire liked what he saw during Saturday night’s trial match against Sydney Roosters at Kirkham Oval despite his side going down by six points.

With Maguire blooding a young side in the first hit-out of the season, he was impressed with a handful of youngsters and is excited to see them play alongside the senior players next Sunday against Manly-Warringah.

“It was good having players back playing footy. We had a fair range of kids from our younger grades to our men and I thought they did well,” Maguire said after the match.

“It was definitely a first run. It was good to get the rust out — a lot haven’t played for 12 months — and now I’m looking forward to next weekend which is the real trial.”

2021 Match Highlights: Trial, Wests Tigers vs. Roosters 2021 Match Highlights: Trial, Wests Tigers vs. Roosters
2021 Match Highlights: Trial, Wests Tigers vs. Roosters

Although he didn’t want to single out any standout performers, Maguire was more than happy with the efforts of new recruits Tuki Simpkins and Daine Laurie.

Simpkins, who joined the club from North Queensland, scored the club’s first try of 2021 when he barged his way over on Saturday night.

Laurie also looked comfortable in Wests Tigers colours after joining the club just two weeks ago. The former Panther started at five-eighth against the Roosters before having a stint at fullback to start the second half.

“Tuki Simpkin was one that really shone for us,” he said.

“Daine’s a competitor. He’s exactly what I expected. He’s got good composure and he’s quick. I’m looking forward to seeing him grow.”



Maguire was also delighted with the efforts of his dummy-halves, as Jacob Liddle and Jake Simpkin compete for the number nine jersey.

The younger of the two – Simpkin – started the match and looked comfortable in the middle, before the more-experienced Liddle played a decent stint in the middle of the match and in to the start of the second half.

“The two hookers showed themselves to be well prepared and I thought they showed some good signs,” Maguire said.

“I was really pleased for him [Simpkin]. It was his first game in a while. He said himself that it was great just to play footy and he has good composure.

“I thought Jacob Liddle also showed some good signs around running.”

There will be a bigger test for the number nines – and the entire team – next Sunday when Wests Tigers host the Sea Eagles in the final trial match at Leichhardt Oval.

“We will have all our senior players around them [Simpkin and Liddle] next week and we can see how they play with them,” Maguire said.

“We’ll have the big men rolling onto the ball — that’s a big part of the position — and I’ll be looking at that a lot. We’ll see how they go next week.”

 

[TigerWest]

I hate the club losing any game, but it was basically a reserve grade trial, with a scattering of possible FG options?

Next week will show us more.