2026 squad - still not good enough

[WesternSuburbsBoy]

If he is a team player he will do whats best for the team like Douhie

I'm sure he would he's even said as much but I'm talking about the perspective of what's best for him long term.

 

[upthetigers]

I'm sure he would he's even said as much but I'm talking about the perspective of what's best for him long term.

I edited my post, see above

 

[wstigers11]

If he is a team player he will do whats best for the team like Douhie

As far as his development goes, he needs to prove his body is durable enough to play NRL, off the bench it makes sense.

Best case scenario , Latu eventually plays Doueihi out of the position. Competition might be healthy for both of them tho. I trust Benji with Latu’s development he’s been pretty mindful about it

 

[WesternSuburbsBoy]

If he is a team player he will do whats best for the team like Douhie

As far as his development goes, he needs to prove his body is durable enough to play NRL, off the bench it makes sense.

I think he was starting to show that imo it was just poor tackling technique where he got himself in the wrong position that led to his injury. I mean AD injured himself in a similar way trying to tackle Taumalolo just lucky it was no where near as serious. Hopefully Benji & the coaching staff have identified that and it's something they've worked on during pre-season. Latu never actually had any muscle or hamstring injuries last year (which he's struggled with his whole career) so hopefully it's a good sign of things to come.

 

[TheEnz]

Latu has copped a few HIA's that ruled him out, there was also the Hammy issue. The shoulder one was always going to happen with the tackling technique he has, so get that sorted and he should be sweet, he is still developing and their are some kids that are more injury prone at that stage...fingers crossed. I have no doubt he is our long term 7 or 6 (still think Luai might end up in 7 and Latu at 6). I love AD however he is not our future at 7, will hopefully do a job for us in 26.

 

[tiger_one]

(Borrowed from Wests Tigers Life page)​

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Lawrence backs Wests Tigers to break finals drought as he throws support behind Marshall​

Chris Lawrence believes Wests Tigers have the ingredients to end their finals drought and says coach Benji Marshall is growing into the role despite the external noise surrounding the Club.

Speaking with SEN’s Adam Hawse, the former Tigers captain says there is genuine reason for optimism heading into the new season.

“Fingers crossed, it can be a positive year. I think it’s the hope of every Wests Tigers fan,” Lawrence says.


“I think with a couple of additions and a lot of positive signs last year, they’re definitely in a lot better shape potentially than previous years.”

The Wests Tigers have not played finals football since 2011, but Lawrence says last season showed the squad can match it with the competition’s best when key players are fit and available.

“When they had their top squad, their main players within the starting 17 available, they could match it with some of the top four teams,” he says.

“The challenge is doing that consistently and having that depth to call upon when needed. But I think they’re a really good chance.

“They look like the type of squad that have a lot of belief, and belief and confidence can go a long way. If they can put themselves in a position to make a run in the finals, that belief and confidence can get them there.”

Lawrence also threw his full support behind Marshall, who is entering the next phase of his tenure as head coach.

The former premiership-winning five-eighth says Marshall has learned quickly after being “thrown in the deep end” transitioning from assistant to full-time coach.

“He’s had some fast and harsh lessons the last couple of years, going from assistant into full-time coach,” Lawrence says.

“People argue about the fact he hasn’t been a coach for long, but he was a great player not just because of his skills, but his ability to adapt and read the game.

“You can see how quickly he’s adapting his coaching style. He wants to keep improving and do whatever’s best for the team.”

Lawrence says the trust between Marshall and the playing group is evident.

“You can hear it in the voice of the players, the trust and belief they have in him,” he says.

“As long as they keep that connection and keep turning up for him, things will turn.”

He also believes reducing inconsistency and avoiding prolonged losing streaks will be crucial in keeping pressure and media scrutiny at bay.

“Three losses in a row becomes a flag. That’s when the media pressure and scrutiny starts to come on and it compounds,” Lawrence says.

“If they can prevent back-to-back or three losses in a row, a lot of the pressure will stay off them because they can remain competitive and just focus on the footy.

“The one thing Benji would be reiterating is to make sure they’re competing to the 80th minute every game. There’s going to be games you don’t win, but if they’re competing to the end, more often than not things are going to go your way.”