Positives:
Jahream Bula’s last few games of the season, while nothing flash, he at least showed an increased willingness to get his hands on the ball, he was at least challenging the defensive line at speed and it was a noticeable increase in his overall energy and effort.
I am one of his biggest critics and I still have doubt we will get value for money on his new upgraded contract value, but based on his last few games I think there is a chance we will.
Fonua Pole still only 23 years old had a great season which really displayed the power, athleticism and footwork he possesses.
He has cut down his handling errors, improved his defence and is fast becoming one of the better props in the NRL.
We need to extend his contract and keep him with us long term.
Samuela Fainu - Had an injury riddled season which prevented him from showing his best on a regular basis, but he still showed glimpses of the size, power and athleticism he possesses.
Extending his contract with us is a high priority along with Latu and Fonua Pole.
Heamasi Makasini - Yes I know he was disappointing after the early promise he showed in our pre season games, but not forgetting he was still only 18y.o for a large portion of the season.
He is a big, tall and strong youngster who by all reports has a great work ethic and a great attitude.
I am optimistic he can be much better for the experience and start to live up to his potential in 2027.
Solomone Saukuru- He was always a promising standout junior who seemed to struggle with his weight and fitness levels, but he looks to now be in much better shape, a lot fitter than he has been for a few years and was rewarded with multiple standout performances in NSW Cup that led to his NRL debut and a few more NRL games to end the season.
It’s well known he for some reason struggles defensively, in particular his defensive reads, but you would think if we do re-sign him, continued improvement on his fitness levels and a major focus on his defence, could see him improve enough to become a serious NRL contender even when we are at full strength.
Junior Tupou - I thought he showed a lot of promise before he left us a few years back, he was seemingly underperforming at both the Dolphins and Roosters, but showed good gradual improvement and looked every bit an NRL player back with us for the back end of the season. He is still young and has scope for further improvement which could see him become a very good, valuable player in 2027.
Jack Attard - Showed promise early in the season, but his form stagnated somewhat mid season when switching between NSW Cup and Jersey Flegg. I thought his late season form for our Jersey Flegg team showed glimpses of the sheer speed, anticipation and class he possesses.
If he can add a little bit of muscle and size to his frame, he has enough ability to genuinely push Bula for our NRL fullback spot in 2027.
Javon Andrews - He signed for us with big wraps coming off a standout game for Qld u/19’s and a couple of senior Qld Cup games late in the 2024 season.
So I thought he was a player with potential, but I had no idea just how good and classy he is.
He had an outstanding season dominating and leading our NSW Cup team to many a good win and forcing his way to an NRL debut.
Like many young players he needs plenty of improvement with his defence, but it doesn’t concern me greatly as I watched a few NSW Cup games where he defended very well under plenty of pressure, so he well and truly has good defence in him.
Extremely classy young halve who combined extremely well with Latu in their one NSW Cup game together and he has enough talent to become a genuine NRL star.
Latu Fainu - I think nearly every Wests Tigers fan likes what they see from Latu when he plays in the halves and most of us are a bit perplexed why he has been held back for so long.
Obviously the Luai signing did not help his situation regarding NRL game time, but hopefully Luai’s work ethic and professionalism has rubbed off as he has been known to be a bit lazy in these areas.
Overall I think Latu being held back from regular NRL game time is a blessing in disguise or maybe a master plan from Benji as his last round 40min cameo just reinforced how much talent he has and he now looks ready to take the NRL world by storm in 2027.
Hopefully we can get his contract extended real soon.
Ethan Roberts - Another youngster who arrived to us with a big reputation, but was unfortunately hampered by early season injuries. He is a big human with good footwork, athleticism and skill to go with it. Made his NRL debut and generally impressed with his attacking ability, but showed he needs to improve his defence.
I’ve long known of his talent, so was happy when we signed him and to be honest his progression has far outweighed my expectations.
With a big offseason I think he can be a genuine strike weapon for us off the bench in 2027 and I really think the sky is the limit for him if he knuckles down and realises how good of an NRL player he can be.
Jared Haywood - A bit of a surprise he spent most of the season playing Jersey Flegg as he is so highly regarded, but I think it was a smart plan from Benji or whoever made the decision as it allowed him to continue tj grow in confidence in the age restricted competition and he was very dominant in most games he played. He made his NRL debut and was very impressive from at attacking point of view before ending the season with his last few games back in Jersey Flegg.
Another young player who needs to work hard to add a little bit of size and muscle to help tighten up his defence and he had a day to forget in our Jersey Flegg elimination last week, but he has a stack of ability and I think he will get much more NRL game time in 2027.
Apart from these more obvious players mentioned about, we have a few more good prospects emerging who could improve enough to become genuine NRL contenders in 2027.
Tony Sukkar - Another who I have long known the size, power and ability he possesses. I thought he had a really good season where his improvement was significant and is now showing he is a very capable NRL player who could have plenty of improvement left to come.
It would be a shame if we have developed him thus far and then let him go, let’s hope we re-sign him.
Vaka Aho / Had a very good improved season culminating with his last round NRL debut where he showed plenty of promise. He will take plenty of confidence from that and should show plenty more improvement again in 2027.
Heath Mason should we keep him, is still only 21y.o and showed some real good signs in hs cameos off the bench for our NRL team at 13 and 9 late in the season. He will be a much improved player for the experience and it will be a shame if we do not hang onto him.
Tino Tavana - Come out of nowhere to play a handful of NRL games this season. A have question marks on his defence and long distance speed for a winger who is not overly big, but his effort and his attacking aerial ability cannot be questioned. A sprinkling of NRL experience could see him be one a much improved player in 2027.
Peter Taateo - A few years older than all the others I have mentioned, but he come ba onto us after spending the early rounds at the Sharks and instantly resume his powerful, high speed, aggressive ball running. Another that needs work and focus on his defence, but he is showing good potential as an impact player who can come into the field and make a real positive difference.
Christian Taupau-Moors, Archie Duncombe, Phoenix Godinet and Blake Van Drie all made good strides in their progression and it’s hard to gauge how much they will be improved by the time the 2027 season commences.
It’s not out of the question that any of them could make a rapid rise and become genuine NRL contenders in 2027.
