**Wests Tigers youngsters to be let out of den come season 2014**
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NATHAN RYAN FOX SPORTS DECEMBER 03, 2013 2:46PM
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THE Wests Tigers have revealed they are set to unleash an ambush of youngsters into the NRL come next season.
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Following a disappointing year for new coach Mick Potter, riddled with drama of player unrest, question marks over his future and injury - the Tigers finally have a reason to smile.
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With depth a major concern in 2013, the Tigers recruited some much needed size to their pack in Dene Halatau and Martin Taupau, while a host of up and coming stars are on the cusp of making the step up from the Holden Cup.
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Exciting halfback Luke Brooks made his first grade debut last season and is just one of many in a rich nursery set to be let out of the den according to former Holden Cup coach turned assistant Todd Payten.
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"Everyone has spoken about Brooks and (Mitchell) Moses - Brooksy has had his debut and is expected to be there at the start of the year," Payten said.
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"Moses is a very talented five eighth, can possibly play fullback but he is a bit sly at the moment coming off of a broken leg so we're going to be pretty cautious with him to begin with.
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"We have a very talented hooker (Manaia) Cherrington - obviously behind Robbie Farah and has another year in 20s - he's very talented and has to put some meat on his bones.
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"Outside of that there are plenty more who will give it a shake at some point throughout the year."
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Cherrington was a member of the Balmain Tigers SG Ball premiership-winning squad in 2012 as was Moses who was named the SG Ball Player of the Year that season.
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Along with the hooker and half, Keebra Park product Delouise Hoeter (utility) and Kurtis Rowe (fullback) are also pushing their claims.
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In his new role, Payten takes control of the club's engine room and, aside from the outside backs, Payten has earmarked a number of forwards to also make the step up next year.
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Backrower Kyle Lovett captained the 20s team in 2013 and is described by Payten as a "first grader with a future", while lock Andy Fiagatusa "will make the grade in the future".
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Payten believes a shot at first grade is sure to present itself to a host of players before the season is over.
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"(You'll see some debutants) from the Origin period onwards with injury and form and other factors weighing into it. They're certainly capable," he said.
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"They have some pretty good people in front of them but given the opportunity they will hold their own."
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Aaron Woods during Wests Tigers rugby league training at Concord Oval, Sydney.
Aaron Woods during Wests Tigers rugby league training at Concord Oval, Sydney. Source: News Limited
While much is made of Canberra's juniors, having developed some big name players including Aaron Woods, Curtis Sironen, James Tedesco and Tim Simona, the Tigers nursery is booming.
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"Were absolutely a development club," Payten said.
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"Many years ago Tim Sheens put in a development program which flows back through SG Ball and even 13- and 14-year-olds and gives them a pathway to reach the NRL level … it's something we have definitely planned for and sunk a lot of resources into."
Havent seen this posted anywhere else which surprises me lol.
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NATHAN RYAN FOX SPORTS DECEMBER 03, 2013 2:46PM
>
THE Wests Tigers have revealed they are set to unleash an ambush of youngsters into the NRL come next season.
>
Following a disappointing year for new coach Mick Potter, riddled with drama of player unrest, question marks over his future and injury - the Tigers finally have a reason to smile.
>
With depth a major concern in 2013, the Tigers recruited some much needed size to their pack in Dene Halatau and Martin Taupau, while a host of up and coming stars are on the cusp of making the step up from the Holden Cup.
>
Exciting halfback Luke Brooks made his first grade debut last season and is just one of many in a rich nursery set to be let out of the den according to former Holden Cup coach turned assistant Todd Payten.
>
"Everyone has spoken about Brooks and (Mitchell) Moses - Brooksy has had his debut and is expected to be there at the start of the year," Payten said.
>
"Moses is a very talented five eighth, can possibly play fullback but he is a bit sly at the moment coming off of a broken leg so we're going to be pretty cautious with him to begin with.
>
"We have a very talented hooker (Manaia) Cherrington - obviously behind Robbie Farah and has another year in 20s - he's very talented and has to put some meat on his bones.
>
"Outside of that there are plenty more who will give it a shake at some point throughout the year."
>
Cherrington was a member of the Balmain Tigers SG Ball premiership-winning squad in 2012 as was Moses who was named the SG Ball Player of the Year that season.
>
Along with the hooker and half, Keebra Park product Delouise Hoeter (utility) and Kurtis Rowe (fullback) are also pushing their claims.
>
In his new role, Payten takes control of the club's engine room and, aside from the outside backs, Payten has earmarked a number of forwards to also make the step up next year.
>
Backrower Kyle Lovett captained the 20s team in 2013 and is described by Payten as a "first grader with a future", while lock Andy Fiagatusa "will make the grade in the future".
>
Payten believes a shot at first grade is sure to present itself to a host of players before the season is over.
>
"(You'll see some debutants) from the Origin period onwards with injury and form and other factors weighing into it. They're certainly capable," he said.
>
"They have some pretty good people in front of them but given the opportunity they will hold their own."
>
Aaron Woods during Wests Tigers rugby league training at Concord Oval, Sydney.
Aaron Woods during Wests Tigers rugby league training at Concord Oval, Sydney. Source: News Limited
While much is made of Canberra's juniors, having developed some big name players including Aaron Woods, Curtis Sironen, James Tedesco and Tim Simona, the Tigers nursery is booming.
>
"Were absolutely a development club," Payten said.
>
"Many years ago Tim Sheens put in a development program which flows back through SG Ball and even 13- and 14-year-olds and gives them a pathway to reach the NRL level … it's something we have definitely planned for and sunk a lot of resources into."
Havent seen this posted anywhere else which surprises me lol.
