Countdown to Season 25

Why not both?
Was merely pointing out that is most likely the difference
Running 10m to catch a ball is the same difference but running 10m but aiming to catch it at the best possible sweet spot at optimal speed and intent
This is a competitive mindset that we have lacked across the paddock.Just going through the motions without intensity

And yes you do need both
 
It fair dinkum makes me very angry, when I hear players say our training is a walk in the park. Fitness, like turning up on time, takes no talent, and when you are the least talented you would think you would be the best at the areas that take none to be good at? 🤷‍♂️
And to hear it again this year with Benji in charge, who was here when we were the fittest team in the comp thanks to Steve Folkes, is really annoying me.

***Swear words removed for clarity***
I for one have taken this season seriously. I began speed reading in October 2024 and I have been typing with 3 fingers since early January.

I have actually stopped walking in the park due to climate change but I still wear a face mask when doing laps at my local pool.

One Jungle! One Mongrel! 🤪 🐯🍺
 
🏉🐯 Wests Tigers 2025: This Is Our Year (No, Seriously!) 🐯🏉

New year, new season, eleven days and one wakey until Wests Tigers are back,! 🔥 This is the year we turn the “rebuilding phase” into the “unstoppable force” (or at least “mildly terrifying opponent”).

The new additions look sharp, the game plan is top secret (Benii has yet to make it up), and the fans? Louder than ever! We’ve got heart, we’ve got talent, and we’ve got a legally binding from the new management not to finish 17th.

So strap in, Wests Tigers fans—whether it’s a premiership run or just a rollercoaster of emotions, one thing’s for sure: it’s never boring supporting this club! 🧡⚡ Let’s go, Wests Tigers! #ThisIsOurYear #Probably #WestsTigers
 
🏉🐯 Wests Tigers 2025: This Is Our Year (No, Seriously!) 🐯🏉

New year, new season, eleven days and one wakey until Wests Tigers are back,! 🔥 This is the year we turn the “rebuilding phase” into the “unstoppable force” (or at least “mildly terrifying opponent”).

The new additions look sharp, the game plan is top secret (Benii has yet to make it up), and the fans? Louder than ever! We’ve got heart, we’ve got talent, and we’ve got a legally binding from the new management not to finish 17th.

So strap in, Wests Tigers fans—whether it’s a premiership run or just a rollercoaster of emotions, one thing’s for sure: it’s never boring supporting this club! 🧡⚡ Let’s go, Wests Tigers! #ThisIsOurYear #Probably #WestsTigers
Ticket for the rollercoaster - payed . Straight jacket, freshly washed, repaired and in the mail. Lower shelf (easy freezer snacks) stacked. Restitch the safety harness on the couch ,install protective tv cage . Torch all of last years useless lucky charms . Then rock gently tapping myself in the forehead until its GAME ON
 
Must close if media are putting out “Team list Tuesdays” for the trial teams going to Vegas.
Penrith aren’t starting any GF players. Others have a near 1st grade team selected
 
We have ten days and one wakeup until our boys are back on the paddock.
The big question still remains: will 2025 be a year of hope, hype, or heartbreak?

As it stands we are year two into yet another rebuild – but this time, I have a feeling that we have turned a corner. Whith Richo at the wheel we could actually be onto something; but will we start to see results in 2025 or is this just a stepping stone to 2026 and a charge up the ladder? 🤔

My take is thatover the last five or so years, our attack has been more confusing than a forward pass ruling in Golden Point. One minute, we’re running one-out hit-ups with all the creativity of a brick wall (Madge) then we’re shifting it side to side like a game of hot potato (Sheens) before appointing Benji, without experience, to drag us out of the mire.

I know there are many that doubt the capability of the coach and his staff - but let's put that aside as we aren't changing that.

The word out of Concord is simplification – stripping it back to fundamentals, playing direct, and actually having a structure that plays to our strengths. I have raised this in a couple of posts - simplification and structure are key elements that enable creative players. If we are going to make the most of Luai and Api, and the potential of Latu F and Bula this is the foundation required.

I have in my head that this means no overcomplicated sweep plays that leave us 15 metres behind the advantage line. No more aimless kicks on the last that gift the opposition seven-tackle sets. No getting monstered in our own 25 due to our back five being unable to get us out of trouble.

Instead, we’re talking decisive ball movement, forward momentum, and strike weapons (plus the baby giraffe) hitting gaps at speed. Imagine our halves playing straight, our forwards running into gaps created by our insde backs and our outside backs getting quality ball at the ad line. Is this a possible reality or a pipe dream?

The kicker: better attack = better defence. I'm not saying that our defence will automatically improve based on our attack. However, for years, we’ve been our own worst enemy, handing the ball over in horrific field position and forcing our defence into to work too hard. If we can finish our sets with quality kicks and structured plays, suddenly, we’re defending on our terms instead of scrambling off our own line. Less fatigue = more pressure on the opposition, and finally, a defensive line that isn't backpedaling like U12's.

So, given what we have heard around the traps; is this finally the year that we put it together, or are we gearing up for another season of "we’ll be good in two years" chat? Is this the moment our attack clicks into gear, and our defence follows? Or are we just setting ourselves up for more heartbreak in September?

If we aren't there yet, what needs to change for us to finally turn the corner? 👇🐯
 
Good post Jolls.

First of all I’d say we are in our third year of the rebuild. It began mid way through 22. We added new coaching staff and changed the structure of that department. Added quality players to compliment the two Madge had already organised. Removed deadwood admin and installed Richo and then added some further elite playing stock.

I don’t see season 25 as essentially a rebuild year. We’ve had around 30 months of that…yes we are still under construction but I think we need to perform this year. By perform, I mean seriously push for the 8.
I’m expecting finals or die trying.
Finishing midway between 8 and 17 or worse is not good enough and will be a failure.
 
I see the refs are looking to crack down on teams either not making the 10m or going off early. I know fans always think this is an issue (get em onside) but I think teams really pushed it last year, particularly the dogs
That helped them get to the finals it's almost if they turned a blind eye because of their feel-good story of resurgence, FFS keep them on side.
 
Good post Jolls.

First of all I’d say we are in our third year of the rebuild. It began mid way through 22. We added new coaching staff and changed the structure of that department. Added quality players to compliment the two Madge had already organised. Removed deadwood admin and installed Richo and then added some further elite playing stock.

I don’t see season 25 as essentially a rebuild year. We’ve had around 30 months of that…yes we are still under construction but I think we need to perform this year. By perform, I mean seriously push for the 8.
I’m expecting finals or die trying.
Finishing midway between 8 and 17 or worse is not good enough and will be a failure.
I debated the second or thrid year of rebuild but decided to err on the side of caution based on Richo coming on board and starting to straighten out the shitshow that was controlling the joint. So from a playing roster we are probably into year three and Benji definitley had his hands on this before Richo came on board.

100% still under construction, interesting to know if Benji and co have faith in our right edge options and chose not to invest there of if we simply didn't have the right apples fall from the tree. I am happy to hear talk about simplification and hitting holes. KISS is the foundation to success and I think with our lack of NRL quality depth on the edge (perceived at the moment) this is a great approach.

I expect us to be fighting for a spot in the 8 and, like you, think anything less should be considered a fail for this season. I believe that we are building to 26 as a first real shot at the title based on what we learn from this much improved roster in 25.
 
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Good post Jolls.

First of all I’d say we are in our third year of the rebuild. It began mid way through 22. We added new coaching staff and changed the structure of that department. Added quality players to compliment the two Madge had already organised. Removed deadwood admin and installed Richo and then added some further elite playing stock.

I don’t see season 25 as essentially a rebuild year. We’ve had around 30 months of that…yes we are still under construction but I think we need to perform this year. By perform, I mean seriously push for the 8.
I’m expecting finals or die trying.
Finishing midway between 8 and 17 or worse is not good enough and will be a failure.
It’s not a rebuild year . That has already happened .it’s a transition year . We need to transition away from a losing mentality of a bottom team , into a winning culture .
Whether that’s 12 wins or 20 , thats what we have to view it as . We have been barely hanging on , now we need to move/ transition and get ourselves somewhere where we can make an impact on the comp .
Hopefully that happens .
 

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