Odessa
Well-known member
How good was he no words to describe the level of excellence no other player could match
But in saying that no other player could match his bad days as well and no words to describe it as well
Magical 9 Wins
- Thread starter Odessa
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How good was he no words to describe the level of excellence no other player could match
But in saying that no other player could match his bad days as well and no words to describe it as well
The Chad
Well-known member
Don't think it's possible to replicate that team, the circumstances.
But I think the blueprint can, and has, been copied to a degree. Reliance on bringing young players through, one solid spending spree to bring in the right mix of quality to guide the young players, a few little touch ups to fill gaps.
Not saying 2026 is a premiership year, but I will say it's not beyond belief that this squad plays finals. And once players like Makasini, Bula, Latu, Samuela, Sione, Taylan May etc hit their potential...(if they hit...)...it's not beyond belief they can do better.
Benji & Richo have done a pretty clever job of squad building, while enduring criticism from all directions. With an influx of back rowers coming to the club, with Taylan, Starford & Makasini bolstering the centre position...we are starting to nit-pick the week links in the squad.
Well, we don't have Yeo at #13! Guess what? Only 1 team has.
I believe we are entering a period of time where the dominant clubs are starting to weaken. Manly, Souths & the Sharks look like they are dropping first. But the Broncos are going to lose Reynolds & Hunt soon enough- then what do they do at #7? Melbourne could lose Paps & Munster to Perth. Canberra doesn't look like a team built for dominance over the next 5 years. Canterbury? Each way bet on which way they go. Penrith have gone well, but show signs that the player drain is catching up.
There hasn't really been a better time than now to have that squad build right.
Tiger_heart
Well-known member
Spot on, the Chad. However, just as teams you mention are starting to weaken, I am sure they have the growth mindset so not to be caught out. What we'll need, to your point, is a solid plan going into 2026, so we can exploit theit rebuilding phase. Will also be interested to see who the WT can attract in the market, beyond those looking to boost their super of course!
As for the 2005 "miracle" ...it was one of those events where the planets aligned. Has its right place in history, but not a lot we can draw from it, these days.
As for the 2005 "miracle" ...it was one of those events where the planets aligned. Has its right place in history, but not a lot we can draw from it, these days.
Odessa
Well-known member
I expect Penrith to be better in 18 months time then now the 19 kid in the centre I just love watching him big strong fast he will be the best centre in the game if not top 3
Blaze will be better next year and has another level to his game and will add ablib footy to Penrith
They have some very good young forwards
This year is Penriths down year
bigsiro
Well-known member
Could not agree more.
I question a lot of his decisions, but results matter and he has undeniably changed the culture (together with Richo).
His self-awareness is completely refreshing and a stark contrast to most other coaches who carry a smugness.
In response to other posts: (1) there is only one gauge of actual success IMO - and that is top 8. And once we are entrenched there it will be top 4.
(2) IMO the next three games are bonus. Even if we lose them all it won’t take the gloss off what has been a definite improvement.
Halbrowne61
Well-known member
Only as a centre, don’t think 6 is his correct position.
Tiger_Yoshi
Well-known member
11. Wests Tigers
Current position: 11th, 24 points, - 107Byes remaining: 0
Remaining games
Round 25: North Queensland Cowboys (home - Leichhardt)
Round 26: Canberra Raiders (away)
Round 27: Gold Coast Titans (away)
The Tigers, on the other hand, came away with a shock win over Manly and are building some steam towards the end of the season.
They sit on the same competition points as Manly, but with a worse for and against. Technically, they can play finals, but like Manly, they are relying on other results and three big wins.
They have at least two winnable games, though, and will aim to finish the season on a high.
Likely finish: 11th
Change from last week: Up one spot
Best-case scenario: 6th
Worst-case scenario: 16th
Can we really poisbbly come 6th?.....hahha
hank37w
Well-known member
16th is always a chance. 🤣 🤣 🤣
This may sound a bit wrong but the guy who comes to mind as being a key part of the turnaround is often maligned (but no so much recently) Adam Douihei.
It’s not that he is overly quick although he did surprise in the Digs game or skilled for half/lock, its that he has a good kicking game that can get us around the park, he straightens the attack and most importantly is his voice.
He also organises our attack and allows Luai to be the best version of himself. In the last presser post Manly game, Benji said he has learnt more in the last two week than he had in the past two years - and I believe that was in part a reference to Douiehi. I think we are witnessing what the Tigers brand is and it looks bright
It’s not that he is overly quick although he did surprise in the Digs game or skilled for half/lock, its that he has a good kicking game that can get us around the park, he straightens the attack and most importantly is his voice.
He also organises our attack and allows Luai to be the best version of himself. In the last presser post Manly game, Benji said he has learnt more in the last two week than he had in the past two years - and I believe that was in part a reference to Douiehi. I think we are witnessing what the Tigers brand is and it looks bright
