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http://www.nrlweekly.com/preview-2011-wests-tigers/
Gains: Evander Waitoa (Wellington), Jacob Miller (Sydney Roosters), Marika Koroibete (Fiji), Ratu Tagive (Canterbury Bulldogs), Teqele Nayarvovo (Otahuhu Leopards), Taniela Tuiaki (Retired).
Losses: David Gower (St George Illawarra Dragons).
Signed On Again: Liam Fulton, Wade McKinnon, Gareth Ellis.
Off Contract: Daniel Fitzhenry, Junior Moors.
2011 Coach: Tim Sheens
First 5 Rounds: Bulldogs (A), Warriors (H), Raiders (H), Roosters (A), Rabbitohs (H)
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The Wests Tigers were another team that had a remarkable year in 2010\. The start of the season can only be described as shaky for the Tigers, however, they fought through thick and thin to really put a show in for the premiership. The start of the year left many people thinking that 2010 was going to be a year where the Tigers just slipped by. Their first clash with the South Sydney Rabbitohs saw the Tigers get belted in extraordinary fashion. However, from there on, out the Tigers completely turned around their fortunes. The game against South Sydney served as a wake up call to the Tigers’ players and after the frightful afternoon at the SCG, Tim Sheens had seemingly invoked a new attitude, resilience and sense of fortitude within his playing group. The Tigers were one of the more consistent teams in the second half of the year and featured in a number of outstanding matches – which can be said of all their appearances in the finals. Their first finals match-up against the Sydney Roosters was one of the most spectacular matches of recent times and their last effort against the Dragons only saw them miss out on a Grand Final appearance by 1 point. While the Tigers ended up losing both matches they certainly showed plenty of character through the end of the season and definitely earned a lot of peoples’ respect.
>
The Tigers really excelled when it mattered in 2010\. The Tigers took part in 16 games that were decided by 10 points or less and the Tigers came away with the victory 10 times. The Tigers’ ability to claw out victories was a real positive sign for the club and it is a statistic which is sure to impress coach Tim Sheens. If the Tigers are able to continue winning close matches in 2011 they will again, go very close to making it to the big one. The Tigers’ became the masters of winning ugly and while this is not a bad thing it still will be on the coaches list of items to refine for the new year.
>
Superstars Benji Marshall, Lote Tuqiri, Chris Heighington and Robbie Farrah appeared in all 27 games for the Tigers and were standout performers throughout the whole year. Benji Marshall managed to chalk up 23 try assists and Robbie Farrah was able to go two better, assisting in 25 tries. The duo also combined for 40 line-break assists which perfectly demonstrates the quality ability they exhibit when able to combine with each other. Gareth Ellis was also exceptional is his second year in the NRL averaging 103 metres, 31 tackles and 76 minutes a game and his team-mate Heighington was even more effective, running 110 metres and making 31 tackles in just 74 minutes.
>
The Tigers can look forward to a strong year in 2011 and if they are able to keep their players on the field for most of the year they will certainly be able to make it in the thick of the Top 8\. The matured Benji Marshall will be hoping to provide the spark which he has shown on so many other occasions as well as continue the sense of control and sensibility he has gained in his game over recent seasons.
>
Why they will win it: The Tigers are seen as one of the most exciting teams in the competition and this is because they have the ability to make something out of nothing. This is heavily reliant upon their key men Marshall and Farrah providing for their outside teammates. If Benji is able to continue to dazzle opponents, then there may just be no stopping the flying five eight and if Robbie Farrah is able to provide his highly potent skill and ability in the match then the Tigers will be able to exploit their fire power all around the ground.
>
Why they won’t: The Tigers’ strength can also be their weakness. Sometimes it seems as though Marshall may be trying too hard to provide scoring opportunities and silly errors creep into the Tigers’ play. While Marshall has certainly matured in his playing style, on the odd occasion he is known to throw the ‘miracle’ ball instead of taking the safer option.
I found this preview and thought I would share it! Bring on season 2011!! :sign:
Gains: Evander Waitoa (Wellington), Jacob Miller (Sydney Roosters), Marika Koroibete (Fiji), Ratu Tagive (Canterbury Bulldogs), Teqele Nayarvovo (Otahuhu Leopards), Taniela Tuiaki (Retired).
Losses: David Gower (St George Illawarra Dragons).
Signed On Again: Liam Fulton, Wade McKinnon, Gareth Ellis.
Off Contract: Daniel Fitzhenry, Junior Moors.
2011 Coach: Tim Sheens
First 5 Rounds: Bulldogs (A), Warriors (H), Raiders (H), Roosters (A), Rabbitohs (H)
>
The Wests Tigers were another team that had a remarkable year in 2010\. The start of the season can only be described as shaky for the Tigers, however, they fought through thick and thin to really put a show in for the premiership. The start of the year left many people thinking that 2010 was going to be a year where the Tigers just slipped by. Their first clash with the South Sydney Rabbitohs saw the Tigers get belted in extraordinary fashion. However, from there on, out the Tigers completely turned around their fortunes. The game against South Sydney served as a wake up call to the Tigers’ players and after the frightful afternoon at the SCG, Tim Sheens had seemingly invoked a new attitude, resilience and sense of fortitude within his playing group. The Tigers were one of the more consistent teams in the second half of the year and featured in a number of outstanding matches – which can be said of all their appearances in the finals. Their first finals match-up against the Sydney Roosters was one of the most spectacular matches of recent times and their last effort against the Dragons only saw them miss out on a Grand Final appearance by 1 point. While the Tigers ended up losing both matches they certainly showed plenty of character through the end of the season and definitely earned a lot of peoples’ respect.
>
The Tigers really excelled when it mattered in 2010\. The Tigers took part in 16 games that were decided by 10 points or less and the Tigers came away with the victory 10 times. The Tigers’ ability to claw out victories was a real positive sign for the club and it is a statistic which is sure to impress coach Tim Sheens. If the Tigers are able to continue winning close matches in 2011 they will again, go very close to making it to the big one. The Tigers’ became the masters of winning ugly and while this is not a bad thing it still will be on the coaches list of items to refine for the new year.
>
Superstars Benji Marshall, Lote Tuqiri, Chris Heighington and Robbie Farrah appeared in all 27 games for the Tigers and were standout performers throughout the whole year. Benji Marshall managed to chalk up 23 try assists and Robbie Farrah was able to go two better, assisting in 25 tries. The duo also combined for 40 line-break assists which perfectly demonstrates the quality ability they exhibit when able to combine with each other. Gareth Ellis was also exceptional is his second year in the NRL averaging 103 metres, 31 tackles and 76 minutes a game and his team-mate Heighington was even more effective, running 110 metres and making 31 tackles in just 74 minutes.
>
The Tigers can look forward to a strong year in 2011 and if they are able to keep their players on the field for most of the year they will certainly be able to make it in the thick of the Top 8\. The matured Benji Marshall will be hoping to provide the spark which he has shown on so many other occasions as well as continue the sense of control and sensibility he has gained in his game over recent seasons.
>
Why they will win it: The Tigers are seen as one of the most exciting teams in the competition and this is because they have the ability to make something out of nothing. This is heavily reliant upon their key men Marshall and Farrah providing for their outside teammates. If Benji is able to continue to dazzle opponents, then there may just be no stopping the flying five eight and if Robbie Farrah is able to provide his highly potent skill and ability in the match then the Tigers will be able to exploit their fire power all around the ground.
>
Why they won’t: The Tigers’ strength can also be their weakness. Sometimes it seems as though Marshall may be trying too hard to provide scoring opportunities and silly errors creep into the Tigers’ play. While Marshall has certainly matured in his playing style, on the odd occasion he is known to throw the ‘miracle’ ball instead of taking the safer option.
I found this preview and thought I would share it! Bring on season 2011!! :sign:
