Wests Tigers Deep Dive of the Week

[Criz]

@Needaname, @Rock Hopper Steve you asked for it, you got it. This weeks Deep dive is on TPA's. Doing the research was quite interesting - I didn't realise how much players like Ponga and Cleary make outside of the game. The salary cap and TPAs are pretty much enforcing inequality and the only way to work your way out of it is slowly but surely. This is what I found from the Deep Dive and my conclusions. Would love to hear others thoughts.

Deep Dive 7. Third Party Agreements in the NRL. Do they promote Parity or Inequality?

The NRL has a strict but nuanced policy regarding Third Party Agreements (TPAs), designed to ensure salary cap integrity while allowing elite players to earn additional income from endorsements and personal sponsorships. Here's a deep dive into the rules, rationale, and real-world applications — including breaches.
What Are Third Party Agreements (TPAs)?
TPAs are commercial arrangements between players and companies or individuals that are not directly connected to the player's NRL club. These payments are not counted under the salary cap, provided they meet specific criteria.
NRL's Official Policy on TPAs
For a TPA to be excluded from the salary cap, it must:

1. Be genuinely independentof the club.
   • The third party cannot be a club sponsor, owner, director, or staff member.
   • The club cannot negotiate, facilitate, or influence the deal.
2. Be a bona fide commercial arrangement.
   • The player must provide services or value to the third party (e.g. appearances, endorsements).
3. Be registered with and approved by the NRL.
   • Clubs must disclose known TPAs.
   • Players must declare them and submit contracts for review.
4. Not be used to induce or retain a player at a club.

Aims of TPA Regulation

• Level playing field: Prevent rich clubs from stockpiling talent through off-cap deals.
• Transparency: Ensures fairness and trust among clubs and fans.
• Player development: Prevents over-reliance on external money for retention.

Challenges

• Star players and high performing teams attract more TPAs: Clubs in Sydney or major markets have access to more sponsors. The better preforming clubs attract more TPA’s which enable players to go to clubs on “unders” while also seeking premiership glory. This undermines the level playing field aim that the salary cap and TPA regulations set out to achieve.
• Player managers blur lines: TPAs appear independent but are club-driven in practice. Where proven these breaches are punished. However, there is a significant imposition to enforcement as the NRL relies on voluntary disclosure and whistleblowers to commence an investigation.

Types of Player Payments and their Effect on the Salary Cap

Type	Description	Cap Impact
Club Contract	Salary, match payments, bonuses from the club.	Inside Cap
Club-Sourced TPA	Commercial deal brokered or facilitated by the club.	Inside Cap
Independent TPA	Sponsorship deal made by the player without club involvement.	Outside Cap

Real World Examples of Legitimate TPAs
1. Johnathan Thurston – Toyota

• Thurston had a personal endorsement deal with Toyota, independent of the Cowboys.
• Toyota was not a major club sponsor at the time.
• He featured in commercials and made appearances.
• Approved by the NRL as a legitimate independent TPA.

2. Cameron Smith – Multiple Endorsements

• Smith had multiple endorsements e.g. Powerade and Gillette).
• These deals were personal brand-driven, negotiated through his management.
• Counted as independent.

3. Nathan Cleary – Multiple Endorsements. Cleary has multiple endorsements and reportedly earns more from his TPAs than his NRL salary. A breakdown of his known TPAs follows:

• Under Armour – $96 Million Brand Ambassador Deal. In August 2024, Cleary signed a landmark $96 million contract with global sportswear giant Under Armour, positioning him as their latest brand ambassador.
• EA Sports – Multimillion-Dollar Video Game Endorsement. In March 2025, Cleary secured a multimillion-dollar endorsement deal with EA Sports, becoming the face of the upcoming NRL 2026 video game.
• $66 Million Endorsement Deal with $10 Million Donation. In May 2025, Cleary finalised a $66 million endorsement contract with a prominent global brand. While specific details about the brand remain undisclosed, the deal is structured to span multiple years, encompassing various promotional activities and brand ambassador roles. This is one of the most significant TPAs in Australian rugby league history. Cleary has pledged $10 million of this sum to support a youth development initiative aimed at nurturing underprivileged athletes in Western Sydney.
• Adidas – NSW State of Origin Sponsorship Alignment. Cleary is associated with Adidas, which became the official apparel and footwear partner for the New South Wales State of Origin teams in late 2024. This partnership aligns with his role in the team and his personal brand.
• Drink West Brewery – Co-Ownership. Beyond endorsements, Cleary is a co-owner of Drink West Brewery, alongside UFC fighters Tai Tuivasa and Tyson Pedro.

Notable Breaches of the NRL’s TPA Policy
1. Melbourne Storm (2010) – Dual Contracts & Secret TPAs

• Created two sets of books to hide over $3 million in payments.
• Paid players via undisclosed TPAs and side letters.
• Gross breach of cap and TPA rules.
• Result: Stripped of 2007 & 2009 premierships, fined $1.6 million, no points for season.

2. Parramatta Eels (2016) – Systemic TPA rorting

• Club officials arranged under-the-table TPA deals to retain players.
• They disguised club involvement and used connected parties to fund players.
• Violated transparency, independence, and inducement rules.
• Result: $1 million fine, 12-point deduction, and officials were deregistered.

3. Manly Sea Eagles (2018) – Improper Disclosures

• Investigated for undisclosed TPAs arranged by club figures.
• 13 breaches found involving $1.5 million over five years.
• Result: $750k fine, officials suspended.

4. Cronulla Sharks (2019) – Improper TPA Structures

• A former Cronulla director allegedly established a company to provide third-party agreements for players, which breached NRL rules due to its direct connection to the club.
• Outcome: $750k fine, with $500,000 suspended due to self-reporting.

⚠️ Common Red Flags and Breach Risks

Red Flag	Reason
TPA sponsor is also a club sponsor	Creates conflict of interest
No service provided by the player	Looks like disguised salary
Negotiation done via club management	Club involvement taints independence
Undeclared agreements	Breach of disclosure requirements

Summary
Despite the NRL’s intention to maintain a level playing field through its TPA regulations, the system disproportionately disadvantages struggling or lower-profile clubs. While TPAs are meant to operate independently of clubs and reward players for their marketability, the reality is that elite players at high-performing or high-visibility teams—like Nathan Cleary at the Penrith Panthers—are far more likely to attract lucrative deals.
This creates a cycle where successful clubs with star players attract more TPAs, allowing them to sign top talent for less and remain “under the cap”. As players can supplement their income through endorsements underperforming clubs struggle to secure or retain marquee players because they lack the commercial ecosystem to support comparable TPAs.
As a result, the very mechanism designed to preserve parity is entrenching inequality: rewarding success and marketability while concurrently punishing clubs with fewer resources or less on-field success.

A very enlightening deep dive on TPAs, thanks for this.

 

[BAGNF05]

I think a solution to the lack of equality in the NRL is to just get transparent about it. Realistically in EPL speak we are like the Crystal Palace of the NRL, playing in an old run down stadium (or 6) against much wealthier opponents. Struggling to keep the good players we develop. The difference is there’s this false belief that it’s a level playing field in NRL with a salary cap when it’s clearly not.

I’ve long held the view that publishing the salary and TPA’s of the top 10 players at each club would improve the situation. The transparency would create new storyline’s.

It removes the narrative that clubs like Wests and Cronulla should always be able to compete with the big money clubs like Easts, Brisbane and Melbourne. Knowing the spending disparity would highlight how impressive it is when the Raiders and Wahs are punching above their weight like they are this year.

I believe that a lot of the time in the NRL it’s actually David v Goliath, but the popular media spin will have you believe that Goliath is just better at balancing his books.

Then when the Crystal Palaces manage to win a trophy (see 2005), it’s rightfully celebrated to a larger extent than the Manchester City’s.

 

[Jolls]

I think a solution to the lack of equality in the NRL is to just get transparent about it. Realistically in EPL speak we are like the Crystal Palace of the NRL, playing in an old run down stadium (or 6) against much wealthier opponents. Struggling to keep the good players we develop. The difference is there’s this false belief that it’s a level playing field in NRL with a salary cap when it’s clearly not.

I’ve long held the view that publishing the salary and TPA’s of the top 10 players at each club would improve the situation. The transparency would create new storyline’s.

I think transparency is part of the solution; however, as TPA's are, for the most part, product endorsements that sit outside of the NRL boundaries. As a result I think that they woud be off limits for reporting, well certainly mandatory reporting anyway.

For mine it is time that the NRL Journos do some real investigative journalism, as opposed to just making shit up as click bait, and blow the lid on the Salary Cap and TPA rorts.

 

[Merlot]

Hi @Merlot,

all of the research I have done is open source and from what I can find, as of June 2025,there is no publicly disclosed TPAs for our NRL or NRLW players. Strictly speaking TPAs are private arrangements between players and external entities, and while they must be registered with the NRL to ensure compliance with salary cap regulations, the specifics are usually confidential. The TPAs I was able to find information on come from what has been disclosed in the media. That is why I couldn't find much more on Cleary's recent $66M deal.

Luai obviously has a couple of deals going and given his personality he will probably be able to carry them through even though the Tigers aren't performing that well.

As far as I know there is no restriction on a % of salary cap, although it is an idea that has been floated, along with a limit on the number of players with TPAs in each club, as a means to try an manage the cap better.

I don't think either of those measures could be legally enforced as it is restricting the ability of a player to trade outside of the NRL. I'm certainly not up to speed at that depth on the law but that sounds right from a pub test to me.

How much Cleary earns outside of football staggered me - it is definitely not a level playing field for the clubs lower down the pecking order.

Thanks ,

 

[TIGERS]

These deep dives are fantastic. Love your work Jolls.

I think there should be one on Campbelltown and I'm happy to have a bash at it. Our last 'home' against South Sydney really unnerved me. I don't think our club has any actual meaningful connection to that place anymore and it's really costing us culturally and financially.

We pay lip service for this supposed treasure trove of juniors, but what is 'Campbelltown' in real terms these days? I don't think there is any real actual tradition that exists that these juniors can be 'loyal' to. Has Benji Marshall ever walked down Queen St? Does that even factor into the club's imagination?

What would you see and experience growing up that makes you wanna spend your career playing for Wests at Campbelltown? Honestly. What are we expecting juniors to be loyal towards or commit to?

This isn't about Stadia or if we should be there or not. It's just what actually takes place now in real terms. Maybe send some extra questions or points my way if you want to add to the debate or deep dive,

 

[Jolls]

These deep dives are fantastic. Love your work Jolls.

I think there should be one on Campbelltown and I'm happy to have a bash at it. Our last 'home' against South Sydney really unnerved me. I don't think our club has any actual meaningful connection to that place anymore and it's really costing us culturally and financially.

We pay lip service for this supposed treasure trove of juniors, but what is 'Campbelltown' in real terms these days? I don't think there is any real actual tradition that exists that these juniors can be 'loyal' to. Has Benji Marshall ever walked down Queen St? Does that even factor into the club's imagination?

What would you see and experience growing up that makes you wanna spend your career playing for Wests at Campbelltown? Honestly. What are we expecting juniors to be loyal towards or commit to?

This isn't about Stadia or if we should be there or not. It's just what actually takes place now in real terms. Maybe send some extra questions or points my way if you want to add to the debate or deep dive,

Hi T,

Great idea, something that the FRG may be interesting in as well. This certainly isn't something owned by me and it was always my intent that input comes from anyone on the forum. I thought that it would be a section of the forum where ideas could be discussed/debated that aren't simply rumours about rumours. I also thought is may become a place where those with great passion but have not played the game can come to understand it a little better.

I only lived in the Campbelltown (Minto) area from 89- 92 when I was posted to Holsworthy, although had been posted in the Liverpol Area (Holsworthy/Wattle Grove) from 82-86 and 97-99 respectively. On each of those occasions I played for Union for Army during the week and League for St Marys in the Penrith Competition on weekends. Along with riding a treadly to and from work from Minto it certainly kept me fit.

As much as the area, Minno especially, had a bad reputation I made plenty of friends and enjoyed my time there. I never felt out of place, possible because I gre up in Mt Druitt so it was similar people facing the saem problems in a different area. Unfortunately I was not involved in the local footy, except for a few trial games with Mooebank before I dumped it to go and play with my mates back at Saints. I will try to input, but even though I lived there I was still a bit of an outsider.

One thing you may want to consider, if you haven't already, is how "Campbelltown" ties into the development programme with Ashfield and Balmain.

I look forward to reading the Deep Dive and learning about it from a "locals" perspective. I think @jrtiger may be interested and have some good feedback as he is local and, if I have it right, still playing a backrower in one of the local teams.

 

[Jolls]

Hi Team,

I received some feedback from the Fan Representative Group (FRG) on the submission related to what fans want; it was reviewed and has been sent directly to the club without amendment. The FRG has also asked me to give them a call and have a chat.

So we do have a voice and it shows that the FRG is open to discussion. It is great to have this engagement path open to us. I trust that we hear back from the club - even if they disagree with the ideas at least we have been heard.

Cheers n Beers
Jolls

 

[AmericanHistoryX]

If it translates to 2 points. I'm all in. Let's talk Monday again.

 

[BAGNF05]

I see great potential in Campbo but like a lot of things at the club, it’s about ditching the “we’re just paupers” attitude. I see and hear it everywhere. Richo came in and 5 mins later had secured $50 million in funding for LO. He clearly knows you have got to aim high if you want to be up there with the best. He challenged government to spend up on Campbo too and whether or not it comes off, at least he’s having a crack.

In my lifetime I’d love to see a successful club playing ten games a year out in the South West. Campbo now is underwhelming and our results there are awful, but a successful side in a modern facility would be a different story.

We are no doubt a sleeping giant with a lot of people with agendas in the game who get significant joy out of our failure. Some of the richer clubs probably realise they will need our juniors when their coffers start to dry up. I really think Campbelltown is a big part of the solution and ultimately sticking it up them.

Just my two cents.

 

[AmericanHistoryX]

I agree with sleeping. Not the Giant part. Good post. Thank You.

 

[Jolls]

Hi Team

Wests Tigers GM of Community, Foundation & Affiliates, Shaun Meilekamp, has reached out through the FRG and wants to have a detailed chat about the points raised. So the club is definitely prepared to engage. From my discussion with the FRG over the weekend Shaun was quite defensive in relation to some of the points raised. That to me is a sign that he perceives that the club is delivering on some of the points whereas we have a different perception of their efforts. So I expect that there will be some disagreement of were things are at - but that is not a bad thing in itself as perception can be dealt with, in many cases, through clearing up the communication.

Anyway, I will let you know when Shaun reaches out. I imagine that he is pretty busy dealing with plenty at the moment so it will probably take a week or so to squeeze us in.

Cheers n Beers
Jolls

 

[BlackWhiteGold]

Hi Team

Wests Tigers GM of Community, Foundation & Affiliates, Shaun Meilekamp, has reached out through the FRG and wants to have a detailed chat about the points raised. So the club is definitely prepared to engage. From my discussion with the FRG over the weekend Shaun was quite defensive in relation to some of the points raised. That to me is a sign that he perceives that the club is delivering on some of the points whereas we have a different perception of their efforts. So I expect that there will be some disagreement of were things are at - but that is not a bad thing in itself as perception can be dealt with, in many cases, through clearing up the communication.

Anyway, I will let you know when Shaun reaches out. I imagine that he is pretty busy dealing with plenty at the moment so it will probably take a week or so to squeeze us in.

Cheers n Beers
Jolls

That's great that Shaun is willing to engage on these points @Jolls Thanks for leading this on behalf of the WTF.

 

[Buttface]

Hi Team

Wests Tigers GM of Community, Foundation & Affiliates, Shaun Meilekamp, has reached out through the FRG and wants to have a detailed chat about the points raised. So the club is definitely prepared to engage. From my discussion with the FRG over the weekend Shaun was quite defensive in relation to some of the points raised. That to me is a sign that he perceives that the club is delivering on some of the points whereas we have a different perception of their efforts. So I expect that there will be some disagreement of were things are at - but that is not a bad thing in itself as perception can be dealt with, in many cases, through clearing up the communication.

Anyway, I will let you know when Shaun reaches out. I imagine that he is pretty busy dealing with plenty at the moment so it will probably take a week or so to squeeze us in.

Cheers n Beers
Jolls

Love ya work Jolls.
I (and I’m sure I’m not alone), really appreciate the time and effort you put in to the Deep Dive's, and am happy to be represented by such a reasonable listener, who seems to really have the current Wests Tigers club at heart.
I say listener bcoz you write a lot, but I have noticed you actually listen and hear what people are saying without emotion or ego. It’s a rare quality.
I hope Shaun does come back to you and is confident and does believe they’ve achieved good results, it shows he cares about his job and achieving a good result. I just hope that he is also able to listen without emotion or ego, then a robust honest discussion can take place. This is not an attack on Shaun or the FRG, just fans not seeing the “good results” his team are achieving, and that we want too, and that we want better for our life long support an membership.
Anyway, even if he is an emotional, ego driven dimwit, I’m sure you’ll handle that too.
Good Luck.

WT4L

 

[BunganHead Tiger]

Hi Team

Wests Tigers GM of Community, Foundation & Affiliates, Shaun Meilekamp, has reached out through the FRG and wants to have a detailed chat about the points raised. So the club is definitely prepared to engage. From my discussion with the FRG over the weekend Shaun was quite defensive in relation to some of the points raised. That to me is a sign that he perceives that the club is delivering on some of the points whereas we have a different perception of their efforts. So I expect that there will be some disagreement of were things are at - but that is not a bad thing in itself as perception can be dealt with, in many cases, through clearing up the communication.

Anyway, I will let you know when Shaun reaches out. I imagine that he is pretty busy dealing with plenty at the moment so it will probably take a week or so to squeeze us in.

Cheers n Beers
Jolls

My heartiest congratulations go to you Jolls for being industrious enough to grant us an ear into the Club that we all love. Your efforts have rightly not gone unrewarded and I am personally tickled pink that our Club has seen fit to welcome the thoughts and ideas of our Forum Members. Without your diligence none of this would have happened.
I would also like to thank all the Forum members who took the time to provide input into your Deep Dive suggestions. As a collective, the strength of our Forum is the wide ranging experience and knowledge of our members. Thanks to you we now have a clearer and more direct access to voice our legitimate thoughts and ideas to the club. Well done champ...Cheers, and enjoy a well deserved beer.

 

[Jolls]

While @TIGERS is working up the Campbelltown Deep Dive I thought I might drop one I have been working on in the background related to one of what I perceive is a key weakness of ours. That is our tactical kicking.

Not sure how this deep dive will flow. I did have the West Tigers areas in text boxes when I built this in word but it did not transfer across. I have italicised those sections so hopefully it is clear. I'm probably a bit to close to it now to understand if it is clear or not.

'Wests Tigers Deep Dive 8: Tactical Kicking and Momentum

Introduction

In modern rugby league, tactical kicking is an essential weapon. Teams that master this can dictate field position, manage fatigue better, and ultimately control the momentum of the game. Improving this domain offers a tangible path toward consistent competitiveness. This Deep Dive aims to identify what tactical kicking is; how it can be used to control possession, field position and momentum and finally to identify the steps required for Wests Tigers to build a top 4 capability.

What is Tactical Kicking?

Tactical kicking is the use of situationally dependent options to control, or influence, field position to dictate the tempo of the game.

The intent of the tactical kicking game is to respond to, or create, game situations based on field possession and field position to dictate the momentum flow. Examples include, but are not limited to: forcing a repeat set to induce fatigue; kicking early in the tackle count when the fullback is in the line; 40:20/20:40 to change momentum or increase pressure; targeting a fatigued winger with repeated high balls, find touch to enable a fatigued side to recuperate or to force the opposition to ruck it out from their own line.

Tactical kicking is a tool that balances risk and reward to influence territory, pressure, and possession. A tactical kick may also be an attacking kick that could potentially result in points; e.g., a bomb to the wing just short of the line or a grubber to the in goal. However, tactical kicks are focussed on gaining an advantage, applying pressure or getting into the grind. Liken tactical kicking to drivers in a golf bag; they are the clubs that set up the short game.

Historically, Wests Tigers have suffered from playing too much of the game inside our own half, which leads to:

• Early fatigue
• More penalties or six-again calls due to scrambling defence
• A loss of psychological ascendancy

The Momentum Game: Why Territory and Kicking Matter So Much

Controlling field position is key to winning the tactical battle and a well-executed kicking game can help to dominate field position. In combination with defensive effort, forcing teams to work from deep in their own half often leads to errors that influence possession. At the heart of the modern game though is momentum. So, most importantly, a good tactical kick can significantly influence the momentum of the game. While it can be used to apply pressure and grind teams down by having the opposition start sets from a 10 x 10 box in a corner it can equally be used to attack from deep in your own half, to slow the game down if fatigued, or speed it up when in control. Tactical kicking is a means to relieve or apply pressure; in essence a way to manage momentum.

Territory Equals Control

Teams that start their sets between the 10–20 metre line are statistically: more likely to make errors under fatigue; more susceptible to quick defensive line speed; and less likely to build pressure or score tries.

The Domino Effect of Kick Dominance:

• Better kicks →
• Worse opposition field position →
• Stronger defensive sets →
• Better territory after your own set →
• Increased attacking opportunities or repeat sets

For a side like the Wests Tigers, this domino effect is vital to compensating for the talent gap compared to top-four teams. Once we have the talent gap addressed a well-developed tactical kicking game enables dominance.

Kick-Chase Culture: The Unsung Hero

All of this hinges on kick-chase discipline. The kick is only as good as the chase. Top-tier teams turn good kicks into great ones by:

• Synchronised sprint efforts.
• Wide chasers pressuring wingers from out to in.
• Smart edge defenders reacting to possible offloads or short passes resulting from the chase.

So, What Makes a Good Tactical Kick?

A good tactical kick does not have specific characteristics as it is situationally and field position dependent. For example; driving the ball deep into the opposition half only to have it caught on the full, under no pressure, and returned is a poor tactical option when compared to a shorter kick with good hang time that is contested. Both result in the ball being returned by the opposition in the same field position but the second option increases pressure on the receiver and is more likely to result in an error and handover. A good tactical kick is based on the following considerations:

• Purpose: What is the purpose of the kick? To gain distance, relieve pressure, provide a scoring opportunity? The purposes of the kick determines all other aspects.
• Distance: Distance is dependent on the desired outcome – kicking to the seagulls to have the ball run on, kicking to the corners to apply pressure or mid field bombs all have differing distance requirements. Distance is directly related to the purpose of the kick.
• Placement: Targeting options range from sideline corridors to isolate the fullback or winger; to dropping it just short of the try line focussed on applied pressure from the edges and fullback. A kick into the in goal on the full may result in a 20m restart and a kick that is too short means that the pressure arrives too early – placement is key.
• Type: The type of kick depends on its purpose: does it require hang time or distance, is it required to float or run on, do we need to speed up or slow down the game?
• Hang Time: Allows the kick-chase to set and pressure the catcher, if that is the desired outcome.
• Timing & Game Awareness: Choosing the right moment to switch momentum: early-set kicks, 40/20s, attacking grubbers and kicks for touch.

Wests Tigers Context:

Wests Tigers have struggled to consistently win the territory battle. Our tactical kicking game lacks consistency and depth, often based on the ability of the opposition to have us starting sets too close to our own line. This is a combination of flaws in our own long kicking game and poor kick return meters from the back five. This leaves us fatigued and often starting sets in dangerous areas.

Development Path for Wests Tigers

Wests Tigers do have a tactical kicking capability. It simply is not as well developed or as potent as other capabilities in the competition. To develop a competitive tactical kicking game the following implementation plan would be effective:

• Appointment of a Specialist Kicking Coach. Assign a specialist kicking coach(es) to work with our halves, and goal kickers, throughout the grades.
• Develop 20/40, 40/20 specialists as attacking weapons.
• Improve the Kick Chase. Recruit and develop a defensively mobile edge forward to apply kick pressure. A player that is a hybrid lock/second-row with speed like Cam Murray, hits like Liam Martin and catches like Jeremia Nanai). Can KPP be that guy? He has the height does he have the ability and desire?
• Instil accountability in our edges and outside backs to hit markers related to the application of pressure. Use analytics to measure, and develop, chase speeds and effort post-kick.
• Drill cohesion across the park with the middle third engaging in the chase, not just the edge, centres and wingers.
• Develop tactical options to improve set finishes inside the opposition 20 using targeted repeat set or deep restart options to set field positions.
• Institute momentum changing plays to include, but not be limited to: 20/40 to attack from deep within our own half if struggling for meters; early set kicks when the fullback is in the line; 40/20 attacking options to maintain pressure; and a touch finding option with slow scrum set to change the opposition pace when we’re fatigued.

The Grind

We have already seen that Benji has adopted a “grind-first” mentality prior unleashing the razzle-dazzle. This is a developing capability within the roster that currently has several shortfalls, including our kicking game. An improved tactical kicking game supports the grind: field position, relentless pressure, and making the opponent play off the back foot is key to controlling momentum and unleashing our own attack. In order to get into, and win, the grind we need to develop a substantially better tactical kicking game.

Conclusion

In rugby league: possession is power and territory is dominance; but momentum wins games. For Wests Tigers to develop into a top 4 side tactical kicking and kick chase pressure have to become non-negotiables in our game strategy. This aspect of the game is key to a successful Wests Tigers resurgence. Developing a situationally based tactical kicking game will allow us to apply pressure to opposition playmakers and dictate the pace of games. When we understand and can effectively control momentum we will be much closer to having a winning identity.


It would be Interesting to hear your thoughts on our tactical kicking game and how/who we might use to go about improving it. If you have oher areas of the game you think we shoudl look at let me know.

Cheers n Beers
Jolls

 

[TheClaws]

Hi Jolls, As always, an extremely insightful and educational deep dive. I made a comment on this forum a few days ago about the need for a kicking coach for Luai and Latu, perhaps we look at an AFL kicking coach and also an AFL marking coach for our wingers?
2 questions, the first would be can you actually learn how to kick like a Reynolds, Moses or Burton? or is there an element of physical traits that give you the upper hand. Thinking about the great kickers we have had I don't really see a common physical trait they all share, so perhaps it's more the learning piece. Secondly would an AFL kicking and marking coach be the answer and if yes, why don't more clubs do it.....im pretty sure the Roosters and Storm train with AFL teams/players, seems a no brainer and there are plenty of good kickers/markers you could choose from to help out. And before anyone mentions it...yes I know it's a different ball....I have played both games and the technique is almost the same.

 

[Jolls]

Hi Jolls, As always, an extremely insightful and educational deep dive. I made a comment on this forum a few days ago about the need for a kicking coach for Luai and Latu, perhaps we look at an AFL kicking coach and also an AFL marking coach for our wingers?
2 questions, the first would be can you actually learn how to kick like a Reynolds, Moses or Burton? or is there an element of physical traits that give you the upper hand. Thinking about the great kickers we have had I don't really see a common physical trait they all share, so perhaps it's more the learning piece. Secondly would an AFL kicking and marking coach be the answer and if yes, why don't more clubs do it.....im pretty sure the Roosters and Storm train with AFL teams/players, seems a no brainer and there are plenty of good kickers/markers you could choose from to help out. And before anyone mentions it...yes I know it's a different ball....I have played both games and the technique is almost the same.

Thanks @TheClaws.

This is probably one for the halves out there in the forum. I came from a hooking background but did undego kick training along with the halves in some of the teams I played with. My kicking game was focussed on finding touch, chip and chase and the grubber. I can say from my experience that it was all down to repetition. I expect players with better eye hand foot coordination would find it more natural but I think, like anything at an elite level, it comes down to practice and desire.

I was fortunate enough to have Greg Brentnall as a coach when I was playing in the Riverina. He was a naturally gifted player of both codes and he had a philosophy of everyone training with ball in hand. A lot of our fitness drills were done with ball in hand and involved forwards, including props, kicking and chasing, dealing with the ball coming at you along the ground and picking it up at speed. All about developing eye hand coordination while fatigued. I picked that up and took it through my coaching career but put more effort into extras for the designated kickers.

Naturally good kickers of the ball, in my experience, have had long levers, especially those that kick for distance. But the one thing the more skillful players had in common was outstanding coordination.

I think I would be looking at a couple of different coaches in in the kicking roles: an AFL type to look at improving distance and accuracy and an NRL (Joey Johns type) to focus on getting the ball to bend, etc; the trick shots. But I think most of the kids nowadays have probably been doing trick shots since they were 6 or so.

To me the "how to kick" training is important, but not as important as the when and where to pull what kick out of the golf bag. That training is only going to come from someone who has experience managing a game. So definitely a game managing half with great kicking skills would be a huge advantage. Someone who can read the the oppostion and our own team to make the right tactical decision is more important than someone who has a great kick (well in my opinion anyways).

Well that's my 2 cents worth - where are all the halfbacks and 5/8ths on this forum?

 

[Jolls]

Hi @TheClaws, you got me thinking about this and I went and dug out one of my old coaching netebooks and found some stuff we did with kickers. Now we certainly weren't at the elite level so no AFL support but the developemnt of our kickers went along two lines: Technical and Tactical

Technical Kicking Development

Biomechanics and Technique:

• Body alignment: Square hips, shoulder positioning.
• Ball drop: Arguably the most critical skill—poor drop ruins the kick.
• Foot placement: For control and distance
• Follow-through: Accuracy and power.
• Drills:
  • Ball drop isolations: Practice dropping the ball straight onto the foot without the follow-through.
  • Stationary target zones: Kick into hula hoops or cones at varying ranges.

Kicking under fatigue

Fatigue Drill: Shuttle run, play the ball, game-relevant kick under time pressure into hula hoops set on the field (e.g. bomb into hoop 3 or 40/20 attempt).

Kicking with game simulation (live defenders)

• Practice in game-like sets (6-tackle sequences).
• Pressure scenarios (e.g., trailing by 1 point with 2 minutes left - field goal)

Tactical Intelligence and Decision Making (can't half tell it was an Army team haha)
These were opposed and unopposed team drills looking at:

• Game awareness: When to kick, when to run or pass.
• Reading defensive lines: Identifying where space is or isn’t.
• Momentum management: Using kicks to relieve pressure or sustain attacking sets.
• Kick-chase coordination: Understanding the movement of teammates and applying pressure on receivers.
• Drill: "read-and-react” drill: Halfback is fed different defensive shapes by a rotating defense. They decide in real-time whether to kick long, grubber, chip, or pass.

Goal Kicking

Mental Side

• Routine: consistent pre-kick setup.
• Breathing techniques: to lower heart rate before striking.
• Visualisation: Seeing the ball go over before the kick.

I had a retired kicker working with our kicker on: ball position on the tee, strike zone angles, and compensation for wind. He used video footage to do slo-mo analysis of the setup, technique and body mechanics.

So to me the key focus on training kickers is:

Area and Focus

Technical: Ball drop, body alignment, strike consistency
Tactical: Decision-making, reading play, game control
Physical: Lower-body strength, balance, endurance under fatigue
Psychological: Confidence, routine, composure under pressure
Drills: Game simulation, fatigue scenarios, target-based accuracy
Tools: Video analysis

 

[Merlot]

practice makes perfect ,why aren't most 1st graders adept at kicking especially goals,it baffles me

 

[tiger_one]

Hi @TheClaws, you got me thinking about this and I went and dug out one of my old coaching netebooks and found some stuff we did with kickers. Now we certainly weren't at the elite level so no AFL support but the developemnt of our kickers went along two lines: Technical and Tactical

Technical Kicking Development

Biomechanics and Technique:

• Body alignment: Square hips, shoulder positioning.
• Ball drop: Arguably the most critical skill—poor drop ruins the kick.
• Foot placement: For control and distance
• Follow-through: Accuracy and power.
• Drills:
  • Ball drop isolations: Practice dropping the ball straight onto the foot without the follow-through.
  • Stationary target zones: Kick into hula hoops or cones at varying ranges.

Kicking under fatigue

Fatigue Drill: Shuttle run, play the ball, game-relevant kick under time pressure into hula hoops set on the field (e.g. bomb into hoop 3 or 40/20 attempt).

Kicking with game simulation (live defenders)

• Practice in game-like sets (6-tackle sequences).
• Pressure scenarios (e.g., trailing by 1 point with 2 minutes left - field goal)

Tactical Intelligentc and Decision Making (can half tell it was an Army team haha)
These were oppiosed and unapposed team drills looking at:

• Game awareness: When to kick, when to run or pass.
• Reading defensive lines: Identifying where space is or isn’t.
• Momentum management: Using kicks to relieve pressure or sustain attacking sets.
• Kick-chase coordination: Understanding the movement of teammates and applying pressure on receivers.
• Drill: "read-and-react” drill: Halfback is fed different defensive shapes by a rotating defense. They decide in real-time whether to kick long, grubber, chip, or pass.

Goal Kicking

Mental Side

• Routine: consistent pre-kick setup.
• Breathing techniques: to lower heart rate before striking.
• Visualisation: Seeing the ball go over before the kick.

I had a retired kicker working with our kicker on: ball poisiton on the tee, strike zone angles, and compensation for wind. He used video footage to do slo-mo analysis of the setup, technique and body mechanics.

So to me the key focus on training kickers is:

Area and Focus

Technical: Ball drop, body alignment, strike consistency
Tactical: Decision-making, reading play, game control
Physical: Lower-body strength, balance, endurance under fatigue
Psychological: Confidence, routine, composure under pressure
Drills: Game simulation, fatigue scenarios, target-based accuracy
Tools: Video analysis

Look champion @Jolls, you realize I have to read these posts twice just to get things sorted in my head! 😉

Seriously, great work and thanks for all the info. ✅