Wests Tigers Deep Dive of the Week

[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

How did Shaun go Jolls?

 

[BZN]

@BZN

This is what I know/understand based on open source research. I have provided references where appropriate so you can chase it up.

CSS

Richo's demand for a $50 million upgrade to Campbelltown Sports Stadium has not been met as of today. The club had initially set a June 30 deadline for securing funding but has extended it to the end of July as outlined by @TheClaws . However, they did request that Campbelltown City Council demonstrate its financial commitment by Monday, June 30. Source: Australian Leisure Management

Campbelltown City Council has acknowledged its inability to fund the upgrades independently and is seeking significant support from state or federal governments. An extraordinary council meeting was held on Friday, 27 June to consider options for the stadium. Council outlined that planning is underway for a $40.3 million Sport and Health Centre of Excellence within the Leumeah Precinct. In partnership with Western Sydney University and other stakeholders. Council has previously resolved to contribute up to $25 million to this project, with additional funding from the NSW Government’s Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants Program, Commonwealth Community Development Grants, and Western Sydney University. Source: Campbelltown Council Business Papers 27 June

I could find no evidence of additional commitment to the staduim as a result of the EGM; however, as the deadline has been extended this is not unexpected. Note: Richo's letter to Campbelltown Council is included in the papers if you are interested.

The papers outline $338 million in total economic benefit to the region should redevelopment occur based on 9 NRL games with 24 000 attendees. NRLW and Macarthur A League figures would increase the economic benefit.

The proposed development of CSS is:

• Stage 1 – $50 million• Increase capacity to approx. 21,000• Extend and fit out the Western Grandstand (+4,000 undercover seats)• Add 500 corporate seats• Construct new changerooms (male and female)• Install new food and beverage concessions
• Stage 2 – $50 million• Fit out the Eastern Grandstand (+3,000 undercover seats)• Add 300 corporate hospitality seats• Install new concessions on the Eastern side• Upgrade LED stadium lighting and field signage• Improve patron amenities across both sides

As far as I can ascertain Campbelltown City Council has been actively seeking funding and has engaged with local Members of Parliament and government bodies to push for the necessary investment . However, as of now, no funding has been secured, and the future of the Wests Tigers at Campbelltown Sports Stadium remains uncertain.

Latest HBG Board Appointment

Leo Epifania has been rumoured (facebook/Wests Tigers Life) to be appointed to the Wests Tigers Board. There is conflicting information on his postion on the Wests Tigers Board. It is rumoured that he will be replacing Dennis Burgess as the (HBG) nominee; however, also stated that he is the Wests Magpies nominee so could replace Stephen Montgomery. As far as I can ascertain this has not been officially announced by Wests Tigers, Wests MAgpies or HBG so until the appointment is ratified I don't expect an announcement from any of the entities and nor is it likely to hit the wider media.

Leo Epifania played for Wests 1980s and later serving as the General Manager of Football Operations. Epifania also coached internationally with the Italian national team.

Regardless fo the appointment and into what position there will be no change in the balance of power within the board. Leo's playing, coaching and sports admin background may be of benefit when making key decisions.

Thanks for the great coverage of both items 👍.

 

[Jolls]

How did Shaun go Jolls?

No reply, I will follow up with the FRG but I expect they were a little preoccupied coming up to June 30.
Cheers

 

[Jolls]

Deep Dive 10: The Role of a Strong Spine in Wests Tigers Future Success

If there is one recurring theme among premiership-winning teams over the past two decades, it’s the strength and stability of their spine. While teams need powerful forward packs and dynamic outside backs, it is the spine that controls how effectively those assets are used.

The spine, for the purposes of the deep dive, consists of:

• Fullback (1)
• Five-eighth (6)
• Halfback (7)
• Hooker (9)

These four players touch the ball more than anyone else. They set the team’s attacking shape, control defensive organisation, and determine how the team transitions between sets. Without a cohesive spine, even dominant forwards find themselves out of position, and outside backs lack opportunities to finish.

Fullback – The extra playmaker and defensive organiser

The modern fullback is arguably the most versatile player on the field. Beyond kick returns and support play, they:

• Sweep into backline movements to create overlaps.
• Act as a second five-eighth to shift ball movement wide quickly.
• Organise the defensive line, calling out numbers and positioning wingers.
• Provide cover defence, often stopping certain tries.

Example: Dylan Edwards isn’t the flashiest fullback, but his support play and work rate underpin Penrith’s consistency. Meanwhile, Tedesco and Ponga elevate their teams with attacking brilliance and defensive reliability.

Wests Tigers: Bula is an outstanding prospect and arguably the most promising Tigers junior in years. Against elite spine criteria, he brings natural athleticism, strong kick returns, defensive organisation, and a developing ball-playing ability. His support play is developing, and he has saved tries with last-ditch defence. However, compared to top-tier fullbacks like Edwards or Ponga, his ball-playing and sweeping movements still require growth to consistently create overlaps and unlock edges. His work in and around the ruck is an area of weakness. With more structured coaching and a dominant halves pairing there are opportunites for growth. Bula has the potential to become an elite, game-changing fullback capable of controlling both ends of the field.

Halves – The directors and creators

The halfback (7) is traditionally the team’s organiser and kicker, ensuring sets finish in good positions. The five-eighth (6) plays more eyes-up footy, probing for defensive lapses, running into holes, and adding a secondary kicking option. Together, they:

• Control ruck tempo and the speed of the game.
• Construct and execute attacking plays.
• Direct the forward pack around the park.
• Apply pressure through long kicking games and force repeat sets.

Example: Cleary and Luai, Munster and Hughes – their combinations took years to perfect, but they function(ed) almost telepathically under pressure.

Wests Tigers.

Jarome Luai – Halfback​

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Luai is traditionally a five-eighth rather than a controlling halfback, but in the Wests Tigers spine he is playing the 7 role. Against spine criteria, he brings creativity, competitiveness, and elite running ability. However, his organisational kicking game and structured game management are not his strengths – these are skills more aligned with a Cleary-style halfback. When partnered with a dominant organising half, Luai’s natural flair flourishes, but when expected to control the team alone, we have seen that he has been inconsistent under pressure. The key for the Tigers moving on from Galvingate is building a system that develops his organisational skills incrementally while maximises his eyes-up footy.​

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Latu Fainu – Five-eighth​

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Latu Fainu is an exceptional young talent with vision, footwork, and confidence far beyond his years. As a 5/8, he aligns well with the elite spine criteria for his position: instinctive playmaking, ball-running threat, and an ability to create opportunities for edge players. However, he is still learning game management at NRL speed. Long term, Fainu has the attributes to become a game-breaking five-eighth if he is given consistent game time, patient development, and allowed to focus on his strengths.​

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As a combination​

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For this combination to be effective Luai needs to unlock his potential as a dominant half while staying true to his eyes-up footy strengths. Benji is the right coach to do this and needs to evolve his game management by refining his organisational habits without stifling his natural instinct. This means mastering structured set finishes – learning when to kick early to corners, when to play short to forwards, and when to hold the ball to create time for his outside men. By integrating deliberate, rehearsed set plays alongside his ad-lib brilliance, he can keep defensive lines honest and prevent them from jamming in anticipation of his running game. Luai’s progression requires embracing the responsibility of steering the team around the park, calling shapes confidently, and improving his communication with the Api and Bula to ensure the spine operates as a single unit. Importantly, if he nails these organisational fundamentals early in sets, it frees him to play eyes-up footy in good-ball areas where his footwork, vision, and creativity thrive, turning him from a dangerous five-eighth into a complete, game-controlling half capable of leading us deep into the finals.​

Hooker – The ruck controller

The hooker is often the most overlooked position by fans, yet it is critical to:

• Engage markers to open space for the halves and middles.
• Accelerate play-the-ball speed to generate momentum.
• Provide quality service to halves and middles.
• Offer attacking threats close to the line and through the middle.
• Contribute to the short and long kicking game to keep defences honest.

Example: Harry Grant transforms Melbourne’s attack with his quick darts and smart decisions, while Damien Cook’s speed out of dummy half was key to South Sydney’s success for years.

Wests Tigers. Api is the our elite spine piece right now. He easily ticks all criteria: fast, deceptive service from dummy half, leads our line speed, elite ruck control, and a smart kicking game. His ability to create ruck speed is critical for Luai and Fainu to play their natural games. The main challenge is durability. If managed properly and with a solid bench rotation to reduce fatigue risk, Api remains the vital experienced general who can knit this spine together and guide them into executing effective attacking structures. Once Luai has mastered his role as a controlling half this is the transition point and probably where Api hands over to his understudy.

What does this mean for the Wests Tigers?

Wests Tigers has struggled to build a quality spine due to:

• Injuries (Latu Hammy in particular).
• Young players learning under immense pressure.
• Lack of clarity over who owns each role long-term.
• Galvingate!

This instability has meant we rarely see cohesive attacking shapes or the spine leading structured defensive efforts. A champion team’s spine combination is usually built over multiple seasons, growing in confidence and understanding each other’s tendencies and reads.

Now that Wests Tigers has settled on its medium-term spine (Api first to hand over) we need to:

1. Support the spine with a strong forward pack to provide dominance of the ruck.
2. Develop a gameplan and process to transform Luai into a controlling half while minimising the disruption to his eyes up game.
3. Retain combinations long-term to build intuitive understanding.
4. Recruit depth talent into key spine positions.
5. Develop juniors within a stable system, allowing them to learn without being rushed.

Final thoughts

We can sign as many big forwards or wingers as we want, but without a functional and dominant spine, we will remain inconsistent. Premiership windows open and close based on these four positions. Developing or recruiting a spine that stays together for 3-5 years must be the Wests Tigers’ number one priority if we are serious about long-term success.

Should Luai be unable to transition into a dominant half we need to idenify an NRL ready dominant half to partner him until the next halves combination is ready for the grind of NRL. We know to well what happens when you give the keys of the car to a half that doesn't have the leadership required to run the team.