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​

​

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.​

​

Latu Fainu – Five-eighth​

​

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.​

​

As a combination​

​

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.

 

[Jolls]

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Deep Dive 10: Why Do the Tigers Train All Week But Fail to Execute on Game Day?

I’ve been thinking a lot about this lately, especially after heaing for the last few weeks that we are not sticking to the game plan. So if we are doing it at training why is it falling apart on the paddock.

The more I have looked at this the more questions I find myself asking: Why doesn’t training transfer to the paddock? Why don't the game plans get executed. Who is responsible; the players or coaches?

The aim of this deep dive is to try and answer some of these questions.

Why doesn't training transfer to the paddock? Everyone who has laced on a pair of boots knows that training only gets you so far. From U7's to A Grade this is the case; is it any different in the NRL?
At training, drills are semi-controlled so players know roughly what’s coming next and there is no scoreboard pressure, crowd, or fatigue induced after 60 minutes of collision. Whereas, on game day: defensive lines move differently; fatigue scrambles thinking and players default to old habits as opposed to new structures under pressure.

Why aren't the game plans being executed? We are hearing it from coaches and players "We trained the house down but we went away from the gaem plan.” This has been particularly loud over the last few weeks. We hear from the coaches that the game plan has been simplified; it is clear from our execution that there are no ten step plays to be executed under duress - so what is the issue?

Is it that the players know the plan but if they don’t truly believe it will work so they default to individual efforts or is it that if the opposition shuts down our options, we don't have adaptive principles to counter them off the back of structure?

So many unanswered questions - and I am sure the playing group and the coaches are asking themselves the same ones. If we are doing the reps we should be getting the results; but we aren't!

So What?

Depth has been increased and we lack a bit of stike in a couple of areas for sure - but that leads to us being outclassed not failing to execute. We have bought in players from good systems to set standards and increase performance and we hear anecdotes of Romey pulling players up for missing assignments and calling others out for their standards. It is clear that structures are being trained in simulated scenarios to replicate game fatigue and chaos; but we still don't deliver on game day.

While we still need some needle movers to come into the squad, they aren't in spine postions, so I think we can overcome this. The key to success and improvement, based on analysing the messaging from the coaching staff and players, does not appear to be from lack of effort on behalf of the coaching staff or the playing group.

It is probably more that the playing group is trying to hard under scoreboard pressure that has them deviating from the game plan - perhaps a bit too much eyes up in the spur of the moment and not enough eyes looking at what is happening in the bigger picture.

As a result of all this we: train well technically, lack resilience under adversity and abandon plans if the scoreboard turns.

So who fixes this - is it on the players or coaches? The fix isn't something that lies on the shoulders of the coaching staff or the players. The issue is maturity. We were the youngest team in the NRL in 24, and probably still are in 25. We have a number of players still learning the ropes while concurrently bedding down a second new halves combination, one that is only a few weeks old. We have players moving to new postions due to a combnation of injury (Taruva) and performance (AD). So how to we progress from here:

• Coaching responsibility: Benji and his team need to keep the game plan to executable chunks and build principles-based frameworks rather than rote plays. He also needs to ensure that we train under match fatigue to ingrain habits under pressure, with a settled and stable roster. This apporach must be embedded into the KoE team to create the belief that the plan will work, even if it takes 70 minutes to crack the opposition, and the next player up is capable of doing the job.
• Players responsibility: The players need to understand the plan and trust the process to deliver, rather than tying to resolve the issue each play. This will build personal resilience and adaptability under scoreboard pressure. Our key leaders need to be the voices driving execution mid-game. they are the ones with the experience to see what effect our actions are having, then assess the opposition counteraction and detemine if the we need to modify our game plan to suit changed or changing conditions.

Until both sides align, we’ll keep hearing the same old post-match lines:
“We trained well all week… just didn’t execute.”

What do you reckon? Have I got this right or is it our prep, our mental toughness, or are the plans themselves not fit for purpose?

 

[tiger_one]

---

Deep Dive 10: Why Do the Tigers Train All Week But Fail to Execute on Game Day?

I’ve been thinking a lot about this lately, especially after heaing for the last few weeks that we are not sticking to the game plan. So if we are doing it at training why is it falling apart on the paddock.

The more I have looked at this the more questions I find myself asking: Why doesn’t training transfer to the paddock? Why don't the game plans get executed. Who is responsible; the players or coaches?

The aim of this deep dive is to try and answer some of these questions.

Why doesn't training transfer to the paddock? Everyone who has laced on a pair of boots knows that training only gets you so far. From U7's to A Grade this is the case; is it any different in the NRL?
At training, drills are semi-controlled so players know roughly what’s coming next and there is no scoreboard pressure, crowd, or fatigue induced after 60 minutes of collision. Whereas, on game day: defensive lines move differently; fatigue scrambles thinking and players default to old habits as opposed to new structures under pressure.

Why aren't the game plans being executed? We are hearing it from coaches and players "We trained the house down but we went away from the gaem plan.” This has been particularly loud over the last few weeks. We hear from the coaches that the game plan has been simplified; it is clear from our execution that there are no ten step plays to be executed under duress - so what is the issue?

Is it that the players know the plan but if they don’t truly believe it will work so they default to individual efforts or is it that if the opposition shuts down our options, we don't have adaptive principles to counter them off the back of structure?

So many unanswered questions - and I am sure the playing group and the coaches are asking themselves the same ones. If we are doing the reps we should be getting the results; but we aren't!

So What?

Depth has been increased and we lack a bit of stike in a couple of areas for sure - but that leads to us being outclassed not failing to execute. We have bought in players from good systems to set standards and increase performance and we hear anecdotes of Romey pulling players up for missing assignments and calling others out for their standards. It is clear that structures are being trained in simulated scenarios to replicate game fatigue and chaos; but we still don't deliver on game day.

While we still need some needle movers to come into the squad they aren't in spine postions so I think we can overcome this. The key to success and improvement, based on analysing the messaging from the coaching staff and players, does not appear to be from lack of effort on behalf of the coaching staff ot playing group.

It is probably more that the playing group trying to hard under scoreboard pressure that has them deviating from the game plan - perhaps a bit too much eyes up in the spur of the moment and not enough eyes looking at what is happening in the bigger picture.

As a result of all this we: train well technically, lack resilience under adversity and abandon plans if the scoreboard turns.

So who fixes this - is it on the players or coaches? The fix isn't something that lies on the shoulders of the coaching staff or the players. The issue is maturity. We were the youngest team in the NRL in 24, and probably still are in 25. We have a number of players still learning the ropes while concurrently bedding down a second new halves combination, one that is only a few weeks old. We have players moving to new postions due to a combnation of injury (Taruva) and performance (AD). So how to we progress from here:

• Coaching responsibility: Benji and his team need to keep the game plan to executable chunks and build principles-based frameworks rather than rote plays. He also needs to ensure that we train under match fatigue to ingrain habits under pressure with a settled and stable roster. He also needs to ensure this apporach is embedded into the KoE team to create the belief that the plan will work, even if it takes 70 minutes to crack the opposition, and the next player up is capable of doing the job.
• Players responsibility: The players need to understand the plan and trust the process to deliver, rather than tying to resolve the issue each pla. This will build personal resilience and adaptability under scoreboard pressure. Our key leaders need to be the voices driving execution mid-game. they are the ones with the experience to see what effect our actions are having, assess the oppition counter- reaction and detemine if the we need to modify our game plan to suit changed or changing conditions.

Until both sides align, we’ll keep hearing the same old post-match lines:
“We trained well all week… just didn’t execute.”

What do you reckon? Have I got this right or iIs it our prep, our mental toughness, or are the plans themselves not fit for purpose?

Champion @Jolls, another interesting post.
Thanks.

Just as a quick response:
I put the failure of game plans during a match down to the player/s lack of footy IQ. Being able to adapt to changes in a game, think/respond on their feet and revert back to the core of the coaching plan. Not always as easy on the field as it is on the hill.

How to remedy: Reinforcement and simple clarity in the plan and player confidence; as an extreme - change the player.

We are observers only - the action is always inside the tent.

 

[Rock Hopper Steve]

---

Deep Dive 10: Why Do the Tigers Train All Week But Fail to Execute on Game Day?

I’ve been thinking a lot about this lately, especially after heaing for the last few weeks that we are not sticking to the game plan. So if we are doing it at training why is it falling apart on the paddock.

The more I have looked at this the more questions I find myself asking: Why doesn’t training transfer to the paddock? Why don't the game plans get executed. Who is responsible; the players or coaches?

The aim of this deep dive is to try and answer some of these questions.

Why doesn't training transfer to the paddock? Everyone who has laced on a pair of boots knows that training only gets you so far. From U7's to A Grade this is the case; is it any different in the NRL?
At training, drills are semi-controlled so players know roughly what’s coming next and there is no scoreboard pressure, crowd, or fatigue induced after 60 minutes of collision. Whereas, on game day: defensive lines move differently; fatigue scrambles thinking and players default to old habits as opposed to new structures under pressure.

Why aren't the game plans being executed? We are hearing it from coaches and players "We trained the house down but we went away from the gaem plan.” This has been particularly loud over the last few weeks. We hear from the coaches that the game plan has been simplified; it is clear from our execution that there are no ten step plays to be executed under duress - so what is the issue?

Is it that the players know the plan but if they don’t truly believe it will work so they default to individual efforts or is it that if the opposition shuts down our options, we don't have adaptive principles to counter them off the back of structure?

So many unanswered questions - and I am sure the playing group and the coaches are asking themselves the same ones. If we are doing the reps we should be getting the results; but we aren't!

So What?

Depth has been increased and we lack a bit of stike in a couple of areas for sure - but that leads to us being outclassed not failing to execute. We have bought in players from good systems to set standards and increase performance and we hear anecdotes of Romey pulling players up for missing assignments and calling others out for their standards. It is clear that structures are being trained in simulated scenarios to replicate game fatigue and chaos; but we still don't deliver on game day.

While we still need some needle movers to come into the squad they aren't in spine postions so I think we can overcome this. The key to success and improvement, based on analysing the messaging from the coaching staff and players, does not appear to be from lack of effort on behalf of the coaching staff ot playing group.

It is probably more that the playing group trying to hard under scoreboard pressure that has them deviating from the game plan - perhaps a bit too much eyes up in the spur of the moment and not enough eyes looking at what is happening in the bigger picture.

As a result of all this we: train well technically, lack resilience under adversity and abandon plans if the scoreboard turns.

So who fixes this - is it on the players or coaches? The fix isn't something that lies on the shoulders of the coaching staff or the players. The issue is maturity. We were the youngest team in the NRL in 24, and probably still are in 25. We have a number of players still learning the ropes while concurrently bedding down a second new halves combination, one that is only a few weeks old. We have players moving to new postions due to a combnation of injury (Taruva) and performance (AD). So how to we progress from here:

• Coaching responsibility: Benji and his team need to keep the game plan to executable chunks and build principles-based frameworks rather than rote plays. He also needs to ensure that we train under match fatigue to ingrain habits under pressure with a settled and stable roster. He also needs to ensure this apporach is embedded into the KoE team to create the belief that the plan will work, even if it takes 70 minutes to crack the opposition, and the next player up is capable of doing the job.
• Players responsibility: The players need to understand the plan and trust the process to deliver, rather than tying to resolve the issue each pla. This will build personal resilience and adaptability under scoreboard pressure. Our key leaders need to be the voices driving execution mid-game. they are the ones with the experience to see what effect our actions are having, assess the oppition counter- reaction and detemine if the we need to modify our game plan to suit changed or changing conditions.

Until both sides align, we’ll keep hearing the same old post-match lines:
“We trained well all week… just didn’t execute.”

What do you reckon? Have I got this right or iIs it our prep, our mental toughness, or are the plans themselves not fit for purpose?

Outstanding Jolls it's hard to put your finger on why it doesn't transition to game day, it's easy to get the shits and blame the coaching staff but they are not morons who know nothing about the game they have been around it for decades.

Tend to think the contributing factors are being a young team and all the spine interruptions, they were only settled early in the season when they were winning more games even though Luai was second fiddle to Galvin.

There have been games where 2 of our spine were out or constantly changing week to week it only leads to mistakes and lack of cohesion.

Look at how other teams suffer with just one spine member out ala Parra with Moses.
More grunt up front is still needed in our pack to give our halves room to move to inject the outside backs hopefully Richo can get it done for next season then we should see a better season unfold.

 

[Jolls]

Champion @Jolls, another interesting post.
Thanks.

Just as a quick response:
I put the failure of game plans during a match down to the player/s lack of footy IQ. Being able to adapt to changes in a game, think/respond on their feet and revert back to the core of the coaching plan. Not always as easy on the field as it is on the hill.

How to remedy: Reinforcement and simple clarity in the plan and player confidence; as an extreme - change the player.

We are observers only - the action is always inside the tent.

I am 100% with you on the lack of footy IQ - but that can also be addressed from the sideline with a message. I expected Api/Luai to be able to make a change if they are affecting our game plan.

 

[Jolls]

Outstanding Jolls it's hard to put your finger on why it doesn't transition to game day, it's easy to get the shits and blame the coaching staff but they are not morons who know nothing about the game they have been around it for decades.

Tend to think the contributing factors are being a young team and all the spine interruptions, they were only settled early in the season when they were winning more games even though Luai was second fiddle to Galvin.

There have been games where 2 of our spine were out or constantly changing week to week it only leads to mistakes and lack of cohesion.

Look at how other teams suffer with just one spine member out ala Parra with Moses.
More grunt up front is still needed in our pack to give our halves room to move to inject the outside backs hopefully Richo can get it done for next season then we should see a better season unfold.

Spot on - this builds on the spine analysis - we need a bit more grunt and a settled halves combination. I trust that Taylan addresses the strike issue out wide and Star sorts his arm and gets that combination going wih Taruva on the other side.

I think most of the pieces are startign to fall into place - now for a decent ball playing 13 and an alpha middle and we should be on the move up the ladder.