Wests Tigers Deep Dive of the Week

Is there interest in doing a weekly "Deep Dive" to promote focussed discussion between games?

  • Yes, I would be happy develop a topic or two to get the ball rolling

    Votes: 5 23.8%

  • Yes, I would be happy to participate but not lead a topic

    Votes: 7 33.3%

  • I am not likely to contribute; however, I would be interested in learning from the discussion

    Votes: 6 28.6%

  • Would prefer to watch paint dry

    Votes: 3 14.3%
  • Total voters
    21
  • Poll closed .

Deep Dive 12: The Centre Crisis – How do we Get It Right in 2026​


Let’s be honest – if there’s one part of the field that’s consistently let us down over the past few seasons, it’s our centres. Defensive lapses, clunky combinations, and stop-gap solutions have made the edges a glaring weakness .... 2025? A little better but in reality more of the same story.

Between Toa's injuries, Naden’s rocks-and-diamonds performances and AD's inconsistent form we’ve never had a settled, effective pairing. It’s killing our momentum, exposing our wingers, and suffocating any flow in our attack.

The frustrating thing is that our finishers are pretty good and we’ve got a dynamic fullback. Our halves have also underperformed; however, with Galvin now gone we have settled on a halves combination. We have to expect that this combination will continue to develop over the remainder of this season and over the off season.

What's Going Wrong?​

  • Chop and change: We’ve had at least seven different centre combos this year alone. No continuity = no chemistry.
  • Edge defence in chaos: Misreads, poor communication with the wingers, and soft shoulders. Teams are targeting us wide every week and finding joy.
  • No attacking punch: Our centres are contributing little to nothing in terms of line breaks, offloads, or try involvements. Toa was going OK until he injured his shoulder and Taylan May has been a revelation since his arrival. An off season will see him better in 2026. Let’s Break It Down

If we Break it Down​

  • Starford To’a – Solid, versatile, and calm. He was doing well up until his injury. From then on his form dropped significantly. What we are unsure of is if this is the usual inconsistency or if the drop in form is completely related to his shoulder injury. His ppor injury rate and his incnsistency have him in and out of the position making it diffcult to build combinations. To’a will fight for a starting postion in 2026; however, he may also be vying for a postion on the wing.
  • Brent Naden – His pre season was excellent and then he was injured. He has moments of brilliance but is too erratic to trust in a key position. His reads in defence are a liability, and errors at crucial moments have cost us points. At best, he’s a bench utility option moving forward.
  • Adam Doueihi – Has brought structure when playing centre, but he lacks the agility and quick feet needed to handle agile edge attackers. Long-term, his best role, if he can build the resilience, is at 13—ball-playing, defending the middle, and covering as centre depth.
  • Taylan May – This is the big shift. He’s aggressive, powerful, and smart in defence. At Penrith and in his short term here, he’s shown he can defend both sides and create line breaks on the edge. He is a walk up into one of the centre positions round 1 in 2026.
  • Tony Makasini (Watch This Space) – A big body with line-breaking ability and some serious upside. If he has a strong offseason, don’t be surprised if he pushes hard for a spot in the 17. He could be the wildcard that shakes up the other edge. I would not be surprised to see him debut at Leichardt v the Cows.

What Needs to Happen in 2026​

  • Taylan May is the cornerstone centre. Lock him in and build defensive combinations around him. He brings stability we’ve been lacking for years.
  • Adam Doueihi to 13. Let him control the middle third and offer depth at centre if we need a reshuffle mid-game or during injuries.
  • Starford To’a. At present Toa is most likely to lock down the other centre position; however, he will be forced to fight hard for the position. In addition to Makasini there are a number of juniors starting to push for postions in KoE. His versatility and calmness under pressure are his greatest asset and his combination with Taruva is solid. The pressure from Makasini is a huge positive for the club.
  • Big Mak to challenge for the second centre spot. Put the pressure on during trials and let his form decide it. If he clicks, he could be the wrecking ball.
  • End the reshuffling. Barring injury, we need to stop the rotaion of our centre pairings. Define the roles, pick and stick. Let the combinations develop.

Final Thoughts​

We’ve patched up the spine. We’ve settled on our halves combiantion and there is some additional depth and punch in the pack. Still trusting Richo to deliver us another momentum changer. But, unless we fix the centres, we’ll keep leaking points and killing our outside attack.

2026 has to be the year we stop plugging holes and build real edges.

Agree? Disagree? Who’s your centre pairing for next year?
 
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Deep Dive 13. The Evolution of Wests Tigers’ Attack: From “Galvanised” to "Fainused"​

What’s changed — and why it matters​

  • Phase 1: New-look spine built around Jarome Luai (debut season as Tigers co-captain) and Galvin. Identity: left-edge heavy, high tempo, eyes-up shifts, but cohesion fluctuated as combinations bedded in. Galvin defects forcing a fast re-wire of the halves. The club navigated the turbulence and rebalanced roles. This turmoil resulted in a six game losing streak.
  • Phase 2: Adam Doueihi handles organising duties at #7 while Luai stays on-ball as the primary field-position driver. Attacking execution improved through July/August (e.g., tight win over Titans, statement wins over Roosters, Dogs & Sea Eagles). Latu continues to develop without the pressure of running the team.
  • Phase 3 (2026): Latu Fainu elevated from cameo to genuine halfback option, adding a direct running 7 threat. AD moves into ball paying 13 role to diversify how the Tigers generate momentum and finish sets.
Enablers: Luai’s leadership/tempo, Api Koroisau’s service, and the injection of strike outside backs Sunia Turuva, Taylan May and Jahream Bula broaden how the team can attack to create yardage with good-ball. Up front, Terrell May brings second-phase offloads that keep defences disorganised while Royce Hunt provides a change in momentum to get us on the front foot. KPP provides a running threat on the right edge to compliment Latu's ball playing skills.

Trendlines​

1) Luai’s “two-pass tempo” and left-edge orchestration​

Luai’s hallmark is getting the ball on the second pass — arriving square, tempo up, with layered decoys to stress the B- & C-defenders. This has shown up in recent wins as cleaner lane creation to the left, plus better kick-to-corner discipline late in sets. (He’s also a co-captain, so he’s dictating pace and end-of-set standards.). His ability to bring Sam F back agaisnt the grain is also develping and will become and an attacking weapon deep in the red zone.

2) The Fainu factor: vertical threat from first receiver​

Fainu brings a north–south carry at the line with quick feet that punish lazy inside shoulders. In the Roosters boilover he turned territory into points himself — evidence that the right-edge can now score without needing a full shape. That will change how teams load up against his edge.

3) Set-end polish via multiple kick profiles​

With Luai and Fainu both capable of short-kicks (repeat sets) and cross-kicks (to power wingers like Skelton/Turuva), we can pick on matchup edges instead of defaulting to the “bomb and bash” finish. AD at 13 provides a longer boot to gain yardage when coming from deep in our end and provides a floating bomb option.

4) Second-phase acceleration​

Terrell May’s offloads are a platform for post-contact plays that suit Luai’s broken-field instincts. Expect this to be a late-season identity piece: ruck contact → fast tip-on/offload → Luai arriving off Api’s hip. This will evolve in 2026.

5) Back-three yardage and early shifts​

With Turuva and Skelton on board, plus Bula in the mix, set starts have more punch. This allows Luai to call early-tackle shifts to get himself or AD/Fainu into space before the line is set.

How is this likely to develop?​

AD will transition to a ball playing 13 to provide width for both Luai and Fianu to run. He will become an integral component of the attacking structure as a first receiver. He will also become a third kick option. With Luai and Fianu as Left and Right side leads the following shapes (based on player strengths) are likely to develop.

Strike Left​

  • Shape: Api → middle forward (AD) → Luai as 2nd receiver; backrower leads under, centre holds width, winger stays on touch.
  • Trigger: Luai pauses to freeze the C-defender, then hits the under line (vs sliding Ds) or the face-ball to centre (vs compressed edges).
  • Mirrors the patterns Luai ran at Penrith; perfect for a strike left with Taylan May/Turuva combinations.
Strike Right
  • Shape: Api → middle forward (AD) → Fianu as 2nd receiver; backrower runs X/Y line, centre holds width, winger stays on touch.
  • Trigger: Fianu engages the C-defender, hits the inside/outlside line if the defence follows him or shows and goes/skips to the centre.
  • Causes the oppostion to make edge decisions that affect defensive cohesion. Allows Fianu to play eyes up within structure.

Short Strike Right​

  • Shape: From ruck near right tram, Api dummies open then jumps short-side to Fainu. Lead runner hits near-shoulder; Fainu shows & goes if A-defender peeks.
  • Trigger: Terrell May post-contact carry to catch tired markers.
  • Option: If jam arrives, Fainu dribbles a behind-backrow grubber into the in-goal for repeat sets.

Centre Corridor Red Zone​

  • Shape: Api engages the line on tackle 3–4 with a forward on his hip and Luai out the back. If middle compresses, Api hits the lead; if they hold, pop to Luai for width.
  • Trigger: Opposition defensive read
  • Outcome: Split Defence

Centre Corridor Middle​

  • Shape: On tackle 2 in yardage, get two passes wide to let Turuva/Bula square up a retreating line, then bounce back to the middle for a quick-play-the-ball.
  • Trigger: Retreating defence (quick PTB)
  • Outcome: Split defence to creates the ruck speed Luai thrives on for tackle 4 shapes.

Kick Options​

  • Shape: Luai: field position, left-edge conductor, last-tackle choice maker. Fainu: right-edge strike & short-side raids; alternate last-tackle when the ruck is won on the right 20–25m. AD: behind the ruck as middle chase and alternate kick option. Takes the dominant field postion for deep kick/flocating bomb options.
  • Api: 40/20 and early set options from the ruck. Provides a "pick your moments" run option when markers split early for defend the kick options. Co-captaincy platform supports this hierarchy.

Example Sets​

  1. On good positon kick receipt (Centre Corridor Middle): Early 2-pass to Turuva/Bula → punch middle twice → Luai ends with a high kick to left corner.
  2. With good-ball (Right Strike): Quick ruck via Terrell May → Api jumps short-side to Fainu → show & go / right-edge grubber.
  3. Repeat set: Middle hit-up to create short right, then Left Strike with Luai holding C-defender; finish with ground-kick, not air, to force another dropout.

KPIs​

  • Repeat sets forced (Luai/Fainu short-kicks).
  • Left-edge conversion rate in the red zone (line-breaks → tries).
  • Right-edge try involvement for Fainu (tries + try assists) to keep defences honest.
  • Post-contact metres & offloads from Terrell May/KPP/Sam F (second-phase triggers).
  • End-of-set errors and kick-chase effectiveness (field position loop).

Bottom line​

The Tigers’ attack has moved from promising but volatile (Luai + Galvin learning) to coherent and stable with AD providing a runing threat at half back. The future lies in AD continuing to provide a running threat at 13 with differing dual-threat options to take advantage of our left and right side strengths (Luai’s orchestration + Fainu’s directness). With a few targeted embellishments; e.g. short right strike or double-sweep left shapes, Wests can keep stacking repeat pressure and convert territory into points. Recent results suggest we're on that trajectory, but are still disorganised deep in the red zone. While it is late in the season, as far as our halves combination goes we are in our infancy. Our cohesion, and ability to play ad lib footy, will develop given an enabling structure and time.

This is where I see it heading. Where do you see in going in 2026?
 
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Jolls said:

Deep Dive 13. The Evolution of Wests Tigers’ Attack: From “Galvanised” to "Fainused"​

What’s changed — and why it matters​

  • Phase 1: New-look spine built around Jarome Luai (debut season as Tigers co-captain) and Galvin. Identity: left-edge heavy, high tempo, eyes-up shifts, but cohesion fluctuated as combinations bedded in. Galvin defects forcing a fast re-wire of the halves. The club navigated the turbulence and rebalanced roles. This turmoil resulted in a six game losing streak.
  • Phase 2: Adam Doueihi handles organising duties at #7 while Luai stays on-ball as the primary field-position driver. Attacking execution improved through July/August (e.g., tight win over Titans, statement wins over Roosters, Dogs & Sea Eagles). Latu continues to develop without the pressure of running the team.
  • Phase 3 (2026): Latu Fainu elevated from cameo to genuine halfback option, adding a direct running 7 threat. AD moves into ball paying 13 role to diversify how the Tigers generate momentum and finish sets.
Enablers: Luai’s leadership/tempo, Api Koroisau’s service, and the injection of strike outside backs Sunia Turuva, Taylan May and Jahream Bula broaden how the team can attack to create yardage with good-ball. Up front, Terrell May brings second-phase offloads that keep defences disorganised while Royce Hunt provides a change in momentum to get us on the front foot. KPP provides a running threat on the right edge to compliment Latu's ball playing skills.

Trendlines​

1) Luai’s “two-pass tempo” and left-edge orchestration​

Luai’s hallmark is getting the ball on the second pass — arriving square, tempo up, with layered decoys to stress the B- & C-defenders. This has shown up in recent wins as cleaner lane creation to the left, plus better kick-to-corner discipline late in sets. (He’s also a co-captain, so he’s dictating pace and end-of-set standards.). His ability to bring Sam F back agaisnt the grain is also develping and will become and an attacking weapon deep in the red zone.

2) The Fainu factor: vertical threat from first receiver​

Fainu brings a north–south carry at the line with quick feet that punish lazy inside shoulders. In the Roosters boilover he turned territory into points himself — evidence that the right-edge can now score without needing a full shape. That will change how teams load up against his edge.

3) Set-end polish via multiple kick profiles​

With Luai and Fainu both capable of short-kicks (repeat sets) and cross-kicks (to power wingers like Skelton/Turuva), we can pick on matchup edges instead of defaulting to the “bomb and bash” finish. AD at 13 provides a longer boot to gain yardage when coming from deep in our end and provides a floating bomb option.

4) Second-phase acceleration​

Terrell May’s offloads are a platform for post-contact plays that suit Luai’s broken-field instincts. Expect this to be a late-season identity piece: ruck contact → fast tip-on/offload → Luai arriving off Api’s hip. This will evolve in 2026.

5) Back-three yardage and early shifts​

With Turuva and Skelton on board, plus Bula in the mix, set starts have more punch. This allows Luai to call early-tackle shifts to get himself or AD/Fainu into space before the line is set.

How is this likely to develop?​

AD will transition to a ball playing 13 to provide width for both Luai and Fianu to run. He will become an integral component of the attacking structure as a first receiver. He will also become a third kick option. With Luai and Fianu as Left and Right side leads the following shapes (based on player strengths) are likely to develop.

Strike Left​

  • Shape: Api → middle forward (AD) → Luai as 2nd receiver; backrower leads under, centre holds width, winger stays on touch.
  • Trigger: Luai pauses to freeze the C-defender, then hits the under line (vs sliding Ds) or the face-ball to centre (vs compressed edges).
  • Mirrors the patterns Luai ran at Penrith; perfect for a strike left with Taylan May/Turuva combinations.
Strike Right
  • Shape: Api → middle forward (AD) → Fianu as 2nd receiver; backrower runs X/Y line, centre holds width, winger stays on touch.
  • Trigger: Fianu engages the C-defender, hits the inside/outlside line if the defence follows him or shows and goes/skips to the centre.
  • Causes the oppostion to make edge decisions that affect defensive cohesion. Allows Fianu to play eyes up within structure.

Short Strike Right​

  • Shape: From ruck near right tram, Api dummies open then jumps short-side to Fainu. Lead runner hits near-shoulder; Fainu shows & goes if A-defender peeks.
  • Trigger: Terrell May post-contact carry to catch tired markers.
  • Option: If jam arrives, Fainu dribbles a behind-backrow grubber into the in-goal for repeat sets.

Centre Corridor Red Zone​

  • Shape: Api engages the line on tackle 3–4 with a forward on his hip and Luai out the back. If middle compresses, Api hits the lead; if they hold, pop to Luai for width.
  • Trigger: Opposition defensive read
  • Outcome: Split Defence

Centre Corridor Middle​

  • Shape: On tackle 2 in yardage, get two passes wide to let Turuva/Bula square up a retreating line, then bounce back to the middle for a quick-play-the-ball.
  • Trigger: Retreating defence (quick PTB)
  • Outcome: Split defence to creates the ruck speed Luai thrives on for tackle 4 shapes.

Kick Options​

  • Shape: Luai: field position, left-edge conductor, last-tackle choice maker. Fainu: right-edge strike & short-side raids; alternate last-tackle when the ruck is won on the right 20–25m. AD: behind the ruck as middle chase and alternate kick option. Takes the dominant field postion for deep kick/flocating bomb options.
  • Api: 40/20 and early set options from the ruck. Provides a "pick your moments" run option when markers split early for defend the kick options. Co-captaincy platform supports this hierarchy.

Example Sets​

  1. On good positon kick receipt (Centre Corridor Middle): Early 2-pass to Turuva/Bula → punch middle twice → Luai ends with a high kick to left corner.
  2. With good-ball (Right Strike): Quick ruck via Terrell May → Api jumps short-side to Fainu → show & go / right-edge grubber.
  3. Repeat set: Middle hit-up to create short right, then Left Strike with Luai holding C-defender; finish with ground-kick, not air, to force another dropout.

KPIs​

  • Repeat sets forced (Luai/Fainu short-kicks).
  • Left-edge conversion rate in the red zone (line-breaks → tries).
  • Right-edge try involvement for Fainu (tries + try assists) to keep defences honest.
  • Post-contact metres & offloads from Terrell May/KPP/Sam F (second-phase triggers).
  • End-of-set errors and kick-chase effectiveness (field position loop).

Bottom line​

The Tigers’ attack has moved from promising but volatile (Luai + Galvin learning) to coherent and stable with AD providing a runing threat at half back. The future lies in AD continuing to provide a running threat at 13 with differing dual-threat options to take advantage of our left and right side strengths (Luai’s orchestration + Fainu’s directness). With a few targeted embellishments; e.g. short right strike or double-sweep left shapes, Wests can keep stacking repeat pressure and convert territory into points. Recent results suggest we're on that trajectory, but are still disorganised deep in the red zone. While it is late in the season, as far as our halves combination goes we are in our infancy. Our cohesion, and ability to play ad lib footy, will develop given an enabling structure and time.

This is where I see it heading. Where do you see in going in 2026?
Click to expand...
if we have a Great pre season , we could bust loose
 
Merlot said:
A run down on how the different level contracts ,why what 4 run that way? Would be a interesting
Click to expand...
It's raining here in Murrumbateman and we're supposed to be building a shed. As a way of putting off jumping into doing some work on BAS I jumped in and had a dig around to scratch Merlot's itch in relation to contracting. The most notable point is that Development Contracts (a term thrown around here often) don't exist. They were upgraded to a supplementaty list in 2023.

Deep Dive 14: Types of Contracts in the NRL/NRLW and the associated pathways

Disclaimer: The Contracting and Salary Cap forms part of a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between the RLPA and the NRL. The details of the CBA are not publicly available so the detail below is what I have been able to find open source. I have tried to stay away from second and third hand reporting and dig into the base data - which is primarlily from the NRL website. References are provided at the end of the Deep Dive.

NRL (Men’s) Contract Types, Caps & Minimums
  • Top 30: Each club must name 24 players by 1 November, 28 by Round 1 (Monday), and the full 30 by 30 June.
  • Supplementary List: Replaced the old Development List in 2023. Players on this list are on minimum $80k salaries
    • When announced, the list was set at 4–6 players, with a $650k budget and $3k per NRL appearance.
    • Supplementary players are eligible to play NRL from Round 1 under the current CBA.
  • Train-and-Trial: Short-term, pre-season deals. Not guaranteed NRL game time; clubs must upgrade players into Supplementary or Top 30 to use them long-term. Can’t be used prior to round 11 unless upgraded.
  • Second-Tier / Supplementary Contracts: This appears to be outside of the NRL/RPLA CBA> Players contracted primarily to feeder clubs in NSW Cup or QLD Cup. This is paid outside the NRL salary cap, but may get match payments if called up. They can play NRL if promoted due to injuries, exemptions, or roster vacancies.
2025 Money & Allowances
  • Top 30 Cap (Base): $11.4m (rising to $11.55m in 2026 and $11.7 in 2027)
  • Minimum Top 30 Salary: $135k in 2025, rising to $145k by 2027
  • Supplementary List Minimum: $80k per player
  • Allowances (outside the base cap):
    • Veteran & Developed Player Allowance: $300k in 2025 (remains the same until 2027).
    • Motor Vehicle Allowance: $100k in 2025.
      • Note: As part of the 2023–2027 CBA, clubs receive a $100,000 motor vehicle allowance outside of the salary cap (i.e., separate from the base Top-30 cap). This allowance permits clubs to provide up to five motor vehicles, with each valued at $20,000. Therefore, a club can allocate up to five players, each receiving a motor vehicle package worth up to $20,000, or could allocate one player the entire $100,000 and any iteration in between without it impacting the salary cap.
    • Tertiary education fees, approved traineeships, relocation and temporary accommodation costs are not included in the cap but must be approved.
NRLW (Women’s) Contract Types, Caps & Minimums
  • Top Squad: 24 players per club.
  • Development Players: 4 additional funded slots.
  • Train-and-Trial Contracts: Short-term pre-season contracts that are not guaranteed a place in the 24-player squad.
  • Supplementary Players: Depth players who can be called up if injuries occur. Paid a base fee or per-game match payments.
  • Short-Term Injury Replacement Contracts: Introduced due to smaller NRLW squads to allow clubs to sign players temporarily to cover injuries.
2025 Money
  • Club Cap: $1,254,000 in 2025.
  • Minimum NRLW Salary: $41,800 in 2025
How the Levels Work in Practice

NRL
  • Top 30: Fully salaried, must hit roster checkpoints by Nov 1 / Rd-1 / Jun 30. All Top 30 players are eligible to play NRL.
  • Supplementary List: Entry point for young players or fringe talent. Eligible from Round 1, unlike the old Development deals (which only allowed debuts after Round 11).
  • Train-and-Trial: Pre-season proving ground. Successful players are upgraded into Supplementary or Top 30.
Contract Inclusions (typical)
  • Base playing fee + match payments, appearance bonuses, win/finals bonuses
  • Education, relocation, medical and wellbeing supports
  • Third Party Agreements (TPAs): Allowed if genuine and disclosed; not guaranteed by clubs.
NRLW
  • Top Squad: Core 24 players under the cap.
  • Development: Feed into the Top Squad, training fully with the main group.
  • Since 2023, multi-year deals are permitted, providing more stability and clear progression.
Pathway Example

NRL:
Junior Pathways → NSW/QLD Cup → Train-and-Trial → Supplementary List (on $80k+) → Upgrade into Top 30 ($135k+ minimum).
  • Exceptional juniors may skip straight to Top 30.
  • Supplementary List players can debut from Round 1, which accelerates development.
NRLW:
State-based comps → NRLW Development (4 slots) → Upgrade into 24-player Top Squad (minimum $41,800).
  • Development deals used to lock in young stars early.
Summary
  • NRL 2025: Top-30 cap $11.4m, minimum salary $135k, Supplementary List $80k minimum (4–6 players, $650k total), with VDP ($300k) and Motor Vehicle ($100k) allowances outside the base cap.
  • NRLW 2025: Cap $1.254m, minimum salary $41,800, 24-player Top Squad plus 4 development slots.
References:
 
So, the richer clubs can load up on Juniors, by poaching them for more $$ as there is no cap in place for second tier. Can't help but think that there could be some pumping up of $$ for kids that really show promise or are in demand and this is paid back by staying loyal and accepting less when they get into top 30.....im looking at Rorters, Broncos, Storm and more recently the dogs here.
 
TheEnz said:
So, the richer clubs can load up on Juniors, by poaching them for more $$ as there is no cap in place for second tier. Can't help but think that there could be some pumping up of $$ for kids that really show promise or are in demand and this is paid back by staying loyal and accepting less when they get into top 30.....im looking at Rorters, Broncos, Storm and more recently the dogs here.
Click to expand...
While I think that is part of it the bigger issue is what is on offer outside of the Cap. And to be able to offer beteer outside of the cap support you need to get to the top of the pile, or at least be entrenched neaar the top.

Clubs are required to spend at least 97.5% of the Salary Cap and the majority of clubs spend the Salary Cap but as we are well aware not every club is successful. Someone comes last and someone has to win, regardless of what they spend.

There are plenty of factors outside of the cap that make up the overall package. The "intangibles" that come with signing with a club:
  • Family First
  • Staying close to the player's home town and family.
  • The chance to work with one of the top coaches in the game.
  • Potential to win a permiership,
  • Increased opportunity to play NRL with a club due to a lack of competition in a preferred positon.
  • Increased profile a player in a one-team town.
  • The number of support staff, their expertise and the support facilities.
  • Education and welfare support structures.
  • Likelihood of attracting TPAs
It really as braking into this market that has the most attraction. Sure you can buy in some good depth but unless they can get a sniff at the big coin they will jump at better opportunities. Our problem is getting from the bottom to the top and having HBG invest in the support staff to bring us up to at least a level playing feild with the other 16 clubs.
 
Jolls said:
While I think that is part of it the bigger issue is what is on offer outside of the Cap. And to be able to offer beteer outside of the cap support you need to get to the top of the pile, or at least be entrenched neaar the top.

Clubs are required to spend at least 97.5% of the Salary Cap and the majority of clubs spend the Salary Cap but as we are well aware not every club is successful. Someone comes last and someone has to win, regardless of what they spend.

There are plenty of factors outside of the cap that make up the overall package. The "intangibles" that come with signing with a club:
  • Family First
  • Staying close to the player's home town and family.
  • The chance to work with one of the top coaches in the game.
  • Potential to win a permiership,
  • Increased opportunity to play NRL with a club due to a lack of competition in a preferred positon.
  • Increased profile a player in a one-team town.
  • The number of support staff, their expertise and the support facilities.
  • Education and welfare support structures.
  • Likelihood of attracting TPAs
It really as braking into this market that has the most attraction. Sure you can buy in some good depth but unless they can get a sniff at the big coin they will jump at better opportunities. Our problem is getting from the bottom to the top and having HBG invest in the support staff to bring us up to at least a level playing feild with the other 16 clubs.
Click to expand...
The issue isn’t new kids coming in , it’s guys like Reuben Porter level 27 year old career reserve graders (probably a notch above Reuben tbh) signing for say 40k-50k , working in the leagues club for 50-60k, and then being able to be upgraded to a supplementary contract of 80k, plus the 3k match payments .
I think Taukeiaho and lodge , pretty much started the year like this .
I mean to be fair not many teams view the KOE as anything other than a development grade, even the roosters when you look at their KOE roster it’s extremely young .
I mean I wouldn’t be surprised if we have done something similar with the injection of guys like Thompson , Hope, Murray etc this year . Most would have come for an opportunity , and aside from say Rahme , and maybe the big unit Lebanese edge player , have been given the opportunity. Which kind of ties into what you’re saying @Jolls .
If you’re 23-25 years old , you’d be crazy not to stick around in the lower grades for the next few years . As there’s a real chance you could be top 30 somewhere , as 60 extra top 30 positions open up and a further 12 supplementary .
Worth splitting your wage between Bunnings and 40k KOE contract .
Tbf someone like Charlie Murray would Benefit from a supplementary contract part time , and continuing at least part time as a financial advisor . He might be leaving a 100k on the table by taking a full time minimum wage nrl contract .
 
Jolls said:
It's raining here in Murrumbateman and we're supposed to be building a shed. As a way of putting off jumping into doing some work on BAS I jumped in and had a dig around to scratch Merlot's itch in relation to contracting. The most notable point is that Development Contracts (a term thrown around here often) don't exist. They were upgraded to a supplementaty list in 2023.

Deep Dive 14: Types of Contracts in the NRL/NRLW and the associated pathways

Disclaimer: The Contracting and Salary Cap forms part of a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between the RLPA and the NRL. The details of the CBA are not publicly available so the detail below is what I have been able to find open source. I have tried to stay away from second and third hand reporting and dig into the base data - which is primarlily from the NRL website. References are provided at the end of the Deep Dive.

NRL (Men’s) Contract Types, Caps & Minimums
  • Top 30: Each club must name 24 players by 1 November, 28 by Round 1 (Monday), and the full 30 by 30 June.
  • Supplementary List: Replaced the old Development List in 2023. Players on this list are on minimum $80k salaries
    • When announced, the list was set at 4–6 players, with a $650k budget and $3k per NRL appearance.
    • Supplementary players are eligible to play NRL from Round 1 under the current CBA.
  • Train-and-Trial: Short-term, pre-season deals. Not guaranteed NRL game time; clubs must upgrade players into Supplementary or Top 30 to use them long-term. Can’t be used prior to round 11 unless upgraded.
  • Second-Tier / Supplementary Contracts: This appears to be outside of the NRL/RPLA CBA> Players contracted primarily to feeder clubs in NSW Cup or QLD Cup. This is paid outside the NRL salary cap, but may get match payments if called up. They can play NRL if promoted due to injuries, exemptions, or roster vacancies.
2025 Money & Allowances
  • Top 30 Cap (Base): $11.4m (rising to $11.55m in 2026 and $11.7 in 2027)
  • Minimum Top 30 Salary: $135k in 2025, rising to $145k by 2027
  • Supplementary List Minimum: $80k per player
  • Allowances (outside the base cap):
    • Veteran & Developed Player Allowance: $300k in 2025 (remains the same until 2027).
    • Motor Vehicle Allowance: $100k in 2025.
      • Note: As part of the 2023–2027 CBA, clubs receive a $100,000 motor vehicle allowance outside of the salary cap (i.e., separate from the base Top-30 cap). This allowance permits clubs to provide up to five motor vehicles, with each valued at $20,000. Therefore, a club can allocate up to five players, each receiving a motor vehicle package worth up to $20,000, or could allocate one player the entire $100,000 and any iteration in between without it impacting the salary cap.
    • Tertiary education fees, approved traineeships, relocation and temporary accommodation costs are not included in the cap but must be approved.
NRLW (Women’s) Contract Types, Caps & Minimums
  • Top Squad: 24 players per club.
  • Development Players: 4 additional funded slots.
  • Train-and-Trial Contracts: Short-term pre-season contracts that are not guaranteed a place in the 24-player squad.
  • Supplementary Players: Depth players who can be called up if injuries occur. Paid a base fee or per-game match payments.
  • Short-Term Injury Replacement Contracts: Introduced due to smaller NRLW squads to allow clubs to sign players temporarily to cover injuries.
2025 Money
  • Club Cap: $1,254,000 in 2025.
  • Minimum NRLW Salary: $41,800 in 2025
How the Levels Work in Practice

NRL
  • Top 30: Fully salaried, must hit roster checkpoints by Nov 1 / Rd-1 / Jun 30. All Top 30 players are eligible to play NRL.
  • Supplementary List: Entry point for young players or fringe talent. Eligible from Round 1, unlike the old Development deals (which only allowed debuts after Round 11).
  • Train-and-Trial: Pre-season proving ground. Successful players are upgraded into Supplementary or Top 30.
Contract Inclusions (typical)
  • Base playing fee + match payments, appearance bonuses, win/finals bonuses
  • Education, relocation, medical and wellbeing supports
  • Third Party Agreements (TPAs): Allowed if genuine and disclosed; not guaranteed by clubs.
NRLW
  • Top Squad: Core 24 players under the cap.
  • Development: Feed into the Top Squad, training fully with the main group.
  • Since 2023, multi-year deals are permitted, providing more stability and clear progression.
Pathway Example

NRL:
Junior Pathways → NSW/QLD Cup → Train-and-Trial → Supplementary List (on $80k+) → Upgrade into Top 30 ($135k+ minimum).
  • Exceptional juniors may skip straight to Top 30.
  • Supplementary List players can debut from Round 1, which accelerates development.
NRLW:
State-based comps → NRLW Development (4 slots) → Upgrade into 24-player Top Squad (minimum $41,800).
  • Development deals used to lock in young stars early.
Summary
  • NRL 2025: Top-30 cap $11.4m, minimum salary $135k, Supplementary List $80k minimum (4–6 players, $650k total), with VDP ($300k) and Motor Vehicle ($100k) allowances outside the base cap.
  • NRLW 2025: Cap $1.254m, minimum salary $41,800, 24-player Top Squad plus 4 development slots.
References:
Click to expand...
Thank you Sir
 

Wests Tigers Deep Dive 15: The 2026 Lock Conundrum (Part 1)​

The lock position (No. 13) is a pivotal role in modern rugby league, often serving as the team's defensive cornerstone and a crucial link in attack. As Wests Tigers prepare for the 2026 season, the club faces a pressing challenge in identifying the ideal candidate to fill this critical position. This deep dive aims to evaluate potential internal candidates for the lock role, with a focus on maximising the team's on-field impact and long-term development.
The approach to this deep dive involves: categorising the different types of locks currently seen across the NRL—ranging from traditional enforcers to dynamic ball-playing link-men. Alex Twal’s 2025 performance will then me be analysed to identify if there is a need to change, and if there is, the key deficiencies that need to be addressed. The results of this analysis will be used to identify players best positioned to be transformed in a 13 for 2026 and provide an internal recommendation should the we be unsuccessful in recruiting a lock.

Categorising the “NRL Lock”​

Ball-Playing Lock (“Link Man”)
Key Trait: Acts as a third playmaker, linking halves and middle forwards.
Description:
  • Operates as an extra half in yardage and good-ball sets
  • Often takes first or second receiver, distributing short or wide to edges.
  • Organises the middle, helping manipulate ruck tempo.
  • Key for sides that play a wide, shape-based attack.
  • Examples:
  • Isaiah Yeo (Panthers) – the benchmark; elite tempo control, line-engagement, and decision-making.
  • Cameron Murray (Rabbitohs) – similar but faster and more lateral, with sharper footwork around the ruck.
  • Victor Radley (Roosters) – hybrid lock/half who plays deep in the line and creates shape width.
Middle Enforcer (“Traditional Lock”)
Key Trait: Heavy-contact defender, middle engine, and meter-eater.
Description:
  • Functions as a third prop.
  • Focus on ruck dominance, defensive line speed, and post-contact meters.
  • Minimal passing — most runs are direct or off quick play-the-balls.
  • Fits teams with dominant halves who control the ball.
Examples:
  • Pat Carrigan (Broncos) – hybrid enforcer with ball skills.
  • Tino Fa’asuamaleaui (Titans) – big minutes, big motor, high contact workload.
  • Josh King (Storm) – role player doing high-volume carries
Hybrid Lock / Edge-Middle
Key Trait: Mobile forward who can shift between middle and edge roles.
Description:

  • Offers flexibility; plays through the middle defensively but can run edge lines.
  • Usually carries more explosively than a ball-player but has some link skills.
  • Common for teams balancing size and mobility in their pack.
  • Example:
  • Reuben Cotter (Cowboys) – high work rate, smaller body, huge leg speed.
Utility Lock / Extra Hooker
Key Trait: Plays like a dummy-half in the middle third.
Description:
  • Fast, light, plays around the ruck — usually enters late in halves to lift tempo.
  • May start as a bench utility and shift to lock.
  • Great when used against tiring defences.
  • Examples:
  • Connor Watson (Roosters) – often interchanges between 9 and 13.

Creative Ball-Runner / Line-Break Lock
Key Trait: Plays off footwork and agility rather than pure power.
Description:
  • Uses change of direction, offloads, and support play to disrupt ruck defenders.
  • Often breaks from traditional “link man” duties to run more.
  • Works well in high-tempo, offload-heavy systems.
  • Examples:
  • Cameron Murray (again) – elite in this mode.
  • Haumole Olakau’atu (Manly, when rotated at lock) – power-line runner variant.

Rotational / Bench-Impact Lock
Key Trait: Used to change the middle dynamic off the bench.
Description:
  • Injected to alter momentum, often after the 20-minute mark.
  • Provides impact through offloads, leg speed, or aggression.
  • May share time with a starting prop or utility.
  • Examples:
  • Spencer Leniu (Roosters) – explosive minutes through the middle.
  • Tom Eisenhuth (Storm) – defensive stabiliser late in halves

Summary Table
TypeFocusExample PlayersTypical Team Style
Ball-Playing LockDistribution + StructureYeo, Murray, RadleyStructured, shape-based
Middle EnforcerDefence + MetersCarrigan, Tino, KingPower-based
Hybrid LockBalance + MobilityCotterFlexible, tempo-control
Utility LockSpeed + EnergyWatsonUp-tempo, rotational
Creative Ball-RunnerFootwork + OffloadMurrayTempo + unpredictability
Impact LockBurst + PhysicalityLeniu, CollinsMomentum swing role

Wests Tigers lock play using Alex Twal in 2025​

Alex Twal is widely regarded as one of the most consistent tacklers in the squad. He has “rock-solid” defensive traits and minimal unforced errors. His contract extension through to 2027 indicates the club values his experience, loyalty and the stabilising presence he brings. Alex Twal has been used consistently in the middle (lock or front-row) and plays a heavy minute load when selected. He functions as a veteran anchor in a forward pack of many younger or developing players. His presence gives the coaching staff a “known quantity.”
As the “lock” position has evolved in the NRL a ball-playing, hybrid or enforcer style has dominated. Twal is more of a “middle engine” than any of the effective lock types in the NRL. So, while he’s strong defensively, he lacks an elite offload/play-the-ball-manipulation or deep ball-linking impact that the modern lock requires.
The statistical profiles show Twal’s attacking output is modest for a forward. For example, his career average metres and impact in the red zone are not at the elite level for a lock whose job is often to generate second-phase or post-contact advantage.
Where Twal is strong
  • tackle efficiency (~98+%) is excellent — that means defensively he is very reliable.
  • durable and getting significant minutes.
  • brings stability to a pack that needs a consistent middle-engine.

Where the gap lies (against benchmark lock/hybrid figures)
  • Running metres: Twal’s ~91 m is below what elite or benchmark middle forwards/locks are achieving (many hitting 130+ m or higher).
  • Attack involvement: On the lock/hybrid side you’d like to see more runs, offloads, line-break involvements. Twal’s profile shows moderate meter gain but his impact in attack is below average.
  • If he is evaluated against ball playing lock criteria he lacks a passing and running game; therefore, he has no creativity and does not provide time or space for his halves/support players.
  • Minutes: While ~46 min on average is solid, many elite locks/hybrids will run higher minutes and produce accordingly.
Summary. Alex Twal brings defensive elite-level performance and reliability. But from an offensive & impact standpoint, his metrics suggest there is a significant gap to the “top-tier” locks. If the Tigers want the lock position to drive attack and middle-dominance, Alex Twal is not the man we need.
 
PART 2

Potential Internal Candidates for 13
The analysis has been limited to three players; however, the pool could be expanded if required. The three players come from differing backgrounds and provide a good overview of what outcomes could look like. Adam Doueihi comes from a ball playing background, Samuela Fainu is a developing middle that has limited exposure to the 13 role and Maverik Geyer is a young edge player on a one-year deal that could potentially fill a gap until a genuine FG lock, of the right type, becomes available. and
Let’s break down potential internal lock conversion candidates, based on his skill set, frame, and tactical value.

Player: Adam Doueihi
Age: 27 (in 2025)
Height/Weight: ~191 cm / 101 kg
Primary positions: Five-eighth, centre.
Context: Searching for a permanent role amid depth at halves and centre where is is down the pecking order.
Core skill set
AttributePotentialComments
Ball skills / passing range✅ StrongDoueihi has an established half’s passing game — long, flat, and selective short balls. He’s capable of playing first or second receiver and engaging the line.
Vision and decision-making✅Reads defence well; confident calling shape on both sides. Would suit a lock who connects the middle and edges (Yeo/Murray style).
Physicality / frame✅At 191 cm, 101 kg, he has the size to defend and carry in the middle once conditioned. Physically comparable to Murray (96 kg) or Yeo (106 kg).
Defence⚠️ MixedWhen fit, a solid tackler, but lacks extensive experience defending in tight middle traffic — would need to adjust to repeated contact and low-body tackling.
Work-rate / motor⚠️Has endurance but hasn’t done 40–50 middle tackles a game. Conditioning through pre-season would be key.
Ruck tempo & ball control✅Naturally composed around the ball, good tempo instincts. Could act as a “second organiser” off the ruck behind the halves.
Line running & footwork⚠️Carries upright; needs to lower body height and develop a shorter stride for post-contact metres in traffic.

Tactical fit
  • Slotting Doueihi at lock would inject a ball-playing conduit through the middle — similar to how Isaah Yeo functions between Cleary and Luai.
  • He’d give the Tigers three kicking options (Luai, Fainu, Doueihi) and improve set-end variety.
  • His left-edge chemistry could remain intact if he drifts laterally in attacking shape.
  • It would also extend his career longevity post-ACL by reducing high-speed sprint loads while using his football IQ.
What would need to change for success
  • Defensive conditioning: Must build middle-stamina — 30–40 tackles per game, tighter spacing, repeated contact.
  • Body technique: Learn to bend at the hips, maintain low body height through contact, and use leg drive.
  • Role clarity: Needs structured system that gives him predictable passing lanes and runners both sides.
Evaluation
CategoryRatingComment
Playmaking fit for lock⭐⭐⭐⭐½Excellent distribution & vision. Could elevate Tigers’ middle tempo.
Physical suitability⭐⭐⭐⭐Right size, but needs middle fitness.
Defensive readiness⭐⭐½Major adjustment area; would need an off-season defensive program.
Tactical benefit to Tigers⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Would dramatically modernise their attacking structure.
Overall conversion viability (medium-term)8/10Strong potential with pre-season rebuild & gradual integration.

Player: Sione Fianu​

Age: Early 20s
Position: Middle forward (prop/lock)
Physicals: ~186 cm, ~110 kg (solid stocky build)
Playing style: Powerful runner, aggressive defender, good footwork for size, some ball-playing skills.
Lock potential:
AttributeAssessmentNotes
Physicality✅ Well-sized for lock; strong and toughPerfect size for middle engine role.
Defensive capability✅ Reliable defender with high tackle countsComfortable in tight traffic.
Ball skills⚠️ Emerging; some ball skills but still rawCan pass and offload but not yet refined.
Mobility and endurance⚠️ Moderate; needs to improve agility and conditioningMore of a power runner than mobile link.
Experience in middle✅ Played significant minutes in middle forward rolesFamiliar with ruck pace and middle traffic.
Tactical fit
  • Sione Fainu at lock would inject a tough, hard running traditional style middle to the pack -similar to how Carrigan plays for the Broncos. Development of his passing game could see him become a hybrid style lock; however, his ability to provide time and space for the halves will be limited until this develops.
What would need to change for success
  • Ball Playing: Must build the ability to acts a first or second receiver to enable the attack.
  • Role clarity: Needs structured system initially to provide and environment for success. This could change as his passing game develops.
Evaluation
CategoryRatingComment
Playmaking fit for lock⭐⭐⭐Good distribution & developing vision. Could elevate Tigers’ middle tempo.
Physical suitability⭐⭐⭐⭐Right size and possesses middle fitness middle fitness.
Defensive readiness⭐⭐⭐⭐A developing middle this is his bread and butter. Would require an improved level of fitness to cater for the increased workload at 13.
Tactical benefit to Tigers⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Would improve middle corridor attack and given time could develop his ball playing skills to become a hybrid style 13.
Overall conversion viability (medium-term)6/10Good potential with pre-season rebuild & gradual integration.

​

 
PART 3


Player: Mavrik Geyer​

Profile:
Age: Early 20s (developing talent)
Height/Weight: ~190 cm, ~102 kg (solid frame, good athleticism)
Position: Primarily edge forward / second row
Context: High work-rate, aggressive defender, decent ball skills for a forward, mobile – seeking a position in the Wests Tigers pack for 2026.

Lock potential:
AttributeAssessmentNotes
Physicality✅ Good size for lock, strong frameCan handle middle collisions.
Defensive capability✅ High work-rate, aggressive and reliable tacklerNeeds to adapt to constant middle traffic.
Ball skills⚠️ Moderate; not a natural ball player but can passLimited vision; not yet a distributor.
Mobility and endurance✅ Good mobility; high fitness levelCan cover ground well; suits modern lock role.
Experience in middle⚠️ Limited time playing middle forwardWould require positional learning.
Tactical fit
  • Geyer at lock is an unknown entity. He is not known for his passing game but could inject some power into the middle as a hybrid lock.
  • His edge running could provide beneficial second phase play off the likes of May, Bunty and Royce.
  • No likely to provide a first receiver or ball distributor role so there would be minimal attacking benefit for the halves.
What would need to change for success
  • Defensive conditioning: Must build middle-stamina — 30–40 tackles per game, tighter spacing, repeated contact.
  • Body technique: Learn to bend at the hips, maintain low body height through contact, and use leg drive.
  • Ball Skills: Needs to develop ball skills and decision-making; positional awareness in tight middle traffic; ball-playing would likely be limited initially.
Evaluation
CategoryRatingComment
Playmaking fit for lock⭐⭐½Ball skills require development. Could elevate Tigers’ middle tempo though.
Physical suitability⭐⭐⭐Right size, but needs middle fitness.
Defensive readiness⭐⭐⭐½Has the skills and attributes to transform.
Tactical benefit to Tigers⭐⭐Would have limited effect initially on our attacking structures as he is unlikely to provide time and space for the halves in the short term.
Overall conversion viability (medium-term)4/10Potential with pre-season rebuild & gradual integration. Most likely fit into a hybrid lock role with potential to grow into the role with improved offensive skills.

Verdict​

Of the three candidates identified …..
Adam Doueihi could convert into a modern ball-playing lock, provided he undergoes an intense pre-season focused on middle-defence conditioning and contact durability.
He already has the ball-skills, vision, and leadership that fit the evolving No. 13 role — and moving him there could both extend his career and transform the Tigers’ spine balance.
Sione Fainu and Mavrik Geyer are promising young forwards for the Wests Tigers, and evaluating them for lock potential taps into how the club can develop middle forward depth. Neither are a short term option. Sione Fainu is an important cog in the current middle rotation and shifting his focus would be detrimental to the pack’s effectiveness. Mavrik Geyer could be developed a short term depth option; however, it would be more beneficial to develop a specialist 13 through the junior grades into the position or recruit a developing 13 that has KoE experience.
 
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