Wests Tigers 2015 Preview

The Wests Tigers 2014 campaign was riddled with infighting, injuries and income issues. A rift between CEO Grant Mayer, Captain Robbie Farah and coach Mick Potter carried on over the last 2 months of the season, completely derailing the club. They had just annihilated Grand Finalists Canterbury by 46-18, elevating them to 9th on the ladder, just one win behind then 4th placed Souths.

But the rumours and infighting consumed the club. They went from being a win from being in the top 5 to losing 6 straight games most by heavy margins. Over those 6 weeks they scored a meagre 50 points and conceded a whopping 225, which saw them plummet down the ladder to 13th and finished the year with the worst defensive record of all the NRL sides.

By season's end, Potter's contract was not renewed and he was later replaced by Jason Taylor, who has immediately set about making changes to improve the player's fitness and reduce injuries.

The year wasn't a total disaster, as it saw the emergence of Luke Brooks, Mitchell Moses and the impressive form of James Tedesco prior to his season ending knee injury.

2015 hopes to be a season of unity, cohesion, improvement and the beginning of a long run of success for the club.

WHY THEY'LL WIN IT
There are some similarities between this Tigers side and their 2005 team. A skilful and speedy spine, with a good mix of experience and youth smattered around them. The Tigers side of 2015 will recapture their tag of being entertaining once again.

WHY THEY WON'T
Defence. The Tigers halves Moses and Brooks were two of the poorest defenders in 2014. Defending beside them will be back-rowers who are more well known for their attack and less so for their defence.

PLAYER TO WATCH
James Tedesco
He will be hoping that third time's a charm and manages to avoid any serious injuries for the season. His combination with Brooks has already bore fruit and can only get better the more game time they get together. It will also ensure that playmaking and attacking duties will be spread across all 4 players evenly, making the Wests Tigers less predictable.

ROOKIE TO WATCH
Manaia Cherrington
The young hooker is a very lively player and has a lot of similarities with club captain Robbie Farah. Cherrington is explosive out of dummy half and very skilful with the ball in hand. If Farah is once again selected for Origin duties, Cherrington may very well find himself in the top grade. He will form a very skilful spine in the clubs future with Brooks, Moses and Tedesco.

PLAYER MOVEMENTS
GAINS - Josh Drinkwater (London), Kevin Naiqama (Penrith), Chance Peni (Newcastle)
LOSSES - Braith Anasta (retired), Blake Austin (Canberra), Adam Blair (Brisbane), Jarred Farlow (French Rugby Union), Liam Fulton (retired), James Gavet (Brisbane), Jy Hitchcox (Featherstone), Cory Paterson (Salford), Bodene Thompson (Warriors)

BEST LINEUP
1. James Tedesco 
2. David Nofoaluma
3. Chris Lawrence
4. Tim Simona
5. Pat Richards
6. Mitchell Moses
7. Luke Brooks
8. Aaron Woods
9. Robbie Farah
10. Keith Galloway
11. Curtis Sironen
12. Sauaso Sue
13. Dene Halatau
Interchange: 14. Martin Taupau, 15. Ava Seumanufagai, 16. Matthew Lodge, 17. Sitaleki Akauola