Victory finally after 10 losses on the trot, two new halves signed for next year and Benji gets the coaching reins early – even earlier than he had hoped.
And as if all that wasn’t enough to keep the Wests Tigers faithful on their toes, along comes the rank stupidity of presenting the departing Luke Brooks – that famous chef – with a barbecue as a token of the club’s appreciation for his decade of loyalty and service!
Yes, a barbecue, of all things; I wonder where in the mantlepiece Brooksy will hang that memento from his long service at the Tigers…
I hope the genius that came up with that idea as a farewell gift for Brooks – and the manager who signed off on it – are feeling suitably embarrassed.
The focus should have been on the mighty effort against the Dolphins, especially the skipper, Api Koroisau, who backed himself to kick the winning penalty goal from the sideline with a minute left on the clock.
Either side of the Dolphins game, the club announced the signings of two halfbacks, one a rising star and the other an experienced player.
The youngster is Jayden Sullivan, who is currently with the Dragons.
The 21-year-old Illawarra junior will join Wests Tigers at the end of this season on a four-year deal.
He’s made 12 NRL appearances in 2023 including his team’s Magic Round loss to Wests Tigers in Brisbane where he scored two tries off the bench.
Wests Tigers assistant coach Benji Marshall, who will take over as head coach next season, is excited to have Sullivan on board.
“He’s a very talented young player with a bright future,” Marshall said.
Former Gold Coast Titans and Canberra Raiders halfback Aidan Sezer is the experienced man that’s coming to Wests Tigers in the 2024 NRL season.
The 32-year-old will return to the NRL after four seasons in the UK Super League, where he is currently playing for Leeds Rhinos.
Marshall also welcomed the Sezer signing, saying he will bring lots of experience to the squad.
Unlike the barbie for Brooks fiasco, signing these two is a very good strategic move.
Now Benji and Tim Sheens, and Robbie Farah for that matter, turn their attention to this Saturday’s Round 26 clash with the Roosters at Allianz Stadium – and perhaps the chance to win two in a row.
Api Koroisau replaces Jake Simpkin (HIA protocols) at hooker after playing halfback against the Dolphins, with Will Smith handed the No. 7 jersey.
ROUND 26 TEAM LIST:
- Jahream Bula
2. David Nofoaluma
3. Triston Reilly
4. Asu Kepaoa
5. Junior Tupou
6. Daine Laurie
7. Will Smith
8. Stefano Utoikamanu
9. Apisai Koroisau (c)
10. David Klemmer
11. Isaiah Papali’i
12. John Bateman
13. Fonua Pole
INTERCHANGE:
14. Justin Matamua
15. Alex Seyfarth
16. Alex Twal
17. Shawn Blore
