[dropcap]T[/dropcap]here may have been nine new faces when preseason training started last year, but by the time round one rolled around the Wests Tigers looked like a team that had been together for years, says Corey Thompson.
“We gelled really quickly, which I think is a credit to the recruitment officers who chose the new players to come to the club,’’ he tells the South West Voice in Macarthur during a visit to Campbelltown Hospital last Thursday for a World No Tobacco Day promotion.
“If you saw us just before round one you would think we’d been together for years,’’ says Thompson.
“And that shows with the games we won, we never give up, we’re always pushing for each other.
“I think that mould we created will hold us in good stead as we head towards the end of the season.’’
Thompson was one of the new recruits, but luckily for him another one was a former Bulldogs teammate, Josh Reynolds.
“It was good to see Josh there – he is a big ball of energy, always in a good mood at training, I really enjoy playing with Grubby again, and I think all the other boys do as well,’’ he says.
“I love it at the Wests Tigers – I started preseason only knowing Josh Reynolds but all the boys welcomed me with open arms and we had a great start to the year and then a bit of a rough patch, but I’m really enjoying it.’’
Coach Ivan Cleary has used Thompson both on the wing and in his preferred position of fullback.
“If I had a choice I’d take fullback – I grew up playing there, but I also enjoy playing on the wing,’’ says Thompson.
“But I do like playing fullback, getting in there and following the big boys and getting offloads and that.
“But if playing on the wing is best for the team I am happy to be there.’’
Thompson says he’s really enjoying his time at the Wests Tigers, but he also has fond memories of his NRL debut year when he played in the 2014 grand final for the Bulldogs.
“I really enjoyed that year, my debut year, but in saying that this year I have really enjoyed my footy, and especially the coach showing faith in me to do the job,’’ says Thompson.
He has nothing but praise for the boss: “Ivan Cleary’s really good, all the players trust him and value what he says, especially when we make errors or are not sure what to do.
“I think everyone gets a lot of confidence from him and from knowing Ivan and the coaching staff have their backs.’’
While his personal goal is to play every game this year, Thompson believes the club hopes to make the finals this season.
“I think our goal is to make the finals, and then push as far as we can in the finals,’’ he says.
Thompson says he’s been impressed with the club set up and he would love to see out his career at the Wests Tigers.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“The way the club is now, the front office, the people behind the scenes, staff, the playing group, I really love it there,’’ he says.[/social_quote]
“I’d love it if I could spend a few more years there, even longer, but it comes down to me playing good footy and hopefully they want to keep me there.’’
Heading into round 13 and a clash with the Roosters this Sunday, the Wests Tigers have won seven matches so far, which is as many as they did all last season.
So, Corey, will the Wests Tigers beat the depleted Roosters?
“Yes, I think so, we need to win and bank another two points,’’ he says.
