Wests Tigers 2025 NRL season preview
2024 recap
2024 was another disastrous year for the long-suffering Tigers, who finished bottom of the ladder for a third straight season.
They did at least go into the final game of the season knowing a win would lift them into 16th, but a 26-60 stuffing by the Eels ruined their chances of creeping off the bottom.
On a positive note, they picked up a couple more wins than in 2023, and a few youngsters started to make a name for themselves – Lachlan Galvin in particular.
2024 position: 17th
Key signings
Jack Bird (St George Illawarra Dragons), Royce Hunt (Cronulla Shark), Jarome Luai (Penrith Panthers), Terrell May (Sydney Roosters), Jeral Skelton (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs), Sunia Turuva (Penrith Panthers)
Key departures
Solomon Alaimalo (Rugby union), John Bateman (North Queensland Cowboys), Chris Faagutu (Released), Asu Kepaoa (Penrith Panthers), Jordan Miller (Released), Isaiah Papali’i (Penrith Panthers), Aidan Sezer (Hull FC), Jake Simpkin (Manly Sea Eagles), Jayden Sullivan (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Junior Tupou (Dolphins), Stefano Utoikamanu (Melbourne Storm)
Players to watch
The arrival of Jarome Luai should herald the start of better things to come for the Tigers. Luai arrives off the back of four straight Premierships at the Panthers, and having been the support act to Nathan Cleary for much of his time there, the Tigers will be his team to lead around the field, and he’ll relish the chance to put his stamp on them.
Lachlan Galvin was the shining light for the Tigers in a disappointing campaign in 2024, and the pressure will be on him to deliver again. Still only 19, the arrival of Luai to play alongside him should take some of the burden off his young shoulders, but he’s no longer a surprise package for opposition defences, so expect him to be regularly tested.
Young gun
The Tigers fought off stiff competition from fellow NRL clubs and Rugby Australia to tie down Heamasi Makasini to a three-year contract. The 17 year-old centre was named Harold Matthews Cup Player of the Year in 2024, and a first grade debut looks a distinct possibility in 2025.
Our prediction – 16th
I’m expecting the Tigers to be a lot more competitive in 2025, but when I look at the other rosters I just can’t see them leaping over many sides. I’m backing them to finally end their wooden spoon jinx, but a finals spot still looks a real long shot, despite some impressive recruitment in the off season.
