Wests Tigers 2026 season preview
2025 recap
A much-improved Tigers avoided the wooden spoon for the first time since 2021, and they even had an outside chance of a Finals spot for much of the year.
That wasn’t to be, but as far as progress goes, 2025 was a good year for Wests.
2025 position: 13th
Key signings
Kai Pearce-Paul (Newcastle Knights), Jock Madden (Brisbane Broncis), Mavrik Geyer (Penrith Panthers), Ethan Roberts (Sydney Roosters), Javon Andrews (Gold Coast Titans), Bunty Afoa (New Zealand Warriors)
Key departures
Solomona Faataape (Catalans Dragons), Charlie Staines (Catalans Dragons), Krystian Mapapalangi (Castleford Tigers), Josh Feledy (Released), Alex Lobb (Released), Justin Matamua (Released), Brent Naden (Released), Reuben Porter (Released), Brandon Tumeth (Released)
Players to watch
After two years in the NRL with Newcastle, Kai Pearce-Paul has made the move down to Sydney for 2026. The second rower has been solid but unspectacular in most of his 44 appearances for the Knights, and this feels like a big year for him if he’s to take the next step in becoming one of the world’s best in his position.
Much was made of Jarome Luai’s arrival ahead of 2025, and after a strong start he tailed off towards the end of the year. Still, the five-eighth has four Premiership rings, two Origin series wins and a World Cup Final appearance for a reason, and I’m expecting him to have a big year in 2026.
Young gun
At 25-years-old, Mavrik Geyer is hardly a youngster, but in NRL terms, he is a relative rookie. The second rower never quite cracked first grade with the Panthers, playing just 14 games in the NRL. Hopefully his move to the Tigers can be a springboard for his career.
Our prediction – 14th
I think it’ll be more of the same from the Tigers in 2026. I can’t see them getting a wooden spoon, but I can’t see them cracking the top eight either.
