Wests Tigers have returned to the drawing board for 2024 after winning their second consecutive wooden spoon,
with head coach Benji Marshall and seven new players joining the team.
Although Jarome Luai’s 2025 contract has received all of the attention lately, the Concord team will be keen to show
that the future is now and start their ascent out of the NRL basement.
The Tigers’ attack appears to be led by young guns Jayden Sullivan and experienced player Aidan Sezer. However,
with 18-year-old Latu Fainu joining the team for a four-year contract, the two playmakers will be constantly
watching each other during preseason.
The emergence of Dally M Centre Justin Olam and rising U/19s Origin star Josh Feledy has created a good rivalry
among the outside backs as well. The Wests Tigers backline would greatly benefit from Olam’s winning mentality
and 104 NRL games of experience, so he must be present for the season’s first match. Starford To’a, the 2023
breakout star, and Brent Naden, who has been plagued by injuries, are anticipated to compete for the position of
partner for the Storm star.
After an impressive debut campaign in which he broke 59 tackles and averaged 159 metres per game, electrifying
fullback Jahream Bula will definitely have the first opportunity to wear the No. 1 shirt.
When they line up for a second season in the black, white, and orange, returning 2023 recruits Api Koroisau, David
Klemmer, and John Bateman will also be driven to finally bring some success to long-suffering supporters.
The first round Team:
Bula Jahream
Charlie Staines
Justin Olam Starford To’a Tupou, Junior
Aidan Sezer
Sullivan Jayden
Utoikamanu Stefano
Koroisau Api
Klemmer David
John Bateman Isaiah Papali’i
Pole Fonua
Fainu Samuela
Alex Twal
Asu Kepaoa
Matamua Justin
Solomon Alaimalo (Super Rugby), Aidan Sezer (Leeds Rhinos), Latu Fainu (Sea Eagles), Samuela Fainu (Sea Eagles),
Jayden Sullivan (Dragons), and Justin Olam (Storm).
David Nofoaluma (released), Daine Laurie (Panthers), Shawn Blore (Storm), Luke Brooks (Sea Eagles), Tommy
Talau (Sea Eagles).
Everyone will be watching the Wests Tigers in 2024 as they attempt to be the only team with new players at halfback
and five-eighth at the beginning of the season.
Although Super League signee Aidan Sezer and Dragons rookie Jayden Sullivan appear destined to get the first crack
at leading Benji Marshall’s team around the paddock, there won’t be any margin for error with several playmakers in
the wings.
Lachie Galvin and Latu Fainu, two up-and-coming playmakers who were both signed to long-term contracts last
season and appear poised to make an impression in first grade by 2024, are highly anticipated by the team.
With their remarkable speed and ball abilities, both 18-year-olds will be competing to start the Tigers’ assault, so
whomever gets the first crack will need to be on fire from the get-go to keep the younger players waiting in the wings.
