The 2022 NRL season isn’t far away so Oscar Pannifex and Jason Oliver are previewing all 16 clubs before Round 1. Up next, it’s the Wests Tigers who start the year with their coach already in the hot seat.
Wests Tigers 2022 Season Preview:
- The 2021 NRL Season In 200 Words
- Predicted Profile In 2022
- Breakout Season Candidates: Jackson Hastings,
Luke BrooksStefano Utoikamanu - Sections Wishlist: Oliver Gildart, Doueihi straight into the halves
- SuperCoach Game Theory
- Notepad: The Nofoaluma Contract
- Predictions: Peak, Pass & Pit
The 2021 NRL Season In 200 Words
We’re looking back at the Wests Tigers 2021 Season Review for a quick recap on how it all played out.
Just when it felt like it couldn’t get any worse than another 9th-place finish for the Wests Tigers, they found themselves in 13th position by season’s end. To top it all off, we had unprecedented access to it all through Fox Sports’ Wild Wests: Tales from Tigertown docu-series.
We got all the usual Tigers’ rhetoric in 2021.
There was plenty of commentary about the future of coach Michael Maguire and his training philosophies, as well as the all too familiar debate around Luke Brooks, his form and the price of his playing contract. It all came to a head in Round 25 with a horror 0-38 loss to the last-placed Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs. Oh, to be a Tigers fan.
There is genuine optimism, however, in the form of Stefano Utoikamanu, Daine Laurie and Adam Doueihi who were revelations in their respective positions. Wests were every chance of finishing higher on the ladder had Doueihi and Laurie, in particular, lasted the season. Throw in the continued development of Alex Twal, Luciano Leilua, Luke Garner, Tommy Talau and Shaun Blore and the Tigers have plenty of talent they can build around moving forward if they can start to put in on the defensive end.
Predicted Profile In 2022
What will the Tigers attack look like this season? We take a stab at profiling their playing style ahead of Round 1 of the 2022 NRL season.
Per Fox Sports Lab, the Wests Tigers threw 298 offloads in 2021 to rank second in this category across the competition. David Nofoaluma (53), Luciano Leilua (37) and Jo Ofahengaue (25) were prolific generators of second phase play last year but the Tigers couldn’t make the most of these opportunities. They finished the season ranked 12th for total run metres, made just 107 linebreaks (ranked 10th) and scored a decidedly average 87 tries (equal 8th best) last year despite their ability to get the ball away.
For reference, Parramatta (312 offloads – 1st) and Melbourne (272 offloads – 3rd) had a similar offload tally in 2021 but where Wests scored just 87 tries, the Eels and Storm scored 107 and 151, respectively.
Enter Jackson Hastings.
If his first hit-out in Tigers colours is anything to go by, Hastings is the guy who can convert more of this second-phase play into points. Every time Leilua got his arm free against the Roosters in Week 2 of the trials, Hastings was there to back him up.
In this instance, Jacob Liddle collects the offload and gets a lightning-quick play-the-ball as the Roosters scramble. Hastings immediately takes possession over the advantage line and looks to capitalise. He squares up Victor Radley at A-defender before bouncing out and drifting across field to find Oliver Gildart with a nice long ball and the Englishman almost puts a move on Paul Momirovski to score in the corner.
I think we’re going to see a lot more of this from the Tigers in 2022. Hastings looks ultra comfortable in this role whereas Brooks has looked a little lost in the past. Wests needed to do a better job pushing up around Hastings here but once they develop some cohesion it’s easy to see actions like this ending in points for the Tigers in 2022.
It’s worth noting that Hastings’ fingerprints were all over two of the three tries Wests managed in this game. Despite playing half on the right edge, Hastings found himself at hooker on the left edge as he orchestrated Zane Musgrove’s 37th-minute try. Then later in the game it was Hastings taking three possessions in a good ball set to send Alex Seyfarth crashing over, again down that far left-hand side of the field.
I liked this from Hastings and the Tigers. Admittedly they played their best footy once Easts had subbed out their star players, but it’s evidence that Hastings will play a leading role in this side – whether by design or by nature.
His combination with former Wigan teammate Oliver Gildart at left centre had some promising moments and I think we will see Hastings work the ball to that side of the field often in 2022. If Leilua can get a quick play-the-ball or an offload on the right edge, look for Hastings, Brooks and Laurie to link up on the open side where Gildart and Ken Maumalo are waiting. The elite line-running of Luke Garner on that edge will help complement these actions, although rookie Kelma Tuilagi offers a more dynamic, tackle-busting option on the left edge.
It might not be overly clever or complicated, but at least it’s something. There are the beginnings of a game plan here to see and it’s one that fits the roster Michael Maguire has at his disposal in 2022. Unlike in previous seasons where the Tigers have sorely lacked in creativity and ball-playing through the middle of the field, Hastings and Tyrone Peachey can link up to trigger early shifts. Wests most dangerous players are out on the edge and will finally see some early ball against a scrambling defensive line.
Throwing the spanner that is Adam Doueihi in there somewhere is a problem for another day. For now, I’m looking to see if Hastings can have this kind of impact on a consistent basis and against full-strength first-grade sides. His direct and high-tempo style fills a gap in the squad for 2022, so while it may take some time for the players to be ready to make the most of the opportunities around him (as highlighted by the lack of support above), Hastings will have a big influence on how the Tigers attack develops over the next 25 rounds.
~ Oscar & Jason
Breakout Season Candidates
Some started to breakout in 2021 while others are ripe and ready to announce themselves to the NRL in 2022. Oscar and Jason highlight one player they think will take a leap this season.
Oscar: Jackson Hastings
I’ve said most of it in the segment above, but if you’re just skimming through then here it is. Jackson Hastings has been carving up the Super League as a dominant playmaker across two clubs for a few years now and I’m picking him to do the same at Wests in 2022.
The soap opera that is Luke Brooks’ position at the club will only get more dramatic once Hastings stamps his authority on this Tigers side. He was clearly the primary playmaker in Wests trial against the Roosters, even when he shared the field with Brooks to begin the match. Once Brooks was subbed, Hastings roamed from edge to edge in attack and set up two tries down the left despite being positioned on the right.
That trial game profiles as a bit of a metaphor for Wests’ 2022 season.
Brooks and Hastings will start the season and awkwardly jostle for the lead playmaking role until Adam Doueihi returns from injury and demands to be considered in there somewhere. I’m tipping it to result in Hastings playing down the left edge while Doueihi schemes on the right, leaving Brooks on the sidelines.
If I’m wrong and Brooks keeps his spot in the halves, I can see Hastings filling a ballplaying lock role through the middle in rotation with Tyrone Peachey. Either way, Hastings is primed for a breakout year in 2022 for mine.
Jason: Luke Brooks Stefano Utoikamanu
I could have put Luke Brooks here, but I won’t do that to you. Every year is the year he is going to be ‘unleashed’ and reach his potential, and while I do think he’s in for a good year, I’ve declared my Brooks belief enough over the off-season. Instead, it’s Stefano Utoikamanu.
The Tigers have nailed this signing. Not only did they pinch him off the Parramatta Eels, but they’ve locked him up early and extended him through to the end of the 2025 NRL season. Very, very good. And very un-Tigers-like…
Utoikamanu is a monster of a man and is slowly learning how to get the most out of his 191 cm and 115 kg rig. The 21-year-old reminds me a lot of Taniela Paseka at the Sea Eagles – an even bigger human – who is 24-years old and only just starting to consistently dominate with his size across big minutes.
Utoikamanu stood out in an average pack last year to run for 97 metres per game. Notably, he averaged 115.8 metres per game across 51.7 minutes throughout the ten matches he started. The yardage game is an area he is going to dominate for years to come.
What is also encouraging is the slightest hint of a passing game. It’s not very good right now. Still, the fact that it is a consideration and something he is working on sets Utoikamanu and the Tigers up well for the future. I’m eager to see how his game develops overall this season now that he has a target on his back.
Section Wishlist
Whether it be likely or unlikely, good or bad, Jason and Oscar have a couple of players on their selection wishlist in 2022.
Oscar: Oliver Gildart
Jase had tipped me about Oliver Gildart when the Tigers picked him up last year and I really liked what I saw in his trial against the Roosters. He had 12 touches in wretched conditions in that game and with those 12 touches Gildart managed six runs for 118 metres (two dummy-half scoots for 30m), four tackle busts, one offload, three passes and an attacking grubber.
He did also make two handling errors, but there were other factors at play and over 80 minutes he was a clear net positive. With 100+ games for Wigan and three International appearances for England under his belt, Gildart offers some experience and consistency to a very raw Tigers backline.
He also offers an instant combination with former Wigan teammate Jackson Hastings.
If Jase’s wish (see below) comes true and Adam Doueihi gets a halves position, I’m backing Hastings to be his five-eighth. It would see Hastings play down Wests left edge with Gildart at centre outside him. They linked up a few times to good effect in the trial against the Roosters and it’s a combination I want to see more of in 2022.
Jason: Doueihi straight into the halves
Don’t get cute when Adam Doueihi returns from injury, Madge.
We saw how that turned out last season…
Ideally, the temptation is there for Michael Maguire to reintroduce Doueihi into the side through the centres. It being an option means Luke Brooks and Jackson Hastings are linking up well in the halves and developing a formidable partnership. However, the best Tigers team will always involve Doueihi in the halves.
Maguire moved him out of desperation last year. Doueihi handed out five try assists in his return to five-eighth following the stint in the centres and that should put an end to the idea popping up in the future.
The centre position is of huge concern for the Tigers. It’s a weak spot in the 17 and Doueihi undoubtedly improves them at that spot. Still, this really is a good year to build for the future. The club is finally trending in the right direction and genuine improvement isn’t far away. It’s important Doueihi is playing in his best position to ensure the Tigers reach their ceiling over the next few years – however high that might be.
SuperCoach Game Theory
RLW is venturing into the fantasy space this year and Oscar will be keeping a rolling watch list from week-to-week. Not everything translates from field to fantasy but if something catches my eye or there’s value hiding somewhere, it’ll go on the list.
Stefano Utoikamanu ($457,200) – I’m tipping Utoikamanu to improve on his breakout year in 2021. The big unit’s minutes should creep up a little and with it his attacking output. The 35 tackle busts he managed last year might be hard to top but I think Utoikamanu’s got a few more offloads in him this year, particularly with how the Tigers played in the trials. I’ve got him in my squad.
Oliver Gildart ($280,000) – For a pretty cheap price you get a look at the cards, and it’s a price I’m willing to pay. Playing in what could be a struggling Wests side might hamper his SuperCoach scoring, but I think he can make some coin at the very least.
Jackson Hastings ($350,700) – At a whopping 27% ownership, you won’t be catching many opponents unawares when Hastings makes you some fast cash. You also don’t want to be the guy missing out. I’ve gone a little cooler on Hastings and his SuperCoach relevance but he’s in my team at the time of writing.
Kelma Tuilagi ($253900) – Young Kelma Tuilagi has a few things going for him in 2022. First of all, he’s 192cm, 108kgs and had spiders on him in the Roosters trial. Secondly, Luke Garner feels like he’s out of favour at Wests which means there could be a left backrow position on offer this year. Tuilagi had some nice involvements in the trials and he’s one to watch in the opening month.
Luciano Leilua ($539,900) – It looks like a lot of the Tigers attack is going to come through Leilua in 2022. He’s arguably Wests most dangerous attacking player and whether he’s making a half break and getting a quick play-the-ball or offloading through the line, Leilua will be the catalyst for plenty of Tigers points this year. It’s an awkward price but I can’t see him getting any cheaper.
2022 NRL Notepad
Jason has pulled the wrapper off a fresh notepad and has a few pages filled already with the 2022 NRL season in mind.
The Nofoaluma Contract
Having just said the recruitment and retention of Stefano Utoikamanu is very un-Tigers-like, David Nofoaluma’s extension through to the end of the 2025 NRL season is threatening to be a little too Tigers-like.
The 28-year-old struggled last season. His yardage game dropped in a year many wingers increased their output. With possession so important given how the game is being played right now, his 29 errors in 24 matches are crippling.
| Season | Games | Running Metres | Total Errors |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 24 | 134m | 29 |
| 2020 | 20 | 179m | 23 |
| 2019 | 14 | 155m | 13 |
| 2018 | 18 | 151m | 12 |
| 2017 | 24 | 173m | 26 |
Nofoaluma is always eager to get involved and is an effective winger when the Tigers are working out of their own end. He will go from one side of the field to complete the sort of tough carry others wouldn’t. However, he needs to find a balance and limit the errors in 2022. His contract runs for too long for him to be displaying a downturn this early.
His form is a key consideration for the Tigers this season.
Peak, Pass, Pit
Oscar and Jason give their predicted peak for the Tigers in 2022 along with a pass mark and worst-case scenario.
Peak
10th: There are too many good or improved teams in 2022 for me to get Wests any closer to the finals than 10th position. We would need to see career seasons from Luke Brooks, Jackson Hastings, Daine Laurie, Luciano Leilua and probably a few more for the Tigers to truly threaten 8th place given the calibre of teams vying for only a few vacant spots in the Top 8. That doesn’t mean, however, that 2022 can’t be a successful building year with 2023 in mind. ~OP
11th: It’s strange. I feel better about the Tigers than I did this time last season, but have their ceiling for 2022 lower. Doueihi’s injury is a big part of that. So too is the likely sacking of Maguire if things don’t go to plan early. However, there are some good parts to this roster and more quality arriving in 2023. They look set to struggle more often than not but always have points in them. I’d rather see them improve defensively, though. ~JO
Pass
13th: It’s important the Tigers don’t slide too far from their 13th place finish of 2021. They have key arrivals on the horizon with Api Koroisau and Isaiah Papali’i confirmed for 2023 and more sure to follow. It feels like Wests are trending – albeit slowly – in the right direction and the pass mark will be to maintain that trajectory heading into 2023. ~OP
9 Wins: Adding one extra win in 2022 feels like a reasonable goal for the Tigers. Like last year, a lot of this season will need to be measured on how they play more than whether or not they win. Still, improving on 2021’s total would set them up well for a real crack at the NRL’s Top 8 next year. ~JO
Pit
Wooden Spoon: I’ve got the Tigers fighting it out with a few clubs to avoid the Spoon in 2022. This roster is still very raw across the park and there are some lingering holes in the playmaking department. Jackson Hastings and Adam Doueihi are guys I think can fill those holes, but I don’t think we’ll see the best of either of them this year. 2023 on the other hand, is looking more promising. ~OP
Wooden Spoon: The potential for dysfunction is enough on its own to put them here. Maguire is already in the hot seat and yet another coaching change won’t help them this season. In a season that is likely to be disrupted due to players isolating, Wests depth is a major concern too. ~JO