Many will write off Wests Tigers for at least another NRL season but history suggests that, under new coach Jason Taylor, they have a fighting chance at finals footy.
After five years, Taylor has returned as head coach of another struggling NRL side.
His three years at South Sydney ended unceremoniously in 2009 when he was sacked due to an altercation with forward David Fa’alogo during end-of-season celebrations.
But it’s worth noting that it was Taylor’s first year at the club in 2007 that delivered the Rabbitohs their first finals campaign in 18 years, just one year after winning the wooden spoon.
Since 2009, Taylor led the Roosters’ Toyota Cup side to two semi-finals, before joining Trent Robinson as assistant coach of the Roosters’ NRL side when they won the 2013 premiership from 13th place the year before.
“It’s been great to get back in front of a team and prepare for what’s probably the toughest comp in the world,” Taylor said.
“I’m confident that we’ll be in good shape, but we’ll find that out once we get to round one.”
It’s safe to say Taylor has his work cut out for him.
The 13th-placed Tigers had the worst defensive record in 2014, conceding more than 26 points per game.
Exciting young halfback Luke Brooks was a liability in particular, topping the competition’s missed tackle count at 116.
“All the guys have been working hard on their tackling, it’s an area of improvement,” Taylor said when asked about Brooks’ defensive woes.
What Brooks lacks in defence, however, he makes up for in attacking threat.
He’s part of promising spine that includes fullback James Tedesco, hooker Robbie Farah and five-eighth Mitchell Moses.
Taylor says one of the biggest challenges has been getting them to complement each other.
“Having talented players in those positions is important, but getting them to work together, to respect each other’s roles and giving each other the opportunity to play their best footy is also important.”
The other challenge is keeping them injury-free.
Taylor has overhauled the club’s training and rehabilitation programs, believing their tumultuous run of injuries can’t be down to just bad luck.
Tedesco missed most of last season with knee and ankle injuries and is racing the clock for round one, while promising utility Tim Moltzen has missed 41 games over the past two seasons.
“Irrespective of what was done in the past, we’ve got a plan,” Taylor said.
“We’ve worked hard on monitoring the guys and making sure they’re not overdoing it, but at the same time making sure they are fit enough to handle the NRL.”
Perhaps Taylor’s biggest challenge however has been getting the club to pull in the same direction after their 2014 season was derailed by off-field distractions.
Predecessor Mick Potter was accused of failing to properly communicate with the players, and he was sacked with a win record of just 35 per cent.
“Everything that has gone on before is behind us,” Taylor said.
“Asking questions that refer to the previous season is irrelevant to me. We’re working really hard to get the team together.”
WESTS TIGERS
Premierships: 1 – 2005
Finishes over the past three seasons: 2014 – 13th, 2013 – 15th, 2012 – 10th
Coach: Jason Taylor
Captain: Robbie Farah
Gains: Josh Drinkwater (London Broncos), Matthew Lodge (Storm), Kevin Naiqama (Panthers), Chance Peni (Knights), Brenden Santi (Eels), John Sila (Bulldogs).
Losses: Braith Anasta (retired), Blake Austin (Raiders), Adam Blair (Broncos), Jarred Farlow (French rugby), Liam Fulton (retired), James Gavet (Broncos), Marika Koroibete (Storm), Ben Murdoch-Masila (Panthers), Bodene Thompson (Warriors).
Strength: Their spine, James Tedesco, Robbie Farah, Luke Brooks and Mitchell Moses, have the potential to match it with the NRL’s best if they can just stay injury-free.
Weakness: Wests Tigers have young talent to burn, but harnessing that potential proved a bridge too far in 2014. New coach Jason Taylor has a big year ahead of him to get everyone pulling in the same direction – not to mention fixing their dodgy defence.
Money man: Luke Brooks, who picked up the NRL rookie of the year gong, is an excitement machine. But there are questions surrounding his defence.
One to watch: Fullback James Tedesco has had a horror run of injuries over the past two seasons. Having seen glimpses of his brilliance, everyone is eager to see a lot more.
Best team: James Tedesco, Kevin Naiqama, Tim Simona, Chris Lawrence, Pat Richards, Mitchell Moses, Luke Brooks, Aaron Woods, Robbie Farah (c), Keith Galloway, Curtis Sironen, Sauaso Sue, Kyle Lovett. Interchange: Ava Seumanufagai, Jack Buchanan, Dene Halatau, Josh Drinkwater.
Predicted finish: 11th
Betting: $51
