NRL Profile: Wests Tigers

Wests Tigers will be looking to finally move away from the foot of the NRL ladder after bringing in some big-name recruits for 2025.

It has been a rough era for the Tigers, who have not played finals since 2011, but finally there is some hope for their long-suffering fans.

The Tigers have been the most active club in the transfer market ahead of the new season, bringing in six new recruits.

All of them will add some quality and experience, so it is no surprise that there is a buzz of excitement around the place.

A return to finals may be just beyond them this season, but it is not beyond the realms of possibility.

Let’s take a look at how the Tigers are shaping up ahead of 2025.

Big season for Benji

Club legend Benji Marshall will embark on just his second season as a head coach and it looks like being a big one for him.

Marshall earned legendary status with the Tigers after making over 250 appearances as a player, before moving into coaching following his retirement.

The Kiwi took charge at the start of the 2024 season and managed to pick up just six wins along the way.

The Tigers finished bottom of the ladder, picking up the wooden spoon, but 2025 is expected to be a different kettle of fish.

Following some heavy investment, Marshall now has the roster to get the Tigers up the ladder.

However, it is still down to the head coach to get the best out of the players and get them functioning as a cohesive unit.

Taking that into account, there is some pressure on Marshall to deliver, despite this being just his second season at the helm.

Luai leads list of top recruits

The Tigers pulled off a huge coup when luring four-time premiership winner Jarome Luai away from the Penrith Panthers.

The star playmaker will now get the chance to lead the Tigers into the future and he will co-captain the club alongside another former Panther, Api Koroisau.

The Penrith connection does not end there. Sunia Turuva starred in the win for the Panthers last season and is another big signing for the Tigers.

Tyrell May arrives from the Sydney Roosters, while Royce Hunt and Jackson Bird have signed from the St George Illawarra Dragons.

Winger Jeral Skelton has also joined from the Canterbury Bulldogs and will add even more firepower.

 All of the new arrivals add to what is already a young and exciting squad.

Jahream Bula has already shown has already shown what a big talent he is and will look to kick on this season.

Wests Tigers odds

Reaching the top eight and playing finals could be a possibility for the Tigers if they keep their key players fit and on the field.

They are priced at 2.75 to make it and 1.45 to miss out on the eight.

Any odds displayed were correct at the time of writing and are subject to fluctuation.