‘There’s a line’: Alex Seyfarth vows to rein in temper as Wests Tigers try to break losing streak

Hot-headed Wests Tigers second-rower Alex Seyfarth has promised to lead by example as the club fields one of the youngest line-ups in the NRL era when they take on the Titans at Leichhardt Oval.

WOLLONGONG, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 07: Alex Seyfarth of the Wests Tigers talks to team mate Jahream Bula during the round 14 NRL match between St George Illawarra Dragons and Wests Tigers at WIN Stadium on June 07, 2024, in Wollongong, Australia. (Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)

His temper has drawn the ire of his coach and Tigers fans alike, but Alex Seyfarth has vowed to curb his fiery nature and regain the faith of the club. Seyfarth survived the axe this week despite committing a handful of penalties in the Tigers’ 50-point thumping in Wollongong last week.

The season-worst display prompted Tigers coach Benji Marshall to threaten changes to his line-up for Saturday’s clash against Gold Coast.

However the temperamental second-rower was only dropped to the bench, giving him another chance to make amends as the club look to avoid a 10th straight defeat.

Seyfarth admits he needs to work on his discipline.

“There’s a line, and me personally, sometimes I cross that line,” Seyfarth said.

“It’s a bit of frustration build-up, a bit of being a hothead, a bit competitive … I need to know when I’m in those moments.”

His admission comes as the Tigers look to field one of the youngest line-ups in the NRL era.

Teenagers Heath Mason and Jordan Miller are set to make their debut at Leichhardt Oval, joining fellow youngsters Alex Lobb, Tallyn Da Silva and Justin Matamua.

Alex Seyfarth admits he needs to be more selective about expressing his temper. Picture: Jason McCawley/Getty Images

And with veteran David Klemmer, Isaiah Papali’i and John Bateman unavailable, the 25-year-old Seyfarth becomes one of the team’s most experienced players.

“We don’t have too many players with too many games coming off the bench,” Seyfarth said.

“I want to lead by example, but I have to be a vocal figure on the field on where we want to finish our sets, and help Aidan out, help Api out, and just bring the whole team together.”

The Tigers welcome back experienced playmaker Aidan Sezer, who himself is coming back from a four-week suspension, joining skipper Api Koroisau in the halves.

“It’s felt like a long time but I’m excited to get back out there with the boys,” Sezer said.

“It’s always tough, it’s been tough everyone. Especially myself, I’d like to obviously be contributing and helping boys.”

Although much has been made about the Tigers lack of discipline, Sezer is ready to start letting his and his team’s actions do the talking.

“We’re a results-driven business,” Sezer said.

“So for us, we’ve addressed it, it’s about … action now.”

Tallyn Da Silva is back in first grade.

Da Silva’s return will mark just his sixth NRL game since making his debut last year.

He was the first of the club’s Harold Matthews (under-16s) side that claimed the title in 2022, which included Mason, Miller and Laulilii brothers Kit and Luke.

Da Silva’s selection comes after a self-admittedly poor start to the year.

“I thought I was already up to it, but it proves the game gets better every year,” he said.

“It has been my wrongdoing, the start to this year was very average, I wasn’t playing anywhere near my best footy.

“I’ve stopped blaming everyone else and had a look at my own actions.

“I have really tried to take accountability for my performances on and off the field, and since focusing on myself the results have finally shown.”