Wests Tigers 2022: David Nofoaluma reveals change in Michael Maguire and Luke Brooks

Renowned as one of the most intense coaches in the NRL, Wests Tigers boss Michael Maguire stunned his squad with this rare moment of kindness.

Nofoaluma hasn’t given up hope of playing Origin. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

“I have never seen him step up in that way.”

That is the surprise statement from Wests Tigers winger David Nofoaluma on Luke Brooks, as they enter their 10th season as NRL teammates.

In a wide-ranging interview with The Daily Telegraph, Nofoaluma lifts the lid on the new approach from Brooks and coach Michael Maguire, reveals the Tigers’ plans to launch their own version of Victor Radley and the bolter pushing to claim a starting spot in the club’s round one backline.

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MADGE SURPRISE

It’s the first day of February and the mercury is nudging a hot and humid 34 degrees.

Wests players know they are in for a gruelling day of conditioning at their makeshift base of demountables out at Concord.

Only halfway through a full day of training, Maguire does something players have never seen before.

“We had a really big day, Madge walks in and tells the boys ‘you’ve done really well in today’s session and the week so far, you boys can have the rest of the day off’,” winger David Nofoaluma revealed.

“The boys were cheering, we couldn’t believe it. That’s something Madge doesn’t do. For Madge to be like that, that’s something that doesn’t happen.

“I can see he’s taken on board looking after the players. If you put in the work, you will be rewarded. And that’s nice to see because we all know Madge is usually very grumpy.”

David Nofoaluma has taken The Daily Telegraph inside Wests Tigers pre-season. Photo: Wests Tigers

TIGERS TENSION

Facing a 10th straight season without a finals appearance, the Tigers were plagued with constant speculation about player unrest and a fracture between Maguire and his players last year.

But Nofoaluma believes Maguire’s tough love and physical coaching methods – which haven’t always been popular with players – will finally deliver.

“He used the physical side of things in the past few pre-seasons to get the players to buy into the strong mentality. It was hard but it’s getting through.

“But I don‘t think there was tension between the players and Madge. The tension was coming from the outside.

“When you don’t win games, the pressure is on the coach. It played a part in last season, and no one wants to be distracted.

“This year there are a lot of new faces that have brought a fresh vibe and energy. We’ve recruited the right players, it’s the fresh start we need.”

SIXES AND SEVENS

Maguire isn’t the only Tiger to change his stripes. Maligned halfback Brooks has faced constant speculation about his future at the club. But Nofoaluma believes the injection of Jackson Hastings into the halves has ignited a spark not seen before in Brooks.

“Brooksy has been at the club for a long time, he really wants to take control, I have never seen him step up in that way, it’s a good sign for the club and himself,” Nofoaluma said.

“Since Jackson has come, he’s let him know he’s the one in control and Jackson can play his type of footy and he can just play off the back of what Brooksy and the team have in place.”

Luke Brooks has made it clear who is running the team. Photo: Wests Tigers

ROUND ONE

With Adam Doueihi and Tommy Talau out with ACL injuries and AJ Kepaoa (pec) also sidelined, Maguire still has a number of contenders for the left centre spot including an untried rookie.

“We signed Star To’a from Newcastle, and he’s been filling in at the left centre position and of course we have Oliver Gildart, who has been training well,” Nofoaluma said.

“We also have a young kid called Iverson Fuatimau, who has had a few training sessions playing on my inside and doing a good job.”

The Tigers signed impressive 21-year-old Fuatimau from the Bulldogs late in 2020.

Bolter: Rookie Iverson Fuatimau has been training inside Nofoaluma during the summer. Photo: Wests Tigers

In the pack, Maguire is preparing to turn new recruit Tyrone Peachey into his own version of Victor Radley in the No.13 jumper.

“The lock position, it’s a massive role in terms of the likes of Victor Radley, he’s a ball-playing lock. That’s a big threat in teams because not many locks can play in that role, Tyrone can,” Nofoaluma said.

Alex Twal played 11 games and Joe Ofahengaue eight at lock last season, while Thomas Mikaele and Alex Seyfarth also filled in at certain points during the year.

TRIES, DALLY M AND BLUES

Nofoaluma has declared this pre-season as the best he has felt both physically and mentally. It has the flyer primed to claim not only personal accolades but a finals berth for the Tigers.

“I want to become top try scorer, I want to be the Dally M winger of the year again,” Nofoaluma said.

“Origin is still there. I need to be good individually but so does my team, when a team is successful and you’re performing that ups your chances of selection.”

Former Sydney Roosters assistant coach Nathan Cayless. Photo: Wests Tigers

NEW-FOUND DEFENCE

Former Parramatta captain and Roosters assistant coach Nathan Cayless is another new face making an impact at the Tigers..

As the defence coach, Cayless has spent the summer imparting some of the wisdom learned at Bondi under Tricolours coach Trent Robinson in a bid to shore up the Tigers’ line.

The Tigers conceded the second most tries (127) and linebreaks (155) in 2021 with only North Queensland worse over the course of the season.

“The boys have completely bought into his defensive systems. I don’t exactly know what the Roosters systems are like but what he has brought with him is confidence and we can already see the difference. It’s no secret the best defensive sides challenge to win the competition every year,” Nofoaluma said.

Originally published as Wests Tigers 2022: David Nofoaluma reveals change in Michael Maguire and Luke Brooks