NRL 2022: What went wrong for Wests Tigers? Full post-mortem into wooden spoon season
Just four wins - and one spoon at the end - told the story of an abject disaster for Wests Tigers in 2022. But they have no regrets over the most controversial call of their horror campaign.
Wests Tigers chair Lee Hagipantelis insists he has no regrets over the club’s mid-season axing of Michael Maguire and revealed he had apologised to corporate supporters and fans following another season of abject disappointment.
The Tigers finished the 2022 season with the wooden spoon, having won only a handful of games over the course of a tumultuous year that eventually cost Maguire his job.
In his place, the Tigers will start next season with Tim Sheens in charge, part of a succession plan that will eventually see favourite son Benji Marshall take the reins alongside long-time teammate Robbie Farah.
“We can’t put any positive spin on it,” Hagipantelis said.
“It was disastrous as far as results are concerned. I recently spoke at the Kelly Barnes award and proffered my apologies and regret to all of our stakeholders, including our corporate partners and fans and members.
“I think this year’s results were inevitable in the sense that it was the nadir of the last four years. If you look at the last four years we have gone 9th, 11th, 13th and 16th.
“We have now drawn a line in the sand – this is a line-in-the-sand moment. We have taken stock of who we are, what our identity is and what we have to do moving forward.
“There has been a massive injection of Tigers DNA into the club with Tim and Benjji and Robbie. What we need to do is take one step forward on what may be a long journey.
“But we have to work our way out of this and I am confident we will.”
Maguire was the biggest casualty of another underperforming year, although changes are also expected within the playing squad given the way things unfolded.
The Tigers have made an inquiry about Melbourne star Cameron Munster while Marshall has taken the lead role in player recruitment – it is understood he sent texts to the likes of James Tedesco and Mitchell Moses, asking their interest in potentially returning one day.
The biggest decision the club faces in the off-season is over the future of halfback Luke Brooks. Sheens wants him to stay but his future may be dictated by his own desire and whether he craves a fresh start.
The Tigers are preparing for a fresh start of their own, having made the decision in June to part ways with their coach. Asked whether he harboured any regrets over that call – the Tigers barely won a game after Maguire’s departure – Hagipantelis said: “Not for one moment. We had committed to the coaching structure as it was for the entire year.
“Unfortunately circumstances changed and our hand was forced in a sense. We decided we had to move in a completely different direction as far as our culture and identity were concerned.
“You couple that with the results as well and as a board we had no choice but to make what was a difficult decision. We just felt we had to make that decision at that time.”
The decision made, Hagipantelis believes there is reason for optimism. Api Koroisau and Isaiah Papalii will be key recruits next season while the Tigers blooded some youngsters at the back end of the year. Most optimism surrounds their new brain’s trust, which will officially take charge on November 1.
“There is a sea-change,” Hagipantelis said.
“I think Tim, Benji and Robbie are going to sit back and take stock over the next few weeks.
“There has been a lot of work done so far as our recruitment and retention has been done behind the scenes.
“I can’t tell you the number of depth charts and analysis that has been done going back to 15 year olds.
“I think this has been a historic year for all the wrong reasons. I think we have drawn a line in the sand. None of it for one moment demean or diminish the significance of this year’s results.
“We share the pain and disappointment of all the members and fans. We are not immune to legitimate criticism and we take it on board.
“But every decision, every step taken, has been to further the interest of the Wests Tigers only.”
WESTS TIGERS 2022 SEASON IN REVIEW
What went wrong:
Everything. It all began with the dismal handling of ex-coach Michael Maguire’s departure. In every bit of a warning to the current St George-Illawarra management, the Tigers decision-makers failed to make a call on the off-contract Maguire until June this season. The call should’ve been made ahead of the 2022 pre-season. Adding to the Tigers season of woe was the constant uncertainty over Luke Brooks, injuries in their pack, the sudden exit of Luciano Leilua and David Nofaluma and the fact that their key signing Isaiah Papali’i would prefer to stay at Parramatta.
What went right:
Very little. The return of key playmaker Adam Doueihi from a knee reconstruction for the final 11-games, the late-season buy of Brent Naden and the opportunity to blood promising talent Fonua Pole and Asu Kepaoa.
Turning point:
When they missed out on Cameron Ciraldo as their replacement for Michael Maguire. The failed pursuit of Ciraldo sent the Tigers into a spin, forcing them to produce what is a huge hail Mary play of veteran Tim Sheens taking over as head coach in 2023 with Benji Marshall working as his understudy.
2023 Gains and Losses:
Gains: Apisai Koroisau, Isaiah Papali’i
Losses:
Luke Garner (Panthers), Luciano Leilua (Cowboys), Thomas Mikaele (Warrington), Kelma Tuilagi (Sea Eagles)
Who they should sign:
A fullback. The Tigers must make a serious dent in the player market by going big for the likes of James Tedesco, Joey Manu, Cameron Munster, Scott Drinkwater or Will Kennedy.
Predicted 17 for 2023:
1. Daine Laurie
2. Brent Naden
3. Starford To’a
4. Asu Kepaoa
5. Ken Maumalo
6. Adam Doueihi
7. Luke Brooks
8. Stefano Utoikamanu
9. Api Koroisau
10. Joe Ofahengaue
11. Isaiah Papalii
12. Shawn Blore
13. Jackson Hastings
Bench:
14. Nu Brown
15. Jake Simpkin
16. Alex Twal
17. Fonua Pole
Why they’ll improve:
Undeniably the arrival of Api Koroisau and Isaiah Papali’i, who individually will bring creativity to the Tigers spine and powerful hole-running on their edges. Despite an element of gamble, Tigers fans should also be satisfied, that at the very least, the club now have a vision and stability for the future with Tim Sheens at the helm before Benji Marshall takes over.
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