Happy New Year, Wests Tigers 2026 fans! The Wests Tigers Podcast is relaxed and recharged, ready for a big and enjoyable NRL season.On this edition of the podcast, Joel and Declan discuss all the most recent Wests Tigers News, including a detailed look back at the protest action held in December. This rally was not just a sign of frustration but a testament to the passionate support of the Wests Tigers community, illustrating the deep connection fans have with the team. The Pratten Park rally was a defining moment for the club, showcasing the unwavering dedication of the fans. Despite some individuals attempting to sow division, the collective spirit of the fan base has never been stronger, indicating a hopeful future for the club. Such moments of solidarity remind us that the Wests Tigers are more than just a team; they are a community brought together by a shared passion for rugby league and a commitment to supporting one another.Aside from that action, which we hope we never have to see again (are you paying attention, HBG?), we discuss the ongoing dramas around the Jahream Bula contract situation. His potential departure has raised many questions among fans about the club's strategy and future direction, making this a hot topic ahead of the new season.Rumours just won't go away that the Bulldogs are keen on our young fullback, and that's despite signs of optimism from Wests Tigers management that he would be staying long-term with us. The stakes are high, and fans are eager to see how this will unfold, especially with Bula's talent shining through last season.We discuss some important points regarding the situation, including the implications of Bula’s contract on the team dynamics and future performance. His contributions to the squad have been invaluable, and losing him could be a significant setback for our ambitions this season and beyond.

• Is Bula the guy you break the bank for? With his skill set and on-field performance, many fans believe investing in him is essential for the team’s future.
• Can the new-look Wests Tigers admin afford to lose him? The impacts on team morale and performance could be profound if key players leave.
• Why did high-touted young fullback Jack Attard come to Wests Tigers on a three-year deal? 

Also on this edition of the Wests Tigers Podcast, we discuss our 2026 NRL recruits. Of the recruits, including Bunty Afoa, Kai Pearce-Paul, and Ethan Roberts, we name the player that we expect to have the biggest impact on the Wests Tigers team in season 2026. Then there's a round of Buy, Sell, or Hold with topics up for discussion, including:

• Does the long-term contract for Benji Marshall set him up for success?
• Will Jack Bird play NRL for Wests Tigers in 2026? 
• Will the Wests Tigers win ten or more games this season? 

We hope you enjoy this first pod of 2026, and we look forward to talking about everything Wests Tigers right through the season. Let’s keep the conversation going! Feel free to join in the discussion today on the Wests Tigers Podcast Forum. Your insights and opinions are invaluable to the community.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wests-tigers-podcast--6660380/support.