It was great to see the Wests Tigers in action on Sunday, though most of our star players were absent.  This edition of the Wests Tigers Podcast is a look back at the 20-14 (four tries to three) loss to the Bulldogs at Kogarah. As per tradition, we start with a healthy list of 'One Word' submissions about the trial from members of the Wests Tigers Podcast Forum.  Then we look at some of the positives to come out of the game, including the impressive performances of guys such as Kit Laulilii, Solomon Saukuru, and new buy, Jeral Skelton. These good showings might make for some rethinking of the round one Wests Tigers team, along with this Friday night's trial against the Eels at Leichhardt Oval. Other positives? It is fair to say that the Wests Tigers look fitter than last year, while there seems to be some real class coming through in the next generation of playmakers. While the strong performances from Royce Hunt and Brent Naden in the Indigenous All-Stars game also give us reason to be optimistic. More questions than answers Joel Helmes, Garry Watson, and Nick Hayes, also look at some of the head scratches that still exist, including:

• Sione Fainu, is he a chance of playing on an edge in the NRL?
• What will Tim Johannssen's future bring?
• Who will play fullback in Round One if Bula isn't available?
• What is going on with Justin Olam and his knees?
• If he is out, who will play centre for Round One?
• Is Luke Laulilii out for an extended period?

Some things to be concerned about too. On the other side of the coin, the boys raise some concerns out of the trial match, including the performance of a couple of guys who we thought might be genuine NRL prospects this year. We hope you enjoy this first post-match edition of the Wests Tigers Podcast for 2025 and don't forget to join the conversation right now at the Wests Tigers Podcast Forum! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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