Wests Tigers Podcast

The off-season is officially underway, and the next time the Wests Tigers take the field, it will be in the USA!

On this edition of the Wests Tigers Podcast, Joel, Mitch, and Josh take a look at some of the recent off-field developments at the club. After an end-of-season review, we reckon something the club is determined to avoid next year is that mid-season slump.

And it looks like one of the ways of ensuring the team stays together and stays competitive is to have a more experienced squad. With the recent signing of Kurt Mann, the addition of Jayden Brailey and Jake Averillo, and the likely signing of Knights duo James Schiller and Tyson Frizell, the Wests Tigers look to have a lot more NRL experience to call on.

We discuss some of the finer details on these signings, including whether Mann will get first shot at the number 13 jersey, whether Schiller is an upgrade on the departing Jeral Skelton, and what role Frizell might play.

There's also some discussion about Josh Schuster and what role he might play, a chat that leads to a "tin foil hat" conspiracy theory around the future of Adam Doueihi.

We hope you enjoy this edition of the Wests Tigers Podcast and look forward to your comments regarding the Wests Tigers topics we've discussed.

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

🐯 Wests Tigers Podcast – Episode 494.

Wests Tigers Season 2026 Verdict.

8 wins. 16 losses. 15th place.

The 2026 season is finally over — and after the 38-10 loss to Penrith, the big question is:

ARE THE WESTS TIGERS ACTUALLY BETTER OFF THAN THEY WERE 12 MONTHS AGO?

Api says they are. But are they?

We asked the WTP Forum for ONE WORD to describe the season…

💥 SHITE
💥 ATROCITY
💥 DISSOLVED
💥 DONE
💥 DERAILED
💥 LATU

…and one fan simply said “nothing.”
😬 Harsh? Or fair?

Nick and Josh go through the Panthers loss and ask some BIG questions about where this club is heading:

🏉 Is Latu Fainu the answer in the halves?
💪 How much experience and depth does this squad really need?
🔥 Are Skelton and Tupou genuine 2027 contenders?
🐯 What did we learn from Vaka Aho’s debut?
📉 8 wins in 2026 compared with 9 wins in 2025 — are we actually progressing?
🤔 And was Api right when he said the Tigers have “left the place in a better position than last year”?

Then there’s the Panthers game itself — 26-0 at half-time, some seriously questionable defensive decisions, and a second-half fightback that briefly gave us something to talk about.

But here’s the question we REALLY want answered:

👇 ONE WORD.

What is YOUR one word to describe the 2026 Wests Tigers season?

And the second one…

👇 Are we genuinely better off than we were a year ago — YES or NO?

Have your say below. We know this one is going to divide Tigers fans!

🐯🔥🎙️ Episode 494 — Wests Tigers Podcast

#WestsTigers #WestsTigersPodcast #NRL #WTFamily 

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

🐯 **Wests Tigers Podcast – Episode 493**
The future of the Wests Tigers could be taking shape — and South-West Sydney is right at the heart of it!

The Tigers have committed to six games at Campbelltown in 2027, with the possibility of seven from 2029 as part of a huge 15-year agreement. Is this finally the club planting its flag in South-West Sydney? And what does it mean for the Leichhardt identity and the old Wests v Balmain debate?

We also look at the $50 million Campbelltown Stadium redevelopment, where that mystery home game should be played, and whether Campbelltown can become a genuine Tigers fortress.

Plus:
🔥 Jersey Flegg finals — can the young Tigers keep their season alive?
🇵🇬 Romey’s PNG visit — was it really an issue, and what does it say about the club?
💯 Terrell May’s 100th NRL game
🐯 Vaka Aho’s NRL debut — an eight-year pathway journey finally pays off
🏉 Panthers v Tigers — can the Tigers erase the memory of that 68-0 humiliation?
🔮 And of course… our score prediction!

Nick and Josh tackle all of that and plenty more in Episode 493 of the Wests Tigers Podcast.

🎙️ Listen now and join the conversation!

#WestsTigers #WestsTigersPodcast #NRL #WTFamily #NRL2026 

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

The Wests Tigers tried really hard on Saturday night to add another win to their 2026 total, but it wasn't to be. Blown off the field by the referee and bunker, and eventually overtaken by a fast-finishing Cowboys, the final score was 24-10.

One of the main talking points from the game was coach Benji Marshall's comments regarding the officiating, and this, naturally, is a main topic of interest on this edition of the Wests Tigers Podcast.

Joel, Nick and Josh look at whether Benji should have spoken up earlier, and whether, indeed, lower-ranked teams seldom get the rub of the green. Other items up for discussion include:

• The ongoing issues with the sides' Red Zone attack
• Some of the Tigers' better performers on the night
• Did Benji use the bench to suit the conditions?
• What the last couple of weeks might have taught us about Wests Tigers 2027
• The performance of Josh Schuster and Haze Dunster in NSW Cup

As always, all the 'One Word' submissions from the Wests Tigers Podcast Forum feature as well.

We're almost there, Wests Tigers fans; a well-earned rest for all of us is just ahead! 

Thanks again for your support of the Wests Tigers Podcast in season 2026.

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

Can the Wests Tigers finish the 2026 NRL season with a flurry? Well, next up is a Cowboys team that might just be ripe for the picking.

On this edition of the Wests Tigers Podcast, Joel and Nick are joined by Mitch for a look at all things Wests Tigers.

Things get started with Nick and Mitch giving us their take on the Tigers' memorable win over the Roosters, including some gloating by our own "Nostradamus", who picked the surprise result last week.

Some of the other talking points on this edition include:

• Is the halfback position Jock Madden's to lose?
• Should we give Javon Andrews and Latu Fainu more time to develop?
• Fonua Pole plays his 100th NRL game this weekend; is he a lesson for not giving up on young players?
• Josh Schuster makes his club debut in NSW Cup this weekend

And we preview the big game against the Cowboys in Townsville on Saturday night, including some pretty optimistic predictions.

As always, feel free to let us know your thoughts on all the latest Wests Tigers news and gossip on the Wests Tigers Podcast Forum.

We'll catch you again for hopefully a post-victory edition of the pod on Sunday night.

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

It was a really memorable afternoon for Wests Tigers fans on Sunday afternoon with the side beating the Roosters 25-24.

Rank outsiders, Wests Tigers turned up with the right attitude and managed to hold off their high-flying rivals, with a field goal by Jock Madden proving the difference.

On this edition of the Wests Tigers Podcast, Joel and Josh look back at what was a great game for the club, players, and fans.

Some of the main talking points include:

• How does this win rank against the Warriors' victory earlier in the year?
• Does this spell the end for Adam Doueihi at halfback?
• How good is Patrick Herbert going?
• The advantages of having reserves that have NRL experience
• Kudos to Pole, Seyfarth, May, Samuela and Sukkar

And, of course, there are all the 'One Word' submissions from the happy campers on the Wests Tigers Podcast Forum.

It's so great to bring you a post-win edition of the podcast!

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

The Tigers are in crisis — and with eight straight losses, an injury list that keeps growing and a massive clash against the Roosters coming up, there’s plenty to talk about. Nick Hayes is joined by Josh Burnell to discuss: 

The injury crisis — Adam Doueihi is officially done for 2026 after shoulder reconstruction, Taylan May’s season is over after his third shoulder dislocation, while Kai Pearce-Paul and Royce Hunt begin their return-to-play protocols.

Jock Madden’s bizarre injury — out for nearly a month after being kneed in the balls by Samuela Fainu at training before requiring emergency surgery! Our best possible 1–17 for 2027 — where do some of the boys fit? Who misses out?

The Tigers Crisis Meeting — What is the biggest problem at the club? Who is responsible? What would we change tomorrow? And, most importantly… is Benji Marshall still the man to take the Tigers forward?

Tigers v Roosters preview — Can the Tigers stop the rot against the red-hot, ladder-leading Roosters? Or are we staring down the barrel of nine straight losses?

Wests Tigers Podcast Episode 489 is out now! Listen, watch and let us know what YOU think needs to change at the Wests Tigers.

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

The Wests Tigers have taken another step on a long losing streak, this time going down to the Dragons 24-22.

Trailing 18-6 at the halftime break, the Tigers got close late in the game but ultimately succumbed to another loss.

That now makes it eight straight losses for a team that seemed to have finally turned the corner earlier this year.

On this edition of the Wests Tigers Podcast, Joel, Josh and Nick pull apart what just doesn't seem to be working on the field for the Tigers in recent times.

Some of the main talking points include:

• The impressive debut of Solomone Saukuru
• The ongoing clunkiness of the Wests Tigers attack
• Was the side, as Benji Marshall said, "good in patches"?
• The noteworthy performances of Pole and Tupou

Naturally, we run through the 'One Word' submissions from the Wests Tigers Podcast Forum.

And there's a mention of some interesting comments made by the Wests Tigers CEO in regard to his role and the governance of this football club.

It's tough times at the Wests Tigers; frankly, we're sick of it ourselves, but we hope you enjoy this edition, and thank you for sticking with us through the team's latest run of outs.

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

The loss to the Dragons 6 weeks ago was one of the Wests Tigers' low points this season, but there's a chance to get a little revenge on Sunday.

CommBank Stadium is the venue for this clash between two struggling joint-venture clubs, with the Dragons looking to make it two in a row after surprising the Sharks last week.

Of course, our boys had a much-needed week off with the bye, and that couldn't have come at a more needed time.

Catch this edition of the Wests Tigers Podcast with Joel, Nick and Josh for a look at the game on Sunday, including some fearless predictions.

Other main talking points on the pod include:

• The injury at training suffered by Josh Schuster
• The two-year deal signed by Jayden Brailey 
• Would Corey Horsbrough be a good addition to Wests Tigers?
• The long-awaited debut of Solomone Saukuru (with an update on his 2027 plans)

As always, join in the discussion on the Wests Tigers Podcast Forum, and we hope we all have a pleasant Sunday afternoon and a nice, happy podcast next time!

Thanks for your ongoing support. 

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

Well, it's happened again. The Wests Tigers have let a winnable game slip through their fingers (or claws).

After a lacklustre and sloppy sixty minutes, Wests Tigers managed to pop their noses ahead against those dastardly Eels.

But, almost like clockwork, some classic Wests Tigers poor discipline and flimsy defence invited the opposition team to take the two points.

That's now seven straight losses for the Tigers and a mortgage on second-last position on the NRL table.

On this edition of the Wests Tigers Podcast, we discuss an array of different topics, including:

• Was Benji Marshall right to be somewhat pleased with the side's performance?
• Was Adam Doueihi "Outstanding", as Benji described?
• Should Javon Andrews have been selected to debut in this game?
• Surgery time - who do we play after the walking wounded go under the knife?
• Is Samuela Fainu committed to Wests Tigers long-term?
• What could Jayden Brailey bring to the team next year?

And, for something different, instead of 'One Word' submissions, we decided this week to invite Wests Tigers Podcast Forum members to contribute a song or movie title to describe the performance, or the club at this point.

There were some really creative titles contributed.

With the bye week here and a chance for us all to charge our batteries a little, we hope you have a nice little break, and we'll see you again soon for another edition of the pod.

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