The Wests Tigers proved too strong for Parramatta on Friday night at Leichhardt Oval.

On this edition of the Wests Tigers Podcast, Joel Helmes is joined by Steve Stretton and Nick Hayes to break down the trial win over the Eels.

The boys look at some of the main talking points out of the game, including the form and contribution of recruits Terrell May, Jack Bird, Jeral Skelton, and Royce Hunt.

There's discussion around the possible backline for round one, including whether Adam Doueihi will take one of the centre spots, and Heath Mason's prospects at fullback (if chosen). 

And, naturally, there's a discussion around the Wests Tigers halves with one Wests Tigers Podcast Forum member calling for a radical rethink before the season starts.

Wests Tigers forwards impressed

The Wests Tigers made more metres than the Eels, more post-contact metres, and made more tackle breaks, but despite this, there were a couple of forwards that had relatively quiet games on Friday.

Joel, Steve and Nick take a look at the forward stocks and discuss what might be the best combo for the game against the Knights next weekend.

Hooker discussion also comes up with Tristan Hope impressing in his time on the field, but has he done enough to take the nine jersey from Tallyn Da Silva for that game? 

Do we stick with Alex Twal at lock?

And, is it just us, or have this Tiger's team bonded better over the off-season than going into previous seasons? 

Referee Ashley Klein also gets a mention, though not in a particularly positive manner!

Lots of listener contributions

Thank you to all the members of the Wests Tigers Podcast Forum who contributed their 'One Word' responses, naturally, we will stick with this tradition through the season.

Check out some further tweaks made on the forum, including changes to advertising settings which should make for a better user experience through season 2025.

That's it, the 2025 NRL pre-season is over (thank heavens), let's get on board and enjoy a huge Wests Tigers year together! 

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