The Mole's Wests Tigers best 17: Boom teenager tipped to pip gun recruits to prized spot
The big dilemma for Tigers coach Benji Marshall revolves around a couple of positions he knows only too well - the halves.
Veteran Aidan Sezer, after four seasons in the UK, is back and will most likely steer the ship in the No.7 jumper - to start the year at least.
But who will partner him is intriguing.
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Promising youngsters Latu Fainu (Sea Eagles) and Jayden Sullivan (Dragons) were both brought in to play five-eighth but boom rookie Lachlan Galvin - fresh out of school - has been training at six for much of the summer and impressing all the right people.
At this stage I think he may get the nod for round one.
PNG star Justin Olam - out to restore his reputation after a disappointing 2023 at the Storm - will get a centre spot, with Brent Naden pushed out to the wing.
Wests Tigers young gun Lachlan Galvin. Supplied
The forwards will look much like they did in last year's wooden spoon season but expect Manly recruit Samuela Fainu to force his way into the 17.
Promising hooker Tallyn Da Silva is also likely to be in the squad to take some of the heat off veteran skipper Api Koroisau.
Look for a big year from lock Fonua Pole - he was impressive in his rookie season and will have benefited from a full off season.
Watch the NRL All Stars clash on Friday February 16 live and free on Nine and 9Now
2024 gains: Latu Fainu (Sea Eagles), Samuela Fainu (Sea Eagles), Jayden Sullivan (Dragons), Aidan Sezer (Leeds Rhinos), Solomon Alaimalo (Super Rugby), Solomona Faataape (Brisbane Tigers), Justin Olam (Storm)
The Mole reveals every club's most under-pressure player in 2024
The Mole reveals every club's most under-pressure player in 2024
2024 losses: Luke Brooks (Sea Eagles), David Nofoaluma (released), Tommy Talau (Sea Eagles), Daine Laurie (Panthers), Aitasi James (Sea Eagles), Rua Ngatikaura (North Sydney Bears), Tuki Simpkins (Dolphins, train and trial), Brandon Wakeham (Blacktown Workers), Triston Reilly (released), Shawn Blore (Storm)
TIGERS' BEST 17
1. Jahream Bula 2. Junior Tupou 3. Justin Olam 4. Starford To'a 5. Brent Naden 6. Lachlan Galvin 7. Aidan Sezer 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. David Klemmer 11. John Bateman 12. Isaiah Papali'i 13. Fonua Pole 14. Tallyn Da Silva 15. Justin Matamua 16. Alex Seyfarth 17. Samuela Fainu
