NRL Fantasy club profile: Wests Tigers

Wests Tigers coaching staff are urging fans to be patient with the development of rising star Luke Brooks in 2014.

Author: NRL.com
Timestamp: Thu 30 Jan 2014, 02:00 PM

The injury-ravaged Wests Tigers endured a horror 2013. That injury crisis did create opportunities for the club's promising juniors to get their chance in first grade, and the revolution and Concord Oval will continue this season as the joint venture begins life after Benji.

Fantasy Guns

Robbie Farah ($483,700) has been a fantasy gun for years but went to another level in 2013, producing some phenomenal totals to rival Cameron Smith as Fantasy's best player. He scores well from both attacking and defensive stats, and is likely to be in your side at some point this season. Why not from the start? The Smith/Farah combination served many coaches well in the past, but you'll need an Origin contingency plan in place if you're going to go all out and grab both from Round 1.

Speaking of Origin, Aaron Woods ($394,300) cracked the NSW side last season, and while he should do so again, he's worth considering for your front row. Still just 22, Woods has his best years ahead of him. While he won't come cheap, he's a good alternative to the likes of Andrew Fifita and Trent Merrin as a premium prop.

Value Buys

There was much speculation this pre-season surrounding the likely price of gun rookie Luke Brooks, who comes in at $184,500. With his debut score of 52 last season he's not dirt cheap, but with just a single NRL game under his belt he's been given a discount and will be one of Fantasy's most popular young guns. Brooks will have the daunting task of replacing Benji Marshall this season, but all signs are that he's got the talent to match the hype.

Fan-favourite Pat Richards ($206,600) returns to Tigerland in 2014. Known for his ability to kick unbelievable field goals and conversions (among other things), there's definitely room to grow price-wise if he can nail down a starting spot.

Cash Cows

Another member of the club's 2005 premiership winning side returns in the form of Dene Halatau ($115,900). Reduced minutes for the Bulldogs last season saw his price fall through the floor, and if he can nail down some decent minutes then a price rise is on the cards.

Nathan Brown ($107,000) is another exciting prospect in the front row, but there's a concern around the game time he'll receive. Could be a handy fourth FRF, as you'd expect he'll continue his first grade career at some point this season. Cory Paterson ($107,000) has been around for a while now, and comes in at quite an attractive price for a player of his experience. Again, you'd want to wait for the Round 1 teams to see where exactly he fits within Mick Potter's plans, but Paterson would provide good cover as a fifth/sixth 2RF if you're after a Tiger.

With the sizable turnover in players, it's still early to really know where the true value lies within this Wests Tigers squad. Farah and Woods wouldn't look out of place in any Fantasy side with overall points aspirations, while Brooks will prove to be a popular pick. Once Potter shows his hand with his Round 1 side, get ready to lock and load. There are bargains to be had.

Wests Tigers player prices

Robbie Farah (HOK) $483,700

Aaron Woods (FRF) $394,300

Liam Fulton (2RF) $341,900

David Nofoaluma (WFB) $268,900

Tim Simona (CTR) $262,400

Keith Galloway (FRF) $246,500

Suaso Sue (2RF) $230,500

Jack Buchanan (FRF) $221,700

Curtis Sironen (HLF) $213,600

Marika Koroibete (WFB) $207,700

Pat Richards (WFB, CTR) $206,600