Act of Squad: Wests Tigers predicted Round 1 team and 2024 overview

After picking up their second straight wooden spoon, Wests Tigers have gone back to the drawing board for 2024 having welcomed in head coach Benji Marshall and seven new recruits.

All the recent focus has been on the signature of Jarome Luai for 2025, but the new-look Concord side will be eager to prove the future is now and begin their climb out of the NRL cellar.   

Experienced playmaker Aidan Sezer and young gun Jayden Sullivan look set to be given first opportunity to ignite the Tigers’ attack, but after signing a four-year deal with the club 18-year-old Latu Fainu will have the two playmakers constantly looking over their shoulders in pre-season.

There’s also healthy competition among the outside backs with the arrival of Dally M Centre Justin Olam and emerging U/19s Origin star Josh Feledy.

Olam must be there for the season opener with his winning culture and 104 games of NRL experience a huge asset to the Wests Tigers backline, while injury-riddled Brent Naden and 2023 breakout star Starford To'a are expected to fight it out to partner the Storm star.

On the back of a rookie season in which he averaged 159 metres per game and busted 59 tackles, exciting fullback Jahream Bula is certain to be given first crack in the No.1 jersey. 

Returning 2023 recruits Api Koroisau, David Klemmer and John Bateman will also be desperate to bring some success to long-suffering fans when they line up for a second season in the black, white and orange.

Predicted Round 1 team

1. Jahream Bula
2. Charlie Staines
3. Justin Olam
4. Starford To'a
5. Junior Tupou
6. Aidan Sezer
7. Jayden Sullivan
8. Stefano Utoikamanu
9. Api Koroisau
10. David Klemmer
11. Isaiah Papali'i
12. John Bateman
13. Fonua Pole
14. Samuela Fainu
15. Alex Twal
16. Asu Kepaoa
17. Justin Matamua

• Full Wests Tigers squad and signings here.

Key Changes

Ins: Latu Fainu (Sea Eagles), Samuela Fainu (Sea Eagles), Jayden Sullivan (Dragons), Aidan Sezer (Leeds Rhinos), Solomon Alaimalo (Super Rugby), Justin Olam (Storm).
Outs: Luke Brooks (Sea Eagles), Tommy Talau (Sea Eagles), Daine Laurie (Panthers), Shawn Blore (Storm), David Nofoaluma (released). 

Health Watch

• Adam Doueihi (knee, indefinite)

Positional battle to watch 

As the Wests Tigers look to start the season as the only team with fresh faces at both five-eighth and halfback, all eyes will be on their new halves pairing in 2024.

Super League recruit Aidan Sezer and Dragons youngster Jayden Sullivan look set to be handed first shot at steering Benji Marshall’s side around the paddock but there will be no room for error with a number of playmakers in waiting.

The club has high hopes for emerging playmakers Latu Fainu and Lachie Galvin who were both signed on long-term deals last season and look to be ready to make an impact in first grade in 2024. 

Both just 18-years-old and blessed with exceptional pace and ball skills, whoever gets first shot at igniting the Tigers' attack will need to be firing from the first whistle to keep the youngsters waiting in the wings.