The Wests Tigers enter 2026 after their best finish in many years, having finally avoided the wooden spoon after several seasons at the bottom of the ladder. After finishing last multiple years in a row, the Tigers showed genuine improvement in 2025, finishing 11th and recording nine victories, including wins over strong opposition that suggested the club is beginning to turn a corner.
The acquisition of Jarome Luai on one of the richest contracts in the NRL signalled a major shift in intent for the club. Alongside recruits such as Terrell May and Sunia Turuva, and established leaders including Api Koroisau and Adam Doueihi, the Tigers now possess the framework of a competitive roster.
Young talents like Jahream Bula continue to emerge as genuine long-term building blocks, while edge additions such as Kai Pearce-Paul and returning depth signings like Jock Madden and Patrick Herbert add further balance to the squad.
Despite the improvement, 2025 was not without controversy. The club remained in the headlines for off-field instability, including administrative changes and player departures.
The exits of promising juniors Talyn De Silva and Lachlan Galvin created noise externally, yet internally appeared to galvanise the playing group around a stronger collective identity. The message became clear: commitment to the club comes first.
Defensively, the Tigers still ranked among the poorer sides in the competition, sitting near the bottom despite measurable improvement from previous seasons. A handful of heavy defeats inflated their defensive record, but overall effort and competitiveness lifted under coach Benji Marshall.
Entering 2026, expectations are rising that the Tigers can continue climbing the ladder and push toward finals contention.
For that to happen, improvement must come from within. The roster now has talent, experience and direction, but progression will depend on key individuals elevating their consistency and impact across the season.
3. Latu Fainu
Why his role is so important
Latu Fainu arrived at the West Tigers alongside his brothers Samuela and Sione in what was viewed as a significant recruitment coup from the Manly Sea Eagles.
It was a bold move by the Tigers, particularly given the strong stream of junior talent the club continues to produce internally. But the Fainu brothers were identified as elite prospects, and of the trio, Latu is widely regarded as having the highest ceiling.
Latu possesses genuine halfback instincts. His running game is energetic, he sees space clearly, and he has the natural ability to play either six or seven. There is a calmness in how he shapes at the line and an ability to read what is unfolding in front of him. Those traits are difficult to teach.
Benji Marshall is clearly invested in his development and will give him opportunities.
Whether Latu starts the season in the halves, on the bench, or in reserve grade while Adam Doueihi spends time in the playmaking role, his progression will be central to the Tigers' future. The club needs a long-term organising presence, and Latu has the natural tools to become that player.
What needs to improve
Like most young halves, defence will define how quickly Latu cements a starting position. In the modern game, halves can no longer be hidden defensively. When matches tighten and fatigue builds, they must hold their edge, make their tackles and stay composed under repeated pressure.
Latu does not shy away from contact, which is encouraging, but he must continue to build his strength, technique and consistency in that area. Defensive resolve is what separates talented prospects from established NRL halves.
He also needs to continue refining his game management.
While he has shown genuine signs of being able to control tempo and pick his moments, sustaining that across full eighty-minute performances is another level entirely. Experience will help, but deliberate improvement in his kicking control and communication will be essential.
Why his improvement matters
Adam Doueihi's injury history has highlighted how important depth and succession planning are in the halves. For the Tigers to genuinely compete for a finals berth, they need Latu Fainu not just as depth, but as a player capable of becoming their long-term first-choice playmaker.
If he can force his way into the starting role and make it his own, it changes the trajectory of the club. With Jarome Luai providing premiership experience and leadership, Latu's development could be the key that balances creativity with control.
The potential has always been evident. He is on the right developmental path. But for the Tigers to break into the eight, Latu Fainu must continue to improve rapidly, particularly defensively and in managing high-pressure moments. If he does, he could be one of the biggest breakout players of 2026.
