As NRL clubs look hopefully towards next season - we pessimistically ponder the worst-case scenario for each of the 17 teams in 2023.
17. Wests Tigers: More of the same
It's hard to think of a worse fate for Wests Tigers fans than the one they have endured - finishing 2022 with the club's first wooden spoon.
However, 2023 is a time of change for the Tigers thanks to the return of Tim Sheens and the recruitment of grand finalists, Apisai Koroisau and Isaiah Papali'i.
David Klemmer and Charlie Staines have also been brought on board as the Tigers look towards a brighter future.
But recently, there has been more broken at the joint venture than just a sub-standard playing roster.
Hopefully whatever internal issues have prevented the club from reaching finals can be ironed out so that the Tigers don't make collecting spoons a new hobby.
Before I read this, I thought “the worst that can happen” would be the same for each club: injury to one of its spine.
However – Dolphins, Dragons, West and Warriors – all about the club pulling together. Cows and Roosters – the same (to a lesser degree).
Perhaps this tells us that the influence of the coach – his ability to plan, organise, motivate and control his squad – is at least as important as that of any one player.