Wests Tigers eyeing barnstorming Origin centre
Speculation is rife as Benji Marshall looks to strengthen his backline.
In what would be an enormous boost to the Wests Tigers’ 2024 bid to avoid their third consecutive wooden spoon, NSW Origin rookie Bradman Best has been linked to bolster their backline.
While nothing is official yet, the Tigers reportedly have their eye on Best as well as Moses Suli from the St George Illawarra Dragons.
News Corp have speculated that the Newcastle Knights’ boom centre could command around $800,000 on the open market if he isn’t locked down before the November 1 window opens.
The Tigers have some depth at centre with Starford To’a, Brent Naden and Asu Kepaoa vying for spots ahead of the less-experienced Josh Feledy and Triston Reilly. However, Best would be a walk-up starter in the position.
To’a in particular would be closely following the potential move after recently signing on until 2026. Interestingly, To’a also came to the Tigers after time at the Knights.
After making his debut for Newcastle in the later rounds of 2019, Best had injury-plagued seasons across 2020-2022 but enjoyed a breakout 2023 and was a surprise debutant in Game Three for the NSW State of Origin side, scoring two tries in a big win.
Wests Tigers fans will have every right to feel nervous about 2024, with a rookie coach in Benji Marshall taking the reins and with experienced players departing, such as Luke Brooks, Daine Laurie, Ken Maumalo, Joe Ofahengaue and Tommy Talau.
However, the side will be bolstered by the experience and spark added to the halves by the arrival of Aidan Sezer and Jayden Sullivan, as well as the dynamic Brookvale brothers Latu and Samuela Fainu.
Bulldogs poach talented Wests Tigers prospect
He is regarded as one of the best young playmakers coming through the ranks.
The Wests Tigers have reportedly lost one of the best young talents in rugby league, with playmaker Alex Conti tipped to join a rival club.
While many may not know Alex Conti, he has been making a name for himself within the Wests Tigers junior pathways system as a halfback.
Aged 17 and playing in the UNE Harold Matthews Cup, captaining the Balmain Tigers side, he was selected for the CABE Junior Blues last season.
The selection saw him and 40 other players learn under NSW coach Brad Fittler, Dragons legend Paul McGregor, and Sydney Roosters premiership winner Boyd Cordner.
Per The Daily Telegraph, Conti is set to quit the Wests Tigers and join up with the Canterbury Bulldogs for next season, in what is a massive blow to the future of the Tigers.
It is understood that the playmaker is expected to challenge for a top-grade spot at Canterbury as the club looks to solve their long-term halves problems.
The reason behind his departure is likely due to the club bringing in veteran Aidan Sezer and securing youngsters Jayden Sullivan and Latu Fainu on long-term deals, meaning he won’t be the first choice for some time.
The Wests Tigers also have Lachlan Galvin, Heath Mason and former Bulldogs half Iverson Matai contending for the two spots in the halves.
This news also comes after Conti, who has a background in both rugby league and rugby union, was reportedly approached about a potential switch that will see him join the 15-man code.
