Tigers in turmoil with multiple players facing early exits from Wests

With the 2025 NRL season right around the corner, Wests Tigers are working hard to build a squad better than their Wooden Spoon-winning team from last season. They are potentially ready to get rid of as many as six players due to contract breakdowns and fitness issues.

Wests want Bateman out

One of the biggest players Tigers are looking to part ways with this offseason is John Bateman. The Englishman spent the second half of last season on loan with Super League club Warrington Wolves after butting heads with Tigers boss Benji Marshall.

The former halfback does not want Bateman to be a part of his team for the 2025 NRL season. However, neither party is willing to give an inch in contract negotiations.

Bateman has two years left on his contract with Wests. Walking away now would cost the 31-year-old over $1 million. It’s no wonder then that he doesn’t want to go.

Reports say that Tigers have contacted the Rugby League Players’ Association to learn more about Bateman’s rights and when they should expect him back at training this preseason.

Other sources say that Manly Warringah Sea Eagles want Bateman, so he might not be the Tigers' problem for much longer.

Fitness issues plague five players

After ‘winning’ their third consecutive Wooden Spoon last season, the Tigers are betting sites favourites to pick the dubious trophy again this season.

Marshall and Wests have pushed back on the NRL betting odds. They say that they are committed to completely changing the culture at Tigers this offseason, which will result in better results on the pitch next year.

One of the biggest examples of changes to the club’s culture is Tigers’ offseason fitness program. The club have reportedly held their players to some of the strictest standards in the league and are holding the players to it.

Three players–Latu Fainu, Solomone Saukuru, and Solomona Faataape–have been handed breach notices for failing to follow Marshall’s strict guidelines.

Reportedly, these players showed up overweight and severely fell short of the times the club expected them to hit in a 1.6km preseason fitness test.

Fainu, Saukuru, and Faataape will have to face the club board this week after their breaches.

19-year-old Heath Mason and Brandon Tumeth have also been warned for their poor fitness, but have not been formally handed breach issues.

It is too early to say whether these high standards will pay off. The betting apps aren’t convinced yet, and neither are we to be honest, but who knows. Maybe Benji Marshall and Tigers will be Premiers this time next year.