Do the Wests Tigers have the best pack in the NRL?
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The Wests Tigers have made some incredible signings heading into the 2023 NRL season, and their forward pack is shaping up to be a juggernaut. With the additions of David Klemmer, Api Koroisau, Isaiah Papali'i and John Bateman, the Tigers have put together one of the best forward packs in the league.
But how is this forward pack going to line up in 2023?
Here's how we see it...
The Edge Backrowers
Isaiah Papali'i has been incredibly durable for the Eels, racking up 25 & 28 appearances in each of his last two seasons. With a tally of 17 tries over the last two years & an average over 140m per game, Papali'i has made a reputation for himself as one of the most explosive edge back rowers in the NRL. Watch out as he looks to feast on the edge.
John Bateman is a high-profile signing for the Tigers, as he is coming to the NRL from the English Super League.
Tim Sheens couldn't have been more excited for his arrival.
Bateman will form one part of the most dangerous edge back-row pairing in the NRL. If Brooks & Doueihi line up in the halves, early ball to their back row will be the order of the day.
The Hooker
Api Koroisau is another exciting addition to the Tigers' forward pack. He is a premiership-winning hooker who has a lot of speed and agility for his size. In the 2022 season, he played 20+ games for the Penrith Panthers and made a total of 115 dummy half runs and 1020 tackles. Koroisau's best moments as a player have come in his pivotal role in Penrith's premierships & spectacular performances for Fiji. He will be a great asset to the team's attacking play and will provide strong leadership on the field.
The Props
David Klemmer is a powerful and experienced prop who will bring a lot of aggression and intensity to the Tigers' forward pack. In the 2021 season, he played in all 20 games for the Newcastle Knights and was 6th in the NRL in post-contact metres. Many believe Klemmer is still an Origin calibre forward, however there are whispers he's been kept out of the side due to politics.
Stefano Utoikamanu is a young and promising forward who has already shown a lot of potential in the NRL. In the 2021 season, Stefano burst onto the scene scoring 6 tries in his 21 appearances. 2022 was a year to forget, with inconsistent form & injuries. Utoikamanu has a strong running game and is a tough defender, and he will be a valuable member of the Tigers' forward pack.
The Lock
Joe Ofahengaue is another experienced and talented forward who rounds out this forward pack. Statistically, 2022 was Ofahengaue's best season ever, with 1,171m post contact, 882 tackles, 33 offloads & 122m run per game.
Overall, the Wests Tigers have put together an incredible pack heading into 2023. Combine this with some bright spots through the backline, and you'd be silly not to think Wests would be competing for a top 8 spot down the stretch.
At the least, there's plenty of reason for optimism amongst Tigers fans.