Season 2 Recap
In EP1 we were introduced to the new sheriff in Tiger Town, Jackson Hastings. And what an immediate impact he has made.
The Sheriff
Firstly eradicating a fry of Eels and then the rascally warren of Rabbitohs. His leadership has turned the Tigers mob into a possie that can challenge any opponent (albeit by one point).
This is the welcome return of the 2019 Super League Man of Steel award winner after he was punted by the Sea Eagles for standing up against the dastardly acrobatic villain known as DCE in 2018.
I know this is about Tiger Town, but I can’t help putting the boot into Manly. Here is an excerpt from the weekly wrap in May 2018 especially for Tipster Adel.
Manly’s Un-Bearable Season
Well done to Manly on their victory over the Broncos at Suncorp. The win is a bright light in a troubled period for the team and fans and ends five consecutive losses.
In recent times, the Sea Eagles have been embroiled with scandal after scandal including:
- Police probe into match fixing
- Salary cap rorting and over promising players to outbid other teams
- DCE backflip due to the above (alleged)
- Reduced salary cap due to infringements
- Backend contracts that also contributed to point 1
- The worst home ground that surely does not meet NRL standards
- A climbing injury toll that prompted an internal enquiry on the state of Brookvale Oval’s surface
- Lottoland, Brookvale Oval’s naming sponsor, in the process of being banned as an organisation by State governments.
- Alleged culture of bullying that forced assistant coach Willie Peters to physically lash out and resign
- The Gladstone incident where team captain and players defied team curfew to attend a strip club
- The subsequent punch ups between DCE and Jackson Hastings.
- Hastings treatment and banishment
- Reports of head coach Trent Barrett being advised by close confidents to leave the club to save his career
What else have I missed?
To top this off, last week a consortium of investors that included bitter rivals North Sydney Bears’ were outrageously looking to buy the Manly franchise.
In an obvious swipe at their former Northern Eagles partner’s current predicament, the comments were so arrogant, it’s funny.
In a quote from the Daily Telegraph;
“This is an absolute no brainer.
There is definitely interest. North Sydney has a leagues club and they want to get back in the NRL.
The (State) Government would love it, playing games in Gosford. They (NRL) could take the Sea Eagles logo for another club when the game expands.”
Footy Tipper 2018 – Round 11 Tipsheet and Results
Deputy Brooks
Regardless of all the accolades Sherrif Hastings lauds onto his deputy. Despite playing better at second receiver and kicking the match winning field goal in ANZAC round. Luke Brooks still can’t crack a smile.
The fact that he has been shifted from half-back to five-eighth (for 60 minutes) to dummy half to accommodate young gun Jock Madden, the newly appointed deputy must know he is on the way out to marshal for another town.
Sorry Brooksie, but who wants a half-back that has a proven track record he cannot lead?
And then to make it more complex, lets add the new elephant in the room.
The Wests Tigers best player of 2021 and a natural five-eighth/fullback, Adam Doueihi, is due back from injury in the next few weeks.
Coach Maguire has a lot of options on his plate that should finally excite Wests Tigers fans.
I only hope they keep Brooksie involved and unlock his true potential.
The Next Month
The Wests Tigers have rocketed up the ladder after just two field goals. Says a lot about the Knights, Raiders and Bulldogs below them.
They also have a very favourable month of football coming up against the Dragons, Sea Eagles, Cowboys and Bulldogs.
Luke Brooks debuted against the Dragons in 2013 after the NRL allowed his dispensation (re: illegal player). He was man of the match as the Wests Tigers smashed the Dragons 34-18.
For the 55 who picked the Dragons. Here is a stat for you. The Wests Tigers have won the last five matches.
Beware, the Sheriff and his possie are in town.
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