The Daily Telegraph’s David Riccio is adamant that the Wests Tigers will not win back-to-back wooden spoons in 2023 following the release of the NRL draw for next season.
The Tigers secured the club’s first ever last place finish after a distastrous 2022 season in which the club sacked coach Michael Maguire, were on the receiving end of one of the all-time worst refereeing decisions against the Cowboys and suffered their biggest loss in club history when defeated 72-6 against the Sydney Roosters.
However, Riccio disagrees with the bookmakers who have the Tigers as early favourites for the wooden spoon.
“The TAB, I know in my correspondence, their movement came on the back of the draw,” he said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.
“I don’t agree.
“I don’t think the Tigers deserve to be equal rank outsiders for the Premiership along with the Dolphins.
“I think the Tigers have recruited fairly well and firmly believe there will be more Tigers signings in the next few weeks post the World Cup.
“John Bateman and potentially David Klemmer.
“The biggest one of all is Tim Sheens.
“We know Tim Sheens is an attacking coach but then you throw Apisai Koroisau in there and I think they are a much better side (than last season).”
The Tigers have a favourable start to the 2023 season with consecutive home games against the Gold Coast Titans and Newcastle Knights at Leichhardt Oval.
Riccio believes that the NRL’s 17th team, the Dolphins, led by supercoach Wayne Bennett, should be the favourites to take home the wooden spoon in their inaugural.
“I think the Dolphins will have a much tougher season,” Riccio added.
“I believe the Tigers will finish higher than the Dolphins.”
The Tigers play 12 top eight sides and only five bottom four sides from the previous season in the 2023 draw.