NRL 2026: Wests Tigers predicted team and 2026 overview

Author: Brad Walter NRL Senior Reporter
Timestamp: Thu 5 Feb 2026, 09:01 AM

After last year shedding the wooden spoon for the first time since 2021, Wests Tigers will be aiming for a place in the finals this season.

It's been 15 years since Wests Tigers last featured in the play-offs, but Benji Marshall has built a roster capable of doing so if his key players - Api Koroisau, Jarome Luai, Adam Doueihi and Jahream Bula - can stay healthy.

The addition of England second-rower Kai Pearce-Paul from Newcastle bolsters the forward pack, while the signing of former Warriors prop Bunty Afoa adds depth up front.

If a trimmed down Royce Hunt can regain form, the Tigers front row stocks are strong, with Terrell May, Fonau Pole, Alex Twal, Sione Fainu and Afoa fighting for positions.

Mavrik Geyer and Tony Sukkar will be vying with Pearce-Paul, Samuela Fainu and Alex Seyfarth for second-row berths.

In the backs, the mid-season signing of Taylan May strengthens their strike out wide and the emergence of star rookie Heamasi Makasini is set to provide Marshall with a major selection headache.

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After losing star juniors Lachlan Galvin (Bulldogs) and Tallyn De Silva (Eels) in a disruptive 2025 season, a potential concern for the Tigers could be the lack of depth in the halves and at hooker.

Tristan Hope is the deputy dummy half to Koroisau, while Queensland U19s five-eighth Javon Andrews is likely to be the next man up in the halves after utility Latu Fainu, who is expected to start the season in the No.14 role.

The Tigers start the season with a bye and will play their first premiership match at Leichhardt Oval against the Cowboys on March 14 before travelling to Gosford to take on the Rabbitohs, Auckland to meet the Warriors and CommBank Stadium for the Easter Monday clash with the Eels.

Their first hitout will be in the Pre-Season Challenge against the Roosters in Newcastle on February 14 before hosting the Panthers at Leichhardt Oval on February 20.