The Wests Tigers enter the 2026 NRL season looking to continue their upward trajectory after finishing 13th in 2025, their first year without a wooden spoon since 2021. With Benji Marshall at the helm, the club will be aiming high and will hope to play finals footy.
Season Preview
The Wests Tigers head into 2026 after a tumultuous off-season in the board room. Despite the drama that unfolded with the Holman Barnes Group, the Tigers have found a renewed sense of stability. They’ve re-signed coach Benji Marshall until the end of 2030, which will do wonders for the assurance of the fans and playing group alike. They’ve also added depth to their forward pack, with the likes of Kai Pearce-Paul, Bunty Afoa, and Mavrik Geyer joining the club.
Last season saw the club start well, winning five of their first nine games. Their season took a turn for the worst around mid-year, when Lachlan Galvin departed after several weeks of speculation that he was unhappy at the club. There’s no doubt this loss left the Tigers searching for answers after preparing all pre-season with Galvin as the focal point of their attack. Despite the shake up, they salvaged a 13th place finish, with glimpses of their best performances while Adam Doueihi partnered Jarome Luai in the halves.
With a stable and experienced spine, emerging young outside backs, and greater depth in their forward pack, expectations are that the Tigers can continue their rise up the ladder and – at minimum – be in contention for the finals. Their lofty aspirations are to not only be in the hunt for finals, but to finally break their 15-year finals drought.
Best Signing
Kai Pearce-Paul
There’s been a question mark over the right edge back-row spot at the Tigers for several years, and Pearce-Paul could be the answer. He should fit in perfectly with the style of football Marshall wants to play in attack, with strength, footwork and an offload game that will create plenty of opportunities for the players around him.
Key Player
Jarome Luai
The key to the Tigers’ continued rise up the ladder. He’s projected to partner Doueihi in the halves to start the year – a combination that worked well in glimpses towards the back end of last season. His finals experience with Penrith and Origin experience with NSW will be crucial in leading the Tigers’ evolution from a cellar dweller into a finals-contending team.
Player to Watch
Heamasi Makasini
At just 18 years of age, Makasini is poised to earn a spot in the Tigers backline at some point this year. He’s got the versatility to play either wing or centre, and has a deadly combination of size, strength, and athleticism that can see him make waves at NRL level. He scored a try in his debut for the Tigers in round 27 last year, but expect to see a lot more of him in 2026.
Draw Analysis
The early rounds offer a decent start, with a round 1 bye, followed by a home game against the Cowboys at Leichhardt and an away trip to Gosford to play the Rabbitohs. Overall, four of their first seven games are at home.
Rounds 7-14 is their toughest stretch of the season. Fixtures include defending premiers the Broncos, Raiders, Sharks, Storm, Bulldogs, and Panthers, with a round 12 bye in the middle. The Origin period may have a major influence on how they build momentum, with the club not expected to be heavily impacted. They’ve also got favourable matchups against the Titans, Dolphins, Knights, and Dragons from rounds 15-19.
The run home features a round 23 bye and only two home games between rounds 20-27. Their final three fixtures include away trips against the Roosters, Cowboys, and Panthers to finish the year.
Big Questions
- Can Benji unlock the full potential of the roster?
- Will Doueihi be the long-term halfback?
- Is the squad deep enough to cover injuries in the spine?
Predicted Finish
Outside Chance
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Related Items
- 🔁 2025 Season Review: https://rugbyleaguezone.com/wests-tigers-2025-season-review-and-statistical-breakdown/
- 📅 2026 Draw & Fixtures: https://rugbyleaguezone.com/wests-tigers-2026-nrl-fixtures-squad-list-and-player-signings/
