The Wests Tigers finally snapped a horror run that saw them picking up the wooden spoon during three consecutive seasons before their marked improvement.
Benji Marshall spearheaded an impressive recruitment drive at Concord and had his side playing an exciting brand of footy at times throughout last season.
The aim will now be to build on these foundations and get the Tigers climbing up the ladder and back contending for the finals.
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Wests Tigers predicted team list for Round 1
1. Jahream Bula
2. Sunia Turuva
3. Taylan May
4. Starford To'a
5. Jeral Skelton
6. Jarome Luai
7. Adam Doueihi
8. Terrell May
9. Api Koroisau
10. Fonua Pole
11. Samuela Fainu
12. Kai Pearce-Paul
13. Sione Fainu
14. Jock Madden
15. Alex Twal
16. Alex Seyfarth
17. Bunty Afoa
Tigers latest team news ahead of Round 1
Jahream Bula will take the No.1 jersey in a relatively settled backline that will also include Sunia Turuva and Jeral Skelton on the wings and Taylan May and Starford To'a in the centres.
May was a late addition to the side but made an impressive return to the NRL and was handed a two-year extension to remain at the club.
The Tigers have lost a host of depth options with Solomona Faataape, Brent Naden and Charlie Staines departing. Instead, Benji Marshall will rely on youth in Heamasi Makasini and Luke Laulilii.
Adam Doueihi excelled in the halves during the back end of the campaign in 2025 and could be handed the No.7 jersey from the start this season instead of lining up in the centres.
Jarome Luai will slot in at five-eighth, with Latu Fainu usually stationed on the bench to serve as the utility. However, the young gun is expected to miss the opening weeks of the season due to injury.
Javon Andrews has returned to the Tigers and will be keen to push his claims in the halves along with fellow returning playmaker Jock Madden.
Terrell May enjoyed a stellar first season at the club following his surprise switch from the Sydney Roosters. His partner up front is likely to be Fonua Pole.
Api Koroisau was rewarded with a new contract last season and will be the heartbeat of the side once again, as the club allowed Tallyn Da Silva to follow Lachlan Galvin out the door during a chaotic mid-season period.
Kai Pearce-Paul is the headline signing for the Tigers and the English giant will slot straight into the backrow along with the ever-improving Samuela Fainu.
Sione Fainu and Alex Twal may be pitched in a battle to grab the starting spot at lock.
Alex Seyfarth was entrusted to start on an edge a lot last season, but may have to settle for a place on the bench following KPP's arrival while being utilised through the middle more in 2026.
Mavrik Geyer has been signed from Penrith and will be pushing for a place on the pine along with fellow new recruit Bunty Afoa.
Tony Sukkar and Charlie Murray will also be right in the mix for a place on the pine.
Heath Mason and Tristan Hope earned contract extensions and will be on hand to provide support should they be needed at fullback and dummy-half, respectively.
However, Jack Bird and Royce Hunt aren't expected to be in Benji's plans after they were told they were free to leave before the end of last season.