Home Ground: Campbelltown Stadium, Leichhardt Oval

Coach: Benji Marshall

The dedicated Tigers supporters likely experienced a degree of optimism last season, particularly when Benji Marshall had his team firing on all cylinders at one point. But alas, it was never going to last. After three wooden spoon seasons, 2025 has to be seen as a success as the Tigers jumped four spots from the dreaded last position on the ladder. But after a massive spending spree and a good start to the season, the Tigers fell away badly.

With the new-look team winning five of their first nine games and sitting in the top eight for much of that time, Tigers fans dared to dream of finals footy. And then it all fell apart - Lachie Galvin left after a much publicised squabble and the Tigers managed just three wins in their last 15 games.

Big name signing Jarome Luai brought winning experience and class to the team - but also found the going a lot tougher at the wooden spooners than he did at the premiership Panthers. He was creative and energetic, however scored just one try in 21 games.

The biggest question mark hovering over the joint-venture heading into the season though is off the field. The board is under a major microscope, and so too is the ownership group. Some would argue it shouldn't impact on-field performances, but with Jarome Luai and Jahream Bula not yet locked onto new deals, it's only natural to assume it will. Still, the Tigers should be in the fight for the finals all the way. Anything less than that won't be an acceptable season.

Nonetheless, the Tigers face a brutal run as they bid to end the longest finals drought in the NRL. From Round 7 onwards, the Tigers face the Broncos, Raiders, Sharks, Storm, Sea Eagles, enjoy a bye before they come up against the Bulldogs and Panthers. That’s six teams who played finals, with four of those being the 2025 preliminary finalists and it’s hard to imagine a tougher run of games. The Tigers will be desperate to get off to a flyer, because if they don’t there’s a real possibility they won’t be able to secure a win in that ugly stretch.

PREDICTED SEASON FINISH - 15TH