Latest news with #WestsTigers'
The Advertiser
07-07-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
How teacher's aide became Koroisau's new understudy
Tristan Hope was in class working as a teacher's aide at a Brisbane primary school when he received the phone call that would change his life. Fast-forward a year, and the mild-mannered hooker is set to serve as Api Koroisau's right-hand man for the remainder of Wests Tigers' NRL season. Hope was unexpectedly in the headlines when the Tigers released highly-rated Tallyn De Silva last week, leaving the 28-year-old rookie as the club's second-choice No.9. Playing only his second NRL game days later, Hope threw the pass to Sione Finau that gave the Tigers the 20-0 lead they rode to an upset win over the Sydney Roosters. Hope's strong performance would've been a relief for the Tigers, who had received criticism from all quarters for allowing Da Silva to join Parramatta mid-season. Chief executive Shane Richardson went as far as to tell ABC radio on Sunday that the Tigers would know by full-time whether they'd made a mistake releasing Da Silva. The jury is no longer out, at least not for Benji Marshall. "To turn it up in an NRL game against a pretty handy side was pretty impressive," the Tigers coach said. "Off the back of all the Tallyn stuff, I thought (Hope) was great today." The bright lights of Allianz Stadium felt a world away for Hope this time a year ago. Since 2018, he'd bounced around the Queensland Cup without cracking the NRL, supplementing his footy income working at Michelton State School in Brisbane's north. Working with kids suited the good-natured Hope. "I just really enjoyed seeing the smiles on their faces at the end of the day. Kids can bring out the best in you," he told AAP. Hope couldn't have known just how significantly his life would change when his phone began buzzing during class one day last year. He ignored the unknown number and went back to work, but had to ask the teacher if he could step outside when a follow-up text message came through. From almost 1,000km away, it was Shane Richardson. "Obviously your heart's beating," Hope said. "He just said, 'There's no guarantees but we'd love to give you a crack at train and trial'." Hope knew the Tigers' offer of a 17-week deal was likely the last shot at making his NRL dream come true - he was into his late 20s now with a family to think about. But after some discussions with his pregnant wife, the Hopes started packing their bags. "I knew that it was my last crack at my age," Hope said. He turned that crack into a development deal for 2025, and an NRL debut in round one. Ahead of his next NRL appearance against the Roosters, Hope received plenty of pointers from Koroisau, out with a head knock. "He's just so approachable. He's been unbelievable this week," Hope said. "He's filled me full of confidence. Api is a one of a kind footballer." Hope is still reticent to think of himself as the three-time premiership winner's deputy, despite Da Silva's exit. "My mindset isn't that I'm the man now," he said. "Benji gave me first crack at that today and I hope that I've proven that I am worthy of that opportunity." But regardless of the next steps, Hope knows he'll have a legion of fans in Mitchelton cheering him on. "They'll be pretty stoked to see Mr. Hope on the screen, I reckon," he said. Tristan Hope was in class working as a teacher's aide at a Brisbane primary school when he received the phone call that would change his life. Fast-forward a year, and the mild-mannered hooker is set to serve as Api Koroisau's right-hand man for the remainder of Wests Tigers' NRL season. Hope was unexpectedly in the headlines when the Tigers released highly-rated Tallyn De Silva last week, leaving the 28-year-old rookie as the club's second-choice No.9. Playing only his second NRL game days later, Hope threw the pass to Sione Finau that gave the Tigers the 20-0 lead they rode to an upset win over the Sydney Roosters. Hope's strong performance would've been a relief for the Tigers, who had received criticism from all quarters for allowing Da Silva to join Parramatta mid-season. Chief executive Shane Richardson went as far as to tell ABC radio on Sunday that the Tigers would know by full-time whether they'd made a mistake releasing Da Silva. The jury is no longer out, at least not for Benji Marshall. "To turn it up in an NRL game against a pretty handy side was pretty impressive," the Tigers coach said. "Off the back of all the Tallyn stuff, I thought (Hope) was great today." The bright lights of Allianz Stadium felt a world away for Hope this time a year ago. Since 2018, he'd bounced around the Queensland Cup without cracking the NRL, supplementing his footy income working at Michelton State School in Brisbane's north. Working with kids suited the good-natured Hope. "I just really enjoyed seeing the smiles on their faces at the end of the day. Kids can bring out the best in you," he told AAP. Hope couldn't have known just how significantly his life would change when his phone began buzzing during class one day last year. He ignored the unknown number and went back to work, but had to ask the teacher if he could step outside when a follow-up text message came through. From almost 1,000km away, it was Shane Richardson. "Obviously your heart's beating," Hope said. "He just said, 'There's no guarantees but we'd love to give you a crack at train and trial'." Hope knew the Tigers' offer of a 17-week deal was likely the last shot at making his NRL dream come true - he was into his late 20s now with a family to think about. But after some discussions with his pregnant wife, the Hopes started packing their bags. "I knew that it was my last crack at my age," Hope said. He turned that crack into a development deal for 2025, and an NRL debut in round one. Ahead of his next NRL appearance against the Roosters, Hope received plenty of pointers from Koroisau, out with a head knock. "He's just so approachable. He's been unbelievable this week," Hope said. "He's filled me full of confidence. Api is a one of a kind footballer." Hope is still reticent to think of himself as the three-time premiership winner's deputy, despite Da Silva's exit. "My mindset isn't that I'm the man now," he said. "Benji gave me first crack at that today and I hope that I've proven that I am worthy of that opportunity." But regardless of the next steps, Hope knows he'll have a legion of fans in Mitchelton cheering him on. "They'll be pretty stoked to see Mr. Hope on the screen, I reckon," he said. Tristan Hope was in class working as a teacher's aide at a Brisbane primary school when he received the phone call that would change his life. Fast-forward a year, and the mild-mannered hooker is set to serve as Api Koroisau's right-hand man for the remainder of Wests Tigers' NRL season. Hope was unexpectedly in the headlines when the Tigers released highly-rated Tallyn De Silva last week, leaving the 28-year-old rookie as the club's second-choice No.9. Playing only his second NRL game days later, Hope threw the pass to Sione Finau that gave the Tigers the 20-0 lead they rode to an upset win over the Sydney Roosters. Hope's strong performance would've been a relief for the Tigers, who had received criticism from all quarters for allowing Da Silva to join Parramatta mid-season. Chief executive Shane Richardson went as far as to tell ABC radio on Sunday that the Tigers would know by full-time whether they'd made a mistake releasing Da Silva. The jury is no longer out, at least not for Benji Marshall. "To turn it up in an NRL game against a pretty handy side was pretty impressive," the Tigers coach said. "Off the back of all the Tallyn stuff, I thought (Hope) was great today." The bright lights of Allianz Stadium felt a world away for Hope this time a year ago. Since 2018, he'd bounced around the Queensland Cup without cracking the NRL, supplementing his footy income working at Michelton State School in Brisbane's north. Working with kids suited the good-natured Hope. "I just really enjoyed seeing the smiles on their faces at the end of the day. Kids can bring out the best in you," he told AAP. Hope couldn't have known just how significantly his life would change when his phone began buzzing during class one day last year. He ignored the unknown number and went back to work, but had to ask the teacher if he could step outside when a follow-up text message came through. From almost 1,000km away, it was Shane Richardson. "Obviously your heart's beating," Hope said. "He just said, 'There's no guarantees but we'd love to give you a crack at train and trial'." Hope knew the Tigers' offer of a 17-week deal was likely the last shot at making his NRL dream come true - he was into his late 20s now with a family to think about. But after some discussions with his pregnant wife, the Hopes started packing their bags. "I knew that it was my last crack at my age," Hope said. He turned that crack into a development deal for 2025, and an NRL debut in round one. Ahead of his next NRL appearance against the Roosters, Hope received plenty of pointers from Koroisau, out with a head knock. "He's just so approachable. He's been unbelievable this week," Hope said. "He's filled me full of confidence. Api is a one of a kind footballer." Hope is still reticent to think of himself as the three-time premiership winner's deputy, despite Da Silva's exit. "My mindset isn't that I'm the man now," he said. "Benji gave me first crack at that today and I hope that I've proven that I am worthy of that opportunity." But regardless of the next steps, Hope knows he'll have a legion of fans in Mitchelton cheering him on. "They'll be pretty stoked to see Mr. Hope on the screen, I reckon," he said.
The Age
30-06-2025
- Health
- The Age
Three nights in hospital and a ligament tear. But don't tell these Blues they'll miss Origin decider
Jarome Luai spent three nights in hospital last week to treat a staph infection, and Brian To'o suffered a grade-two lateral ligament tear in his left knee last Thursday night, but the Blues are confident both will play in the State of Origin series decider in Sydney on July 9. To'o's injury will prevent him from stretching out fully with NSW until the weekend at the earliest. Prop Payne Haas also remained in Brisbane to undergo regular treatment on his lower back and did not arrive in camp until Monday night, while Nathan Cleary confirmed his groin is fine, but he is unlikely to kick goals at Accor Stadium next week. Luai missed Wests Tigers' Friday night clash because of an infection, and revealed how a planned short hospital stay turned into three nights. 'I had a staph infection,' Luai said. 'I didn't think much of it at the time, and thought I'd be right for Friday's game [against Manly], but I woke up the morning of the captain's run, something wasn't right, and I ended up in hospital. 'Where the wound was, it was pretty red, and it didn't feel right. It was on the chest, but then it spread. 'We play injured, we play sick, but once the doctors tell you it's worse than what you think, I had to put my ego and pride aside and look after my body. Our health is our wealth. 'I could have got out Saturday, but to make sure it was fully gone, I stayed an extra night.
Sydney Morning Herald
30-06-2025
- Health
- Sydney Morning Herald
Three nights in hospital and a ligament tear. But don't tell these Blues they'll miss Origin decider
Jarome Luai spent three nights in hospital last week to treat a staph infection, and Brian To'o suffered a grade-two lateral ligament tear in his left knee last Thursday night, but the Blues are confident both will play in the State of Origin series decider in Sydney on July 9. To'o's injury will prevent him from stretching out fully with NSW until the weekend at the earliest. Prop Payne Haas also remained in Brisbane to undergo regular treatment on his lower back and did not arrive in camp until Monday night, while Nathan Cleary confirmed his groin is fine, but he is unlikely to kick goals at Accor Stadium next week. Luai missed Wests Tigers' Friday night clash because of an infection, and revealed how a planned short hospital stay turned into three nights. 'I had a staph infection,' Luai said. 'I didn't think much of it at the time, and thought I'd be right for Friday's game [against Manly], but I woke up the morning of the captain's run, something wasn't right, and I ended up in hospital. 'Where the wound was, it was pretty red, and it didn't feel right. It was on the chest, but then it spread. 'We play injured, we play sick, but once the doctors tell you it's worse than what you think, I had to put my ego and pride aside and look after my body. Our health is our wealth. 'I could have got out Saturday, but to make sure it was fully gone, I stayed an extra night.
The Advertiser
24-06-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Luai backed Tigers push for fellow halfback Reynolds
Jarome Luai has backed Wests Tigers' ultimately-failed push to sign Adam Reynolds, fine with the belief another halfback would have helped the club's rebuild. Reynolds told the Tigers earlier this month he would knock back a deal worth close to $1.5 million over two years, to instead sign a one-year extension at Brisbane. The veteran Broncos No.7 had been viewed as a strong replacement for Lachlan Galvin in the Tigers halves, after the young gun's mid-season exit to Canterbury. But it also raised eyebrows, given the Tigers made Luai their main man and long-term halfback when they pinched him from Penrith. Luai has made clear his motivation for joining the Tigers was the chance to run his team, describing himself as the Robin to Nathan Cleary's Batman at Penrith. Like Cleary, Reynolds has been a game manager for his entire career, having played halfback in all 301 NRL games he has played since his 2012 debut. But regardless, Luai said he supported the Tigers' bid to sign the 34-year-old. "It would have been a great buy for the club. I am all for it," Luai said. "I want to play finals and I want to win comps. Someone like that would have helped us. "Obviously he has re-signed with the Broncos so we will see what opportunities arise for the club next." Asked whether he would have moved out of the No.7 jersey and to five-eighth to accommodate Reynolds, the Tigers co-captain offered a straight bat. "We'll never know," Luai responded. "He didn't sign with us so I don't have an answer for that." While the majority of headlines will centre around Manly for Friday night's clash between the two teams, the Tigers are in an equally desperate state. The joint-venture have lost their last five games to slump to 14th on the ladder, with the majority of those coming in close losses after they had chances to win late. Luai's commitment to the Tigers was on show last week when he backed up to play in Friday night's loss to Canberra just two days after State of Origin II in Perth. Despite the Tigers' losing run, Luai said he was thriving on the challenge of wearing the club's No.7 jersey and attempting to return the joint-venture to the finals for the first time since 2011. "We're in a fight to make the top eight still. So it's my job to be here and perform for this team," Luai said. "I am loving it. Obviously we're not winning games but we're getting close. "I'm just loving the responsibility and opportunity to grow my game. These guys believe in me so I will find it. I will be the best I can be for this team." Jarome Luai has backed Wests Tigers' ultimately-failed push to sign Adam Reynolds, fine with the belief another halfback would have helped the club's rebuild. Reynolds told the Tigers earlier this month he would knock back a deal worth close to $1.5 million over two years, to instead sign a one-year extension at Brisbane. The veteran Broncos No.7 had been viewed as a strong replacement for Lachlan Galvin in the Tigers halves, after the young gun's mid-season exit to Canterbury. But it also raised eyebrows, given the Tigers made Luai their main man and long-term halfback when they pinched him from Penrith. Luai has made clear his motivation for joining the Tigers was the chance to run his team, describing himself as the Robin to Nathan Cleary's Batman at Penrith. Like Cleary, Reynolds has been a game manager for his entire career, having played halfback in all 301 NRL games he has played since his 2012 debut. But regardless, Luai said he supported the Tigers' bid to sign the 34-year-old. "It would have been a great buy for the club. I am all for it," Luai said. "I want to play finals and I want to win comps. Someone like that would have helped us. "Obviously he has re-signed with the Broncos so we will see what opportunities arise for the club next." Asked whether he would have moved out of the No.7 jersey and to five-eighth to accommodate Reynolds, the Tigers co-captain offered a straight bat. "We'll never know," Luai responded. "He didn't sign with us so I don't have an answer for that." While the majority of headlines will centre around Manly for Friday night's clash between the two teams, the Tigers are in an equally desperate state. The joint-venture have lost their last five games to slump to 14th on the ladder, with the majority of those coming in close losses after they had chances to win late. Luai's commitment to the Tigers was on show last week when he backed up to play in Friday night's loss to Canberra just two days after State of Origin II in Perth. Despite the Tigers' losing run, Luai said he was thriving on the challenge of wearing the club's No.7 jersey and attempting to return the joint-venture to the finals for the first time since 2011. "We're in a fight to make the top eight still. So it's my job to be here and perform for this team," Luai said. "I am loving it. Obviously we're not winning games but we're getting close. "I'm just loving the responsibility and opportunity to grow my game. These guys believe in me so I will find it. I will be the best I can be for this team." Jarome Luai has backed Wests Tigers' ultimately-failed push to sign Adam Reynolds, fine with the belief another halfback would have helped the club's rebuild. Reynolds told the Tigers earlier this month he would knock back a deal worth close to $1.5 million over two years, to instead sign a one-year extension at Brisbane. The veteran Broncos No.7 had been viewed as a strong replacement for Lachlan Galvin in the Tigers halves, after the young gun's mid-season exit to Canterbury. But it also raised eyebrows, given the Tigers made Luai their main man and long-term halfback when they pinched him from Penrith. Luai has made clear his motivation for joining the Tigers was the chance to run his team, describing himself as the Robin to Nathan Cleary's Batman at Penrith. Like Cleary, Reynolds has been a game manager for his entire career, having played halfback in all 301 NRL games he has played since his 2012 debut. But regardless, Luai said he supported the Tigers' bid to sign the 34-year-old. "It would have been a great buy for the club. I am all for it," Luai said. "I want to play finals and I want to win comps. Someone like that would have helped us. "Obviously he has re-signed with the Broncos so we will see what opportunities arise for the club next." Asked whether he would have moved out of the No.7 jersey and to five-eighth to accommodate Reynolds, the Tigers co-captain offered a straight bat. "We'll never know," Luai responded. "He didn't sign with us so I don't have an answer for that." While the majority of headlines will centre around Manly for Friday night's clash between the two teams, the Tigers are in an equally desperate state. The joint-venture have lost their last five games to slump to 14th on the ladder, with the majority of those coming in close losses after they had chances to win late. Luai's commitment to the Tigers was on show last week when he backed up to play in Friday night's loss to Canberra just two days after State of Origin II in Perth. Despite the Tigers' losing run, Luai said he was thriving on the challenge of wearing the club's No.7 jersey and attempting to return the joint-venture to the finals for the first time since 2011. "We're in a fight to make the top eight still. So it's my job to be here and perform for this team," Luai said. "I am loving it. Obviously we're not winning games but we're getting close. "I'm just loving the responsibility and opportunity to grow my game. These guys believe in me so I will find it. I will be the best I can be for this team."
The Age
20-06-2025
- Sport
- The Age
NRL LIVE updates: Wests Tigers take on Raiders at Campbelltown
Welcome to tonight's coverage of the Wests Tigers' clash with Canberra from Campbelltown Sports Stadium. Adrian Proszenko here to take you through all the action tonight. NSW five-eighth Jarome Luai is back in action a couple of nights on from the Blues' two-point loss in Origin II, as his Wests Tigers search for a win that would put them in touch with the NRL's top eight. But it won't be easy against Ricky Stuart's high-flying Raiders, sitting in second place on the ladder. With bullocking winger Savelio Tamale joining Albert Hopoate on the sidelines, Stuart has handed an NRL debut to his son Jed who will line up on the wing for the Green Machine.
