Behind The Roar (Wests Tigers)

This week’s guests on Behind The Roar are three rising stars who have recently made their NRL debuts with Wests Tigers, as we celebrate Junior League Appreciation Round.Joining us for episode 54 of BTR is Wests Tigers Player #270 Tallyn Da Silva, WT Player # 275 Kit Laulilii, and WT Player # 277 Lachie Galvin.All three are Macarthur juniors who have played with and against each other for many years and have followed a similar path in their rugby league journeys. They are part of a larger group of Campbelltown-based players who created a slice of history two years ago, winning the first ever Harold Matthews premiership for Western Suburbs Magpies.We have a bit of fun talking about junior footy, life away from footy, and the people who played an important role in their formative years. It’s an easy chat with three great young fellas who also happen to be damn good footy players, as we look ahead Sunday’s Junior League Appreciation Round match against the Raiders at Campbelltown Sports Stadium.

On this special edition of Behind The Roar we speak to Wests Tigers CEO Shane Richardson. Richo give's us some insight into the strategy behind this years draw requests. He also announces a big re-signing at the club.

On this week’s episode of BTR we chat to Wests Tigers Player #291 Tim Johannssen, who made his NRL debut last week against the Cowboys. BTR is proudly sponsored by Pro Wrestling Australia. This is a story about a young fella who walked away from rugby league, giving up on a childhood dream, who was then called back to give it another crack. A young man of strong faith, Tim reveals how he wandered down a wayward path, making poor choices, and taking wrong turns. A strong and talented athlete, the Swiss-born 22-year-old had attracted plenty of interest from NRL scouts, but the hunger had gone. Tim talks openly about his struggles, his faith, his family, and the tumultuous journey that landed him at Leichhardt for his NRL debut in Round 22. It’s a captivating story about belief, self-knowledge, resilience, and hard work.

On this week’s episode of BTR, as we celebrate Wests Tigers 25th season in the NRL, we chat to the team’s very first coach and Balmain Tigers legend, Wayne Pearce.

Junior’ covers plenty of ground as our NRL and NRLW teams prepare for big games at Leichhardt Oval over the next few days. We chat about his days as a 14-year-old selling hotdogs on the very same hill that would eventually be named in his honour. He talks about his time as the inaugural coach of the joint-venture club, revealing how a call from his 7-year-old daughter was the catalyst for his decision to call it quits after that first season. He also reflects on the early days, outlining some of the struggles and the benefits of the joint-venture club, and of course that very first game against a star-studded Broncos team. A fitness fanatic, Pearce tells us how and why he was a pioneer in that space. It was a handful of events, including the death of his father, and contracting Hepatitis B from the ‘magic sponge’, that prompted Junior to complete a science degree and search for a healthier way of life. He recounts the ‘secret meeting’ he had with the late, great Jack Gibson in the early 80s, when Jack was trying to lure Pearce from Leichhardt to Parramatta. We chat about club legends including Benny Elias, the late Keith Barnes, and Benji Marshall, and about the disappointment of losing the ’89 Grand Final. Pearce also talks about the resilience and loyalty of Tigers’ fans; confident the club has put the building blocks in place to ‘turn the Titanic around’. All that and more on this week’s episode of Behind the Roar.

Joining us this week on our 50th episode of Behind the Roar is former Cowboys hooker, now Wests Magpies NSW Cup Coach, Aaron Payne.

Payne joined Wests Tigers in the pre-season, uprooting from Townsville for a sea change in the big smoke, and a fresh challenge.

After playing 219 NRL games across 11 seasons with the Cowboys, this fella has plenty of skin in the game, and can tell a yarn or two as well, like how he made a thousand bucks a minute when making his NRL debut.

We talk about the challenges and opportunities that come with the job as reserve grade coach, when, more often than not, the team changes from week to week. 

Payne talks about his own football journey and why the time was right for him to hang up the boots as a 29-year-old and turn his hand to coaching.  He also talks about the disappointment of losing the 2005 Grand Final, the No.9s competing with Api Koroisau for a Blues Origin berth, and away from footy, his love of fishing and thoroughbreds.

All that and more on our 50th episode of Behind The Roar.

Joe Ofahengaue joins host Chris Warren on episode three of Behind The Roar. We learn a whole lot more about popular Wests Tigers forward, Joe Ofahengaue in a revealing interview on the official Wests Tigers podcast. A player of proud Tongan heritage, Joe explains more about his family’s strong influence on his career, and how correct pronunciation of Pacifica island names is a show of respect.  One of twelve siblings, he tells Behind The Roar (BTR) how his father’s ‘experiment’ turned into a childhood dream, and what it means to represent Tonga on the international stage.He also speaks highly about how Wests Tigers helped make his 150th NRL appearance such a special occasion, despite a heavy loss to the Roosters. With three children under the age of three, whose images are printed on his favourite pair of socks, there’s not a whole lot of ‘downtime for Joffa. But he does reveal to BTR his love for making music, his obsession with Lebron, and his ‘man-crush’ on Storm star Cameron Munster.  All that and more on this week’s episode of Behind The Roar.

On this week’s episode of Behind the Roar turn back the clock with two of Wests Tigers ‘Originals’ who played in the club’s first season in the NRL, and in the very first match against the Broncos at Campbelltown.

We chat to WT Player #8 Shane Walker – who zooms in from his worksite – and WT Player #15 John Skandalis – who strolls in from his worksite, the corporate sales suite at the Zurich Centre.

 

Both players reminisce about the good old days, excited about Saturday’s past players get together at Campbelltown, when suddenly informed mid-recording that former teammate, WT Player #4, had passed away.  

 

We talk about Terry - the footballer and the larrikin, we look at a couple of key battles that will take place on Saturday evening, including the match-up between two of the game’s best props, Stefano Utoikamanu and Payne Haas.

 

We also discuss the move of John Bateman to lock, the impending NRL debut of former Super Rugby star Solomon Alaimalo, and the rising stars involved in junior rep Grand Finals on Saturday at CommBank Stadium.

 

All that and more on episode 48 of Behind the Roar!

Episode 34 of BTR is with Jordan Miller, another player who has emerged from the Western Suburbs premiership winning Harold Matthews team from 2022. Jordan talks about pre-season and his goals for 2024.

This week’s episode of Behind the Roar gives us a glimpse into the future, with Wests Tigers General Manager - Women’s and Pathways, Matthew Betsey.

We take a deep dive into the strategic importance of pathways and development, and the unique opportunities we have as a club with three strong catchment areas.

All that and more on this week’s edition of Behind The Roar.

This week on BTR we chat to Alex Lobb, a goal-kicking winger who joined Wests Tigers from the Dragons at the start of pre-season. Still living in Wollongong, Lobb wakes most mornings at 4:30 ahead of his trip to Concord. The early riser talks about his transition to his new club, how playing soccer as a kid has helped his kicking game, his burning desire to make his NRL debut, and a whole lot more.

Welcome to the Jungle, Jarome Luai, our special guest on this week’s summer series edition of Behind The Roar. Wests Tigers' marquee signing covers plenty of ground on the club’s official podcast, telling us how much he’s looking forward to the challenges ahead. Jarome reveals his first taste of the NRL was watching the 2005 Grand Final from a caravan park on the Central Coast, and how from that moment on, he became a Wests Tigers and Benji Marshall fan. ‘Romey’ also tells BTR how important Benji was in his decision to join Wests Tigers, as was his good mate, Api Koroisau. All that and more on this special edition of BTR One Jungle. No Limits. Get Behind the Roar.

Lachy McIntyre hosts Hammy Goodman, ShakTV and Lachie Pringle to discuss their experiences supporting our great club.

The group outlines their first memories of attending Wests Tigers matches, reviews the weekend’s tough loss to the Warriors and gives their thoughts on the performances of some of our 2025 recruits.

They also unpack some unique pieces of club merchandise they’ve brought in, look ahead to sitting on The Hill at CommBank Stadium on Easter Monday and discuss which Wests Tigers players would be in their ideal wrestling factions!

This hilarious quartet’s approach to discussing Wests Tigers players and club news is unmissable.

Brought to you by PWA — Pro Wrestling Australia, make sure you tune in to Behind The Roar this season for exclusive interviews and club news. 

Wests Tigers CEO Shane Richardson joins us on this week’s episode of Behind the Roar to talk through some key elements of the club’s new strategic plan, and a whole lot more.

We talk about the importance of increasing Wests Tigers’ focus on the southwest corridor, our plan to be the number one development club in Sydney, and with Leichhardt Oval facing an uncertain future, we discuss the factors shaping the club’s stadia policy over the next few years. We also reflect on Easter Monday’s marvellous win over Parramatta Eels, take look at this weekend’s game against the Dolphins, and we have an expanded segment of Questions from The Crowd. All that and more on episode 45 of BTR.

This week’s guest on Behind The Roar is former Wests Tigers utility back Tim Moltzen. Moltzen played 90 NRL games across six seasons at the club before his career was cruelly cut short by a chronic knee injury. We chat about a range of topics including the new coaching set-up at the club next season, the problems he faced when injury forced him out of the game as a 26-year-old, the talents of his former housemate, Benji – both on and off the field, and the future opportunities for Wests Tigers young squad in the coming years. All that and more on this week's episode of Behind The Roar.

On this week’s episode of BTR we chat to the man behind the design of our 2024 Indigenous Jersey which will be worn on Friday night against the Cowboys.

It’s a special bitesize edition of BTR where we recognise and celebrate the immense contribution indigenous players – past and present – have made to our game.

Uncle Richard Campbell has very close ties to rugby league and indeed to Wests Tigers. He is from the same Indigenous community as current Tigers half, Jayden Sullivan, who quickly suggested that his Uncle Richard should design the jersey. He is also the cousin of former Balmain Tigers player Paul Davis.

Richard talks about the significance of NRL Indigenous Round, the important role that rugby league plays in helping Indigenous youth, and his sheer delight in being involved with the club he supported as a child.

On episode 15 of Behind The Roar we chat with English international John Bateman ahead of Friday’s match against Canberra Raiders. We cover plenty of ground over 40 minutes, as we get to know what makes this proud Englishman tick.

He tells us how much rugby league has helped him grow as a person, and how the greatest game of all helped put a ‘difficult young boy’ on the 'straight and narrow'. John also opens up about the sacrifices he’s made in moving to Australia, and leaving family behind in England.

All that and much more on this weeks episode of "Behind The Roar"

This week we chat to teenage hooker, Tallyn Da Silva who is preparing for his first full season of NRL after making his first-grade debut in 2023. It was a meteoric rise for the Campbelltown junior who went from playing park footy with his father, to playing NRL with Wests Tigers in the space of 12 months. With five NRL games under his belt the East Campbelltown Eagles junior is now part of Wests Tigers top-30 roster and throwing himself into pre-season training. Tallyn also talks about the wealth of dummy half experience at the club and how much he’s learning off the likes of Api Koroisau and Robbie Farah. All that and more, on this weeks episode of Behind The Roar.

In this episode of BTR we speak to NRLW co-captains Botille Vette-Welsh and Kezie Apps.

This week’s episode of Behind the Roar celebrates Wests Tigers entry into the NRLW, ahead of Sunday’s very first against the Eels.

We talk to three of our NRLW team’s key recruits ahead of Sunday’s season-opener - Sarah Togatuki, Rikeya Horne and Jakiya Whitfeld.

We hear some truly inspiring stories from these ladies who somehow manage to juggle work, life and football.

All that and plenty more on this episode of Behind The Roar.

In this week’s episode of Behind The Roar, Wests Tigers CEO Shane Richardson delivers an update on the future of our club - with a special focus on our long-term vision for Campbelltown Sports Stadium.Richo outlines the club’s strategic push for a $50M short-term and $100M long-term investment into Campbelltown, transforming it into a modern, fit-for-purpose venue that can support NRL and NRLW games for the next decade and beyond.

With a June 30 deadline looming, the call for commitment is clear: Campbelltown has a team in Wests Tigers, but the long-term future hinges on the support we receive now.

This week’s guest on Behind The Roar is former Dragons’ winger Alex Lobb, who will make his first starting appearance in the NRL on Friday night in Wollongong.

Lobb, a 22-year-old Wollongong local, joined Wests Tigers in the off-season looking for an opportunity. 

He was unexpectedly called on to make his NRL debut in the team’s most recent match against the Cowboys in Townsville.

It was an unlikely debut with little fuss or fanfare in the lead up to the game.  As Alex explains, it was not how he thought it would happen, but he’s just stoked that it did.

His debut milestone was belatedly celebrated this week at the club, with his family on hand at the Zurich Centre on Tuesday to present Alex with his very first NRL jersey.

They will be there on Friday night too when Alex gets to run out in the starting side for the very first time, against of all sides his former club, and just up the road from home.

We chat to Lobby about his first 12 minutes in first grade, about his pathway to Wests Tigers after switching from soccer to league, and about how he’s enjoyed his first season at Concord despite the daily journey from the Gong.

We also dig a bit deeper into the mindset of a player and how he prepares for a match when named as 18th man.

Alex is living proof that you’ve got prepare as if you’re going to play, and you just never know, 18th man or not, you might even make your NRL debut!

 

This week we chat to Solomone Saukuru, a 19-year-old centre who has played the past few seasons in Wests Tigers pathways teams, and well on the mend after post-season shoulder surgery.

He talks about the challenges he faced when entering pre-season but unable to train with the main squad, his goals and aspirations over the next 12 months and beyond, his father’s influence on him as a person and a player, and how he’s enjoying training alongside the team’s most recent recruit, Justin Olam.

In this episode of Behind The Roar podcast we speak to NRL assistant coach Wayne "Chops" Lambkin, who is also the NSW Knock On Effect head coach for the Western Suburbs Magpies. We speak to Chops about his playing career and his transition into coaching.

The final episode of Behind The Roar for 2023 features this year’s Kelly-Barnes Medallist, Jahream Bula.

We cover plenty of ground and reflect on a remarkable debut season which saw the 21-year-old collect the Player of the Year, Players’ Player, and Rookie of the Year awards.

He talks openly about his strong Christian faith, the influence of Benji Marshall, and his desire to remain at Wests Tigers for many years to come.

Jahream’s journey to Wests Tigers is not dissimilar to that of his new head coach. Like Benji, he moved from New Zealand to Queensland in his teens to attend renown rugby league school, Keebra Park State High.

All that and more on this week’s Behind The Roar.

On the final episode of the 2024 season, we speak to Head Of Football Matthew Betsey.

In this week’s episode of Behind the Roar we chat to Wests Tigers NRLW Co-captain, Kezie Apps.

One of the game’s highest profile female players, Apps tells her story of how a young girl from a dairy farm on the NSW South Coast, grows into a rugby league icon.  

The 32-year-old forward also recounts the day she decided to turn a dream into reality.  Sitting on her couch in Bega at the age of 22, Apps marvelled at the success of the Australian Jillaroos when they claimed the 2013 Women’s Rugby League World Cup in England.  It sparked a burning desire for her to also wear the green and gold of her country and less than 12 months later, she did.

She also talks about success stories of some of her Wests Tigers NRLW teammates who have also forged a path to the NRLW. Not so long-ago girls were forced to quit the game at the age of 12, but not anymore.   

Apps talks about her journey, the hurdles, the sacrifices, and the rewards of her stellar career.

She has a long list of achievements in the game, much longer than most. Bus as she explains, there is one thing missing from her rugby league bucket list.

All that and more on episode 24 of Behind the Roar.

 

On this episode of Behind the Roar we speak to debutants, Jordan Miller, Heath Mason & Luke Laulilii.

On episode 12 of Behind The Roar we talk to rugby league’s longest serving strength and conditioning coach, Ronnie Palmer.

A Balmain junior who would later play for the Tigers in the 70’s, Ronnie has seen it all, having given more than 50 years of service to the game.  That includes twenty-odd years with the Roosters, about 25 years with the NSW Origin team, and working with 23 different coaches in that time.

Ronnie talks about experiences spanning several decades, how the game has changed so much over that time, and how the modern-day rugby league professional is so well equipped to perform at his or her peak.

All that and more in this week’s episode of Behind The Roar.

This week’s episode of Behind the Roar has a New Zealand flavour ahead of this weekend’s home game against the Warriors in Hamilton. We chat to two proud New Zealanders, Isaiah Papali’i and Starford To’a, who are both now carving their NRL careers in Australia, here at the Wests Tigers. Wests Tigers are the first NRL club to take a home game to New Zealand following the Covid pandemic, as a gesture of appreciation for the sacrifices made by the Warriors, and rugby league fans across the Tasman. We also cover some more hard-hitting topics like haircuts and the world-famous New Zealand pies. All that and more in this week’s episode of Behind the Roar.

On episode 11 of Behind The Roar we talk to Wests Tigers captain Api Koroisau following the team’s first win of the season, against his former club.

Api talks about the team’s brilliant win over the Panthers in Bathurst, what the team learnt after suffering seven straight losses, why captaincy is so important to him, the influence his mother has had on him as a player and a person, his penchant for reading books, his desire to play in this year’s Origin series, and a whole lot more.

Api also talks about playing ‘the long game’, like they did in Bathurst, and how important it is for the team going forward. And about how he’s honed his craft around the ruck over many years. It’s about repetition. Repetition. Repetition.

All that and more in this week’s episode of Behind The Roar.

Behind the Roar is back in 2025!Behind the Roar is back in 2025, along with three new hosts!Wests Tigers’ resident intern Lachy McIntyre, NRLW Captain Kezie Apps, and Wests Tigers Player #189 Tim Grant are all jumping on board to help steer the BTR ship this year.In their first episode, the trio discuss the NRL side’s impressive start to the season, what their wrestling persona would be, and plenty more. They also look ahead towards this week’s NRL match on Sunday at Campbelltown Sports Stadium, in which our boys will look to make it three wins on the trot. With representative-calibre rugby league experience in TG and Kezie, as well as the hilarious Lachy Mac in the fold, you won’t want to miss an episode of BTR this year.Brought to you by PWA — Pro Wrestling Australia, make sure you tune into Behind the Roar in 2025 for exclusive interviews and club news.

In episode 60 of Behind The Roar we speak to Wests Tigers CEO Shane Richardson.

On Episode 40 of Behind The Roar, we speak to Shane Richardson

Recently appointed CEO Shane Richardson wants to make Wests Tigers the best sporting club in Sydney, outlining here some key changes that will form part of a new business strategy for the club.

He also issues a challenge to Wests Tigers supporters who have not yet 'joined the family' as a member. 

This week’s episode of Behind The Roar was recorded live at Accor Stadium before Easter Monday’s match against Parramatta Eels, featuring former Wests Tigers players Chris Lawrence and Pat Richards. Just as they did in their respective careers, the boys cover plenty of ground. With almost 600 first-grade games between them, they’ve seen a lot, learned a lot, and hurt a lot.  Now retired but still heavily involved with the club, both are very happy with their lot in life. All that and more in this week’s edition of Behind The Roar.

In Episode 9 of Behind the Roar podcast, We talk to former Wests Tigers fullback, Shannon Gallant, who these days is an integral part of Wests Tigers' pathways programs in the south-west and Macarthur regions. Shannon Gallant might not be a household name in rugby league, but if you want insight into how a young boy’s dreams became reality, about how a passion for rugby league became a way of life, and about the daily challenges of talent identification, then episode 9 of BTR is a must listen.

In episode 44 of Behind the Roar we chat to veteran half Aidan Sezer ahead of Easter Monday’s match against the Eels.

Aidan has played more than 150 NRL games and made his first starting appearance for Wests Tigers in Saturday night’s glorious win over the Sharks at Leichhardt Oval. 

He’s a wonderful character with a great sense of humour who is grateful for the opportunity he’s been given at Wests Tigers after spending four years in England.

Sezer, or ‘salad’ as he’s affectionately known, covers plenty of ground in this 40-minute episode, dishing the dirt on one of his ‘coffee snob’ teammates, and reliving the time in England when he fell victim to Johnny Bateman.

He tells us how he’s loving life at Wests Tigers under the coaching of Benji Marshall, showering praise on Api Koroisau after his ‘masterclass’ last weekend. 

Sezer also explains why it’s such a thrill to be playing alongside a rookie five-eighth, what the sheer presence of Justin Olam means to the team, why Bateman is such the good leader he is, and the backstory to Wests Tigers new team song.

You’ll hear about the improvements made against the Sharks following the loss in Canberra, and ‘the basics’ that the team must get right against the Eels on Monday.

All that and more on Behind The Roar.

This week’s guest on Behind the Roar is Wests Tigers try scoring hero Alex Twal ahead of this weekend’s trip to Townsville.

He’s been one of our team’s most consistent forwards for many years, but until Round 16 against Melbourne Storm, Twal was still chasing that elusive first NRL try. 

After waiting seven seasons and 116 first-grade games in the NRL, he finally crossed for his ‘maiden meat pie’ on a chilly Saturday night at Campbelltown Sports Stadium.

It’s a light-hearted chat about marriage, good mates, Lebanese cuisine, and more.

This week’s episode of Behind the Roar features former NRL star Feleti Mateo who these days is doing a terrific job with Wests Tigers in wellbeing and education. We talk about his stellar career, his struggles with depression, his unique playing style, his brief dash to London, and his willingness to help Polynesian players feel more connected with their culture. All that and a whole lot more on this week’s Behind The Roar.

On episode 14 of Behind The Roar we chat with Luke Brooks, following a night to remember against the Cowboys last weekend. It’s an inciteful chat about his past, his present and his future. 

We cover plenty of topics including the team’s turnaround in form, his better understanding of how best to work with Api, his dreams as a kid watching his beloved Wests Tigers, what needs to be done to beat the Raiders next weekend, as well as his love of country music, cooking, and being a dad.

Hear about that and much more in this week’s edition of Behind The Roar.

This week we chat to ball-playing forward, Justin Matamua who is preparing to enter his third season in the NRL.

He talks about the growing number of pathways players in our top-30 squad, how he's handling pre-season training, his expectations for next season, and a whole lot more.

This week’s guest on episode 17 of Behind The Roar is one of our premiership heroes from 2005 and Wests Tigers Player #68 Dene Halatau. After hanging up the boots at the end of the 2016 NRL season, he has forged a successful career at NRL HQ in varying roles, both in player wellbeing, and these days in the injury assessment space.

He has also adapted well to life in the media as a regular on ABC Radio's rugby league commentary team, but acknowledges that many footballers post retirement, aren’t so fortunate.He talks about how the transition from being a full time professional player to retirement can be brutal for some.

All that and much more on this episode of Behind The Roar.

Wests Tigers assistant coach John Morris is our guest on the first episode of Behind The Roar for the 2024 season. We also welcome to our new sponsor of Wests Tigers official podcast, Pro Wrestling Australia.

 Morris covers plenty of ground on this episode of BTR, talking about the rigours of pre-season, about what is needed this weekend in Canberra, and giving specific detail about his role as defensive coach. Morris also talks glowingly about his ‘boss’ Benji, and how well he has brought the crew together. Specifically, he tells BTR how Marshall has empowered his assistant coaches with very clearly defined roles.

All that and a whole lot more on this week’s Behind The Roar.

This week we chat to Solomona Faataape, a 23-year-old centre from Brisbane who was a standout in the Queensland Cup last year, helping Brisbane Tigers win their first premiership in more than 30 years. He talks about what it means to be given this opportunity, the benefits of being able to train full time, how he was off the pace when he first joined the club, and how something as simple as a free bottle of Powerade can mean so much.

This week’s episode of Behind The Roar is a special State of Origin preview as we count down to Wednesday’s series decider at Suncorp Stadium. We chat to a couple of fellas who know a thing or two about Origin deciders at Suncorp having experienced all that the Queensland cauldron has to offer. We are joined by Wests Tigers current NRLW Coach Brett Kimmorley, who played 10 Origins for NSW over a ten-year period, and current Head of Wellbeing, Tim Grant. Noddy talks about his highs and lows in Origin, including a victorious clean sweep in his debut series, and that costly, ill directed cut-out pass in game one, 2005. Grant was a part of the NSW team that headed to Suncorp for the 2012 series decider, after making his Origin debut just a few weeks earlier. He talks about the hostility of the Queensland crowd and the star-studded lineup he faced that night which included the likes of Inglis, Smith, Cronk and Thurston. Both give their views on the series so far, the changes made to each team, and how the game will unfold.

On this week’s episode of Behind the Roar we chat to the Fainu brothers who last weekend became the first trio of brothers to play NRL together for Wests Tigers.

It’s not often three brothers all get to play NRL, yet alone at the same time, and in the same team. So rare in fact, only ten times have three or more brothers played together in the same team in the past 100 years.Last weekend Latu, Samuela and Sione Fainu created a slice of history when they suited up together against the Rabbitohs in Gosford, and they’ll be at it again on Friday against the Warriors in Auckland.

Two of them made their NRL debut with Wests Tigers this season, while the other made his NRL debut against Wests Tigers last season.In an odd twist of fate, Latu and Sione played their very first NRL game against the same opposition, at the very same venue, yet some seven weeks apart.

We talk footy, family, and a whole lot more. Three good young men who differ in shape, size and personality, but who share the strongest of bonds as brothers.

This week we chat to Kit Laulilii, an exciting young lock who made his NRL debut for Wests Tigers in the final round of the 2023 season against Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles at Brookvale Oval.

Captain of the premiership-winning Wests Magpies Harold Matthews team, Laulilii explains how leadership has been instilled in him from a young age.

This week’s guest on Behind The Roar is Darren Flindell, a diehard Wests Tigers fan who also happens to be the ‘voice of racing’ in Sydney.

Yes, something a little different on this week’s edition of Behind The Roar.

Whether you’re into horse racing or not, there’s a good chance you’ll find Darren Flindell’s journey a captivating one. It’s a story about an ardent Tigers’ fan who as a kid dreamed of becoming Sydney’s No.1 race caller. 

All that and more on this week’s Behind The Roar.

On this week’s episode of BTR we learn a lot more about 21-year-old middle forward, Fonua Pole.

 

We chat about preparations for Saturday’s game against the Bulldogs, how some divine intervention helped him switch from Aussie Rules to Rugby League, and he also tells us about his ‘first true love’. 

 

As debate continues about banning the long kick-off, Fonua says he loves coming off the back fence, and reveals what goes through his mind at that moment just before ‘collision time.  

Of Tongan heritage, New Zealand-born, and raised in Melbourne, Fonua also reveals his entrepreneurial side, telling us about his latest clothing label and the inspiration behind its name, ‘live yourz’. 

 

All that and more on episode 49 of Behind The Roar.

The first episode features an in-depth interview with Assistant Coach and Wests Tigers Life Member, Robbie Farah. Farah discusses a range of topics in the first episode including his new role under Tim Sheens, how he’s helping Api Koroisau, sinking beers on the Leichhardt scoreboard, his many business interests, his love of Liverpool FC…and a whole lot more. His story is also a beacon of hope for young players with lofty ambitions.  Unable to make several junior rep sides, and told he ‘was never good enough’, Farah talks about his burning desire to prove the doubters wrong.

Episode 4 of BTR takes a deep dive into the world of a former professional rugby league player who has carved a career that he loves, with a club that he loves, long after hanging up the boots.  Skandalis talks openly about how, to this day, he still yearns to play rugby league but how the ‘body says no’. He also talks about the challenges facing this year’s NRL team, after a disappointing start to the season, but is supremely confident success will come.

In a special edition of Behind The Roar, Wests Tigers CEO Shane Richardson sets the record straight about some key issues at the club ahead of Friday’s sold-out match against the Eels at Campbelltown.

In Episode 43, we sit down with Wests Tiger number one Joel Caine. Joel takes us on a journey through his career, sharing insights from his time with the inaugural Wests Tigers team and his transition into the world of media.

But that's not all - we introduce a brand new segment called Turnbuckle Time, proudly brought to you by Pro Wrestling Australia.

All that and much more, on this episode of Behind The Roar

This week’s podcast has a focus on the women’s game and coincides with the launch of the 2023 NRLW fixtures. Joining us for episode 10 is Wests Tigers NRLW star, Botille Vette-Welsh.

The New Zealand born fullback is well placed to talk all things footy, having played five seasons at Wests Tigers in the NSWRL Women’s Premiership, NRLW with the Roosters, Dragons and Eels, State of Origin for NSW, as well as international representation for the Australian Jillaroos and Māori All Stars.

She talks openly about her battles through injury, about how an NRL star reached out through the dark times, about her path to Wests Tigers and about Wests Tigers pathways, and about a few of the players to watch out for in the club’s inaugural NRLW season.

All that and more in episode 10 of Behind The Roar.

On this week’s episode of Behind the Roar we chat to Wests Tigers Player #281, Justin Olam, ahead of the team’s Round 18 match against Melbourne Storm.Adored in his homeland Papua New Guinea, Olam has also developed a big following here in Australia since his arrival in 2017, following six seasons with the Storm.

‘Juzzie’, who didn’t start playing rugby league until he went to university, tells us about how he had to learn on the run when he first joined Melbourne, admitting he knew very little about the game.

It was a steep learning curve, eventually developing one of the most powerful centres in the game, admired for his sheer ferocity, and feared for his ------ We talk about the evolution of footy in PNG, the chat with Benji that lured him to Wests Tigers, and the ‘little things’ in a game which have big consequences.

We also chat about his upbringing, his education, his love of nature and a whole lot more.

Join head coach Tim Sheens and host Chris Warren for episode two of the official Wests Tigers podcast, Behind The Roar. Sheens chats about several key issues heading into the opening round of the 2023 NRL season.  Tim touches on several topics including the process behind the selection of this year’s team captain, how Api Koroisau can ‘unlock’ Luke Brooks, how Benji Marshall is adapting to his new coaching role, and the influence the late great Jack Gibson had on shaping Sheens as a coach. Sheens also talks about some of his ‘bucket list’ items post retirement, a penchant for some the coldest places on earth, tactfully dodges a question or two about greatest players to have played the game. All that and much more in Episode 2 of Behind The Roar.

In our final episode of Behind The Roar’s pre-season series we chat with rising star and former development player, Josh Feledy.

Josh talks about his hopes and dreams for 2024, his pre-season goals and achievements, and how important it was to him making his NRL debut at the end of last season.

A powerful centre, and one of the shorter players in the team, Feledy explains how dropping a few kilos over summer has made a sizeable difference.

In this week’s episode of Behind the Roar we chat to Wests Tigers very first captain, Darren Senter.

Senter played 226 NRL games in total over 13 seasons. He made his debut with Canterbury Bulldogs in 1992, playing three seasons at Belmore before joining Balmain in 1995, where he played five seasons there.

He played another five seasons at West Tigers but decided to hang up the boots in 2004.  Despite missing out on the club’s maiden premiership in 2005, he’s got no regrets about making that tough decision.

Senter was one of the more experienced heads in the side during an era that saw the emergence of future Wests Tigers greats, like Benji Marshall, Robbie Farah and Chris Heighington.  He talks fondly of all three men.

A hard-nosed hooker who was fitter than a fiddle, Senter draws some comparisons between the team from the early 2000s and the current squad.  

“We had a few really experienced guys like Terry Hill, Jarrod McCracken, Shane Walker and me, and then there was this batch of young guys coming through like Benji and Robbie.”

Ahead of our first home game in Campbelltown this season, Darren recalls the buzz around the place ahead of the team’s very first game at the same venue against the Broncos in 2000.  He says it was also at Campbelltown where he played perhaps the best game of his career.

We also chat about life after footy, the importance of staying connected with former teammates, why family matters so much, and the origins of his nickname ‘Hollywood’.

Episode 32 of BTR is with Lachlan Galvin, another player who has emerged from the Western Suburbs premiership-winning Harold Matthews team from 2022, to a top-30 contract in 2024. He talks openly about the challenges faced by an 18-year-old in his first NRL pre-season, how he loves learning off Benji, his pathways journey where he was overlooked by a rival club, and a whole lot more.

This week’s guest is a highly regarded sports administrator who was CEO of Central Coast Mariners for nine years and has previously worked in the NRL at both Penrith Panthers and South Sydney Rabbitohs.

He was recently appointed to the position of GM Community, Foundation and Affiliates and his work will play a huge role in Wests Tigers Strategic Plan.

We talk to Shaun about how his challenging experiences in the A League have shaped his passion for making a true difference in the community, and about the structure and purpose of the soon-to-be-launched Wests Tigers Empower program.

Shaun also tells us about the time he shared a beer with Kenny Sutcliffe – the ‘male model from Mudgee’ – not in Mudgee mind you, but of all places in Saudi Arabia!

All that and more in Episode 51 of Behind The Roar.

Wests Tigers official podcast Behind The Roar is shining the light on some of the club’s younger players over the summer, as preparations continue ahead of the 2024 NRL season.  

 

The 10-episode pre-season series includes five players who are on NRL Development contract and five who are part of the club’s top-30 roster. Six of these players are yet to make their NRL debut, and all but one has played in Wests Tigers pathways teams.

 

First cab off the rank is young Queensland forward CHRIS FAAGUTU, a middle forward who this year played Origin Under 19s for Queensland. 

 

He admits week-one of pre-season was ‘a bit out there’, in layman’s terms, it was tough.

This week’s guest on Behind The Roar is two times premiership winner and Kiwi international, Paul Whatuira.

We catch up with the former Wests Tigers centre at the team hotel in Hamilton ahead of last Saturday’s Round 24 match against the Warriors.  

He talks about the highs and lows in his football career, and in life.  He recalls the ‘key ingredients’ that took Wests Tigers all the way in 2005 and offers some sage advice to others who might be starting out on their rugby league journey. 

After battling depression for many years, Paul these days is doing some great work helping others in the health and wellbeing space.

From experience, comes learning, and Paul is quick to offer advice an wellbeing. “Life is precious. Life is short. Practice gratitude every day,” said Whatuira. Stay grounded, stay humble and give it your all.”

 

On episode 5 of Behind The Roar, Balmain great Paul Sironen talks about a range of issues including John Bateman’s Wests Tigers debut, the perils of social media, the satisfaction that comes with his role in pathways, the loveable larrikins he played with at the Tigers, and why our current NRL team should feel confident ahead of Friday’s clash in Melbourne.

One week after NRL Multicultural Round, Sironen discusses his own heritage, recounting how his late father emigrated from Finland in the 50’s, learning to speak English on the long boat ride to Australia.

Sironen also talks about the highs and lows of the 1989 Grand Final loss to Canberra. And the irony of how his ‘best career moment’ and his ‘worst career moment’ were separated by about 60 minutes.

All that and more in episode 5 of Behind the Roar.

On episode 6 of Behind The Roar, we chat to former Wests Tigers forward and now assistant coach, Simon Dwyer. Dwyer talks about how he's coped after a career-ending injury, his love for Wests Tigers and his revamped role at the club, some encouraging stats from our team despite four straight losses, 'that hit' on JWH in 2010, and a whole lot more. They say you don’t fully appreciate what you have in life, until it is taken away. Simon Dwyer lost so much, but still has so much to give. He offers advice and hope to others living with a disability. All that and more in episode 6 of Behind the Roar.

In Episode 21 of Behind The Roar, we speak to Wests Tigers player #264 David Klemmer.

On this week’s episode of BTR we chat to Wests Tigers Player #287 Reuben Porter, who made his NRL debut this season at the age of 27.

After eight seasons in the NSW Cup, Reuben had almost given up on his dream to play NRL, before a call from Benji changed all that.

This is a story about a perseverance and patience, about belief and self-doubt, about a guy who put ambition on the backburner only to fall back in love with the game.

After uprooting and moving from New Zealand to Sydney as a 17-year-old, it didn’t quite go according to plan for Reuben.  

Recruited by the Roosters, and then the Raiders, he found himself stuck behind some very good players.  Then a snapped Achilles, then a thing called Covid, and then a rethink about how he would pay the bills.

He talks about rediscovering his love of footy when playing with his mates at North Sydney last year, and about the biggest challenges he’s faced in stepping up from NSW Cup to NRL.

Reuben explains how important ‘attention to detail’ is at NRL level, and the ‘domino effect’ on your team if you happen to ‘miss your assignment’.  

He talks about the pride he felt when making his long-awaited NRL debut, and offers great advice to others who, like him, may think their big opportunity has passed them by.

Reuben also details what it means to him and his family to represent the Cook Islands, saying he’d love to again play in the Pacific Championships at the end of the season.

Away from footy, we chat about the perfect steak, the LA Clippers, and a whole lot more.

This week’s guest on Behind The Roar is Wests Tigers Player #94 Keith Galloway. One of the best props to have pulled on a Wests Tigers jersey, Galloway played 173 games for Wests Tigers over 10 seasons after joining the club from Cronulla Sharks in 2006.

A good old-fashioned prop who had a cult following in his heyday, Galloway reflects on the good times and the tough times in his days at the Wests Tigers. Still in great shape, the heavily tattooed big fella explains how he still misses playing the game, but says it helps having a big group of ex-NRL players as current workmates.He talks of the camaraderie of his playing days, his life post football, his brief experiment with an acting career, and his love of Leichhardt Oval.

Galloway enjoyed some really good years in a team which fell narrowly short of the grand final on a couple of occasions, and which regularly pressed for the top-eight.

He also talks about the latter years in his time at the Tigers when things weren’t going so smoothly, so he knows a thing or two about the pressure that mounts during a losing streak.

Offering some sage advice to the current group of Wests Tigers, he says to ignore the outside noise, and keep working hard.“You’ve just got to keep it between these four walls, you just got to work at it together,” said Galloway.“You can't listen to too much outside noise. You start reading all these headlines, all these people on social media hammering you, things like that.“You just got to stick together, keep turning up. I know it's hard. I've been there.But the only way out is to stay positive, keep believing and keep working hard.”Galloway doubled down on those who are relentless with their criticism of the group.“As long as the effort's there, the supporters be proud.

“Some of these media outlets, there's blokes on TV that I don't think they've even played games and they're throwing barbs at the boys and things like that.“They're just like parasites. My advice is to not let them rattle you.“Keep believing and keep working hard.”

On this week's episode of Behind the Roar we are paying tribute to Western Suburbs great Tommy Raudonikis, two years after his passing. Roy Master's joins Chris to reflect on our club legend. Roy and Tommy were not just coach and player, they were the best of mates.  In Episode 7 of BTR, Roy tells a few tales about the mighty number 7, who passed away on April 7 two years ago.

On Episode 16 of Behind the Roar podcast, we speak to inaugural NRLW coach Brett Kimmorley.

On episode 13 of Behind The Roar we chat with Brent Naden leading into Wests Tigers Indigenous Round match against the Cowboys at Leichhardt Oval.

Naden covers a range of topics, some serious, some not so.  He talks about fatherhood, about self-development, about his proud Indigenous heritage, and that of his teammates. 

Hear about that and much more in this week’s edition of Behind The Roar.

 

This week’s guest on BTR is former Panthers, Wests Tigers and NSW prop, Tim Grant.

Much of the chat with Tim is about his role at the Wests Tigers as head of wellbeing, and we take a deeper dive into the link between mental wellbeing and player performance. 

He talks openly about his own battles post-retirement, and the struggles of others who failed to cope when all they knew was suddenly taken away.  These days he’s helping players in many ways, whether just there as a friend who’ll listen, or helping them form a ‘plan p’ for the transition post-retirement.

He also talks about his penchant for pruning hedges, and his football-loving grandma who was a nurse, who would stich up the wounds of his fathers’ bush-footy teammates, without anaesthetic! 

All that and more in episode 47 of Behind the Roar.

This week we chat to Tony Sukkar, a local junior and edge forward who has climbed his way through Wests Tigers pathways teams, and is now patiently for that next big opportunity.

Tony talks about his junior footy where he played for three clubs in the Balmain district, the influence his father has had on his young career, the greatest challenges of pre-season training, and why ‘finding his voice’ is a work in progress.