With one of the youngest squads in the NRL, Wests Tigers’ brigade of 2022 youngsters are ready to make their mark on the upcoming season!
With a month left until the 2022 season kickoff, we profile some of these talented players to watch out for.
Starford To’a
21 — Winger/Fullback/Centre (20 NRL Games)
Wests Tigers’ latest recruit for 2022, 21-year-old Starford To’a joins the club with NRL experience and significant try-scoring ability.
Since his debut in 2019, To’a has proven to be an accomplished tackle-breaker and his powerful carries will add toughness to Wests Tigers’ backline this season.
With an impressive try-scoring record over the course of his young career (11 tries in 20 NRL games), Wests Tigers fans should be very excited to see the former Junior Kiwi run out in 2022.
Starford eager to earn new teammates trust
Jake Simpkin
20 — Hooker (9 NRL Games)
Making his debut in 2021 and going on to play nine games in the top grade, Jake Simpkin is an exciting young player.
A Queensland Under-18s representative, Simpkin re-signed with the club last year and is locked in until the end of the 2024 season, meaning he will be a familiar face in Wests Tigers colours in years to come.
At just 20 years of age, the future is bright for Simpkin and this season he looks destined to take his game to the next level.
Junior Tupou
19 — Centre (Yet to make NRL Debut)
The youngest member of Wests Tigers’ Top 30 in 2022, 19-year-old outside back Junior Tupou joins the club with an imposing pedigree.
A Canberra Raiders junior, Tupou spent 2021 playing rugby union in the Brumbies system but returns to league with a point to prove.
Tupou has the goal of making his NRL debut and this young gun’s development in 2022 will be one to look out for.
Jock Madden
21 — Halfback (3 NRL Games)
Entering his fourth season at the club, young halfback Jock Madden made his NRL debut in 2021 and played two further games, after an outstanding season in NSW Cup.
Madden won the Magpies’ Player of the Year Award, scoring eight 8 tries and 49 goals to finish as the NSW Cup’s leading point-scorer.
Madden will look to add to his NRL games tally in 2022 and his continued development will undoubtedly be worth watching.
Madden: "We can feel the games coming"
William Kei
21 — Centre (Yet to make NRL Debut)
Splitting his time between NSW Cup and Jersey Flegg in 2021, William Kei is a New South Wales junior representative with deceptive pace and a wicked fend.
After a knee injury somewhat stunted his development last year, with a full pre-season under his belt, Kei is fit and ready to fire for Wests Tigers in 2022.
