In: John Morris (Eels), Danny Galea (Panthers), Peter Lewis (Eels), Tom Haberecht (Dragons), Luke Harlen (Sharks), Michael Howell (France), Jason Moodie (unattached)
Out: John Skandalis(Huddersfield), Shane Elford (Huddersfield), Jamaal Lolesi (Huddersfield), Scott Prince (Titans), Anthony Laffranchi (Titans), Michael Crockett (Warriors), Sam Harris (rugby union)
Coach: Tim Sheens
Scouting Report
Seldom has so much ridden on the fragile shoulders of one young man. It's a big year for Benji Marshall. If the mercurial play-maker's shoulders hold up, the Tigers have a chance of repeating their bolt-from-the-orange-and-black 2005 triumph. But, if Marshall's oft-operated-on shoulders fail, then not only will the Tigers struggle, a nation will collectively be left to gnash its teeth at the demise of a player who promised to be the messiah and lead us out of generations of subjugation at the hands of our foul cousins across the Tasman.
In other words: he'll be buggered. A career crock-case.
Chin up. Might never happen.
But with the livewire Scott Prince replaced by the steady John Morris at halfback, the Tigers will certainly be depending on Benji to come up with the big plays.
Coach Tim Sheens will almost certainly say
"I know lots of people think 2005 was a fluke and it's up to us to prove them wrong."
Sheens probably won't say
"Okay, you're right. 2005 was a fluke."
Reasons to be cheerful
Paul Whatuira is a lucky charm, having been a member of title-winning sides at Penrith and the Tigers, as well as scoring the opening try in the Kiwis' 2005 Tri-Nations final victory over Australia. Success follows the centre like a lost puppy.
Reasons to be fearful
Benji Marshall knows his personal surgeon so well he is godfather to his kids. Okay, I made that up. But you get the picture.
