Finishing above the last placed Newcastle Knights only via pointโs differential, the Wests Tigers avoided the wooden spoon, and thatโs about it, in 2015.
Despite some amazing performances from the likes of James Tedesco and Aaron Woods, the Tigers managed just the eight wins this season.
Jason Taylorโs appointment as coach was meant to be the dawning of a new area for the joint venture side, however it was not to be.
Problems off-field certainly didnโt help, with boardroom unrest, and a very public feud between coach and captain, all added to the Tigers season of woe.
Season Highlight: 50-16 win over the Warriors (Round 25)
The Tigers had a few really good wins this season, including a 34-16 win over the Storm, although none was better than their 50 to 16 thrashing of the Warriors at Campbelltown Stadium.
Following a shocking week off-field, the Tigers turned it on in front of their fans in a big way.
The man of the moment Robbie Farah had a season defining game, and showed his importance to the club, and fans.
All the Tigers stars were on their game that day, albeit against a weakened Warriors side, leaving many to wonder where this had been all season.
The home side put on an incredible nine tries in their best performance off the season.
Unfortunately it was too little, too late, but for one day, the Tigers were king.
Season Lowlight: The Robbie Farah Saga
I donโt necessarily disagree with Jason Taylorโs decision to ask Robbie Farah to move on, but the way the Tigers handled it was absolutely deplorable.
For those living under a rock, the Tigers decided Farah was no longer justifying his price tag, and told him to look elsewhere.
Cue huge public backlash from fans and players, both former and current, which led to a public backflip by the club, and you can be forgiven for asking what the point was.
Instead of freeing up a large chunk of salary cap, allโs the Tigers managed to do was alienate their biggest name player, and the vocal majority of fans.
Surely if they wanted to move Farah on, it should have been done post season, quietly.
I have no doubt Farah and his management had a hand in the publicity of the entire saga, but the club messed this up big time.
Star Player: James Tedesco
Although the Tigers suffered a horror season, their fullback was an absolute gem.
Having scored 17 tries, 17 line breaks and 14 try assists in 24 games, there was nothing more Tedesco could have done to help his side in 2015.
When he wasnโt busting tackles or making metres, he was diffusing bombs or pulling off try saving defensive plays.
Simply put, Tedesco was brilliant.
Most Disappointing Player: Robbie Farah
Truth be told, Farah did not have the worst season, but considering his talent, and pay cheque, fans and staff could be forgiven for expecting more from their number nine.
Itโs probably not unfair to say Farah has been carrying the expectations of Tigers faithful for a few seasons now, especially with his young support cast.
This season however, Farah was not able to reproduce his usual playmaking attributes.
To sum up, solid yet unspectacular, which unfortunately is not enough when youโre the highest paid player on the roster.
Future Star: Manaia Cherrington
I might be a little harsh, but with a full season under their belt, the Tiger cubs can no longer really be treated as โfuture starsโ, theyโre playing week-to-week first grade, and need to produce now.
One player who showed serious glimpses of brilliance was 21 year-old rake Manaia Cherrington.
He was the man earmarked to replace Farah, and should play plenty of footy next season regardless out of the outcome.
He showed enough in his 11 first grade games this season to earn a call up to the Kiwi train on squad, and through Taumaloloโs withdrawal, earned a spot in the full squad.
Best Signing For 2016: Michael Chee-Kam
The Tigers recruitment drive can hardly be described as aggressive, but they have added a few young players who needed a change of scenery.
Chee-Kam, a former Sea Eagle, had plenty of wraps on him just last season, however failed to make any inroads at a first grade level.
Looking at the Tigerโs squad pre-season, their backrow seemed as though it could be a weakness, and unfortunately for Tiger fans, it proved to be true.
Chee-Kam will add another option, and should find a spot, at least on the bench, in the early rounds next season.
Heโs not a huge name signing, none of the incoming Tigers are, but he could be a smart signing if he lives up to his undoubted talent.
Outlook:
The Tigers need to make a tough decision regarding Taylor and Farah and stick to their guns. I cannot see these two coinciding in 2016 and beyond.
The club has not recruited a single big name, readymade first grader, instead opting to stick with what theyโve got.
I give them credit, theyโve got a plan and theyโre sticking to it. The plan was never formulated with short-term interests at heart.
This side will be better judged in three or so seasons, however is it fair to expect the Tigers fans to put up with another season like this one?
Itโs hard to see anything but improvement next season.
Season Grading: F
Considering the excitement that surrounded Jason Taylorโs appointment as coach, and the strength of the Tigers roster, avoiding the spoon via pointโs differential is not good enough.
Fans were quick to blame outgoing coach Mick Potter for the poor results in recent seasons, but now have to face the fact the problems go much deeper.
The person responsible for allowing Blake Austin to release Blake Austin would be ducking for cover, after he comprehensively outplayed all of the Tigers playmakers.
Allโs you can say is that the likes of Brooks and Moses now have a full season under their belts, and should be better for it.
