The Wests Tigers band of 2005 are back together again – except for the drummer. And in a stunning boost for the struggling club, grand final winning skipper Scott Prince has offered to re-join the Tigers for their 2023 reunion tour.
The only Tigers skipper to lift the premiership trophy, Prince is settled in Brisbane and has a good job at the Broncos, working in development and as assistant coach of their women’s team.
But the former superstar halfback has been so swept away by the Sheens-Benji-Farah reunion that he has offered his services for next season.
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“The band’s all there – except the drummer!” an excited Prince told Wide World of Sports.
“What we did in 2005 was the highlight of my career and we are all brothers for life.
“I’ve already had a chat to Tim about what I could possibly do at the club.
“I still love the Tigers and it hurts to see what they have been going through the last few years.
“I enjoy what I do at the Broncos and they have been great to me, but if the Tigers had an opening coaching the halves or something, I’d definitely consider it.”
Prince believes the Tigers have made a move in the right direction by bringing back the heroes of 2005.
“Tim is one of the smartest men in football and he will teach Benji plenty,” he said. “It’s exciting times and I think it will work well for the club.”
Woolf to resist NRL homecoming
I’m hearing Kristian Woolf – a key figure in the NRL coaching jigsaw puzzle for 2023 – will stay in England for at least another 12 months.
Woolf was the Warriors’ first choice, is in the mix at the Bulldogs and may even be a chance at the Titans.
But Woolf is doing a superb job at St Helens – the club is at the top of the ladder – four points clear of second-placed Wigan.
The Saints have lost just three of 19 games and are well placed to win all the silverware on offer in the European competition.
Woolf is still keeping his options open, but those close to him say he is definitely leaning towards having one more year in England before returning home.
Dragons board meeting reveals Griffin’s true battle
There were some glum faces yesterday at the Dragons‘ monthly board meeting. A review of the football department revealed that after 41 games in charge, Anthony Griffin has the worst record of any coach in the joint venture’s history.
And the club has had some pretty ordinary coaches since being founded in 1999.
Griffin has won just 16 games, losing 25. Compare that to the club’s lone successful coach, Wayne Bennett (30 wins, 11 losses) and it makes for grim reading.
Even the much maligned Paul McGregor (20-21), Nathan Brown (20-21) and Steve Price (17-24) boasted better records than Griffin.
The embarrassing 54 points conceded to an injury-ravaged Roosters side last weekend – the second highest tally the club has ever conceded – also got a mention.
As did the fact that the club has conceded more points at this stage of the year than in any other season in the club’s history.
Several senior players are ‘off’ Griffin, but the club is continuing to back him … for the moment. But they are certain to closely monitor results over the latter stages of the season.
English clubs circling Bulldogs hard man
Several English clubs are attempting to lure tough Bulldog Luke Thompson back to Super League next season.
Glamour club Wigan are leading the charge, while at least two other clubs are also keen.
Thompson made a quick trip back home for personal reasons recently, which only threw fuel on the rumour fire.
But the Bulldogs are confident that Thompson will stay on board with the steadily improving club.
“Luke has never shown any interest in going back to UK,” Bulldogs boss Phil Gould told Wide World of Sports.
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“He is even trying to encourage his mother to come to Australia and live with him.
“I’ve heard of some interest over there but it would be a big turnaround if he chose to go home.”
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