The Wests Tigers have received a major boost to their squad next season, signing former NRL premiership winner Jason Cayless for two years in a move that will have coach Tim Sheens feeling very optimistic about his side’s title aspirations in 2010.
Returning to Australia after playing four seasons in the English Super League with St Helens, Cayless’ induction to the Tigers line-up will provide the team with some much needed experience and grunt upfront, especially in big matches.
Before his stint with St Helens, Cayless made his NRL debut in 2000 for the Parramatta Eels, playing alongside his brother Nathan.
Despite showing promise wearing the blue and gold, Cayless signed with the Sydney Roosters at the beginning of the 2002 NRL season.
Playing under the tutelage of current Sharks coach Ricky Stuart, Cayless would became one of the prime forwards in the NRL with the Roosters, helping the Bondi-Junction club win their 12th premiership in just his first year with the tri-colours.
The Kiwi test forward ended up becoming an integral part of a Roosters team that would go on to make two more successive NRL Grand Final appearances, whilst also winning a World Club challenge title in 2003 and the Minor Premiership a year later.
After a successful four year stint at the Roosters, Cayless signed with St Helens in 2006 and was once again able to win silverware in just his first year with the club, attaining the English Super League title and the Challenge Cup.
Having been a prominent figure at both the Roosters and St Helens, Cayless will be looking to help lead the Tigers to their first finals series since winning the NRL premiership in 2005.
The 29 year old prop will certainly add muscle to what is becoming a formidable Tigers forward pack for next season.
Cayless will now feature alongside big forwards such as Bryce Gibbs, Keith Galloway, Todd Payten, Chris Heighington and England Test player Gareth Ellis.
Despite nearing the twilight of his career, Cayless still has what it takes to adapt to the rigors of NRL football.
If Tigers coach Tim Sheens can get the best out of Cayless and company, it will prove to be the key in getting a Tigers machine, controlled by stars Benji Marshall and Robbie Farah, to fire in next seasons finals after a painful four year absence.
Bay35Pablo
Roar Guru
The Tiges have had a small pack for a long time. They won the 2005 GF because they played to their strengths away from the pack, but they didn't have much choice and also had the right blokes to play that style. The Tiges have missed that in their game, and I am sure Sheens wanted it. But it is nhard to build a good pack overnight, without spending big bucks. The Tiges prefer to build their teams internally, but haven't really brought too many big boppas through. Galloway was recruited from the Sharks. Sheens appears to have been picking up a player here and there over the last few years towards this end. Galloway, Ellis, now Cayless. Who wouldn't want to play under the Roos coach? I am getting excited about cheering on the Tiges again next year, although I had said that for the last 4 years and look what I got. That 15 years of famine from 1989 to 2005 was good preparation .... :)
Tricky Trindall
Guest
Alan, Get off the gear! Cayless was less than impactful at the Roosters when he left and he has only struggled ever since! His brother has a much bigger heart and higher workrate - hence why he has remained in the NRL and has been one of the NRL's better forwards for many, many years. Cayless is just another Kiwi looking to come to our shores to live off the government once his stint with the Tigers is over!
Dogs Of War
Roar Guru
Most clubs just look what the top clubs did. The Dragons and Bulldogs just had big boppas up front and steamrolled teams that way. Parra took a while to find their feet, but where able to step up and match that level in the forwards, and that helped them beat both clubs. Tigers I suspect believe that a decent bench was the difference between Parramatta op themselves making the finals. To be honest, Souths are the team that scares me the most. Top 4 specials next season.
Mick from Giralang
Guest
It will be fascinating to see how he copes with the NRL after two years in the Superleague. Tonie Carroll had an immediate impact for the Broncos after a stint in the Superleague. And of course Gareth Ellis has been an instant success for the Tigers. Perhaps we underestimate how good the British comp is?
Greg Russell
Roar Guru
There was an article two weeks ago ("Crowe inspires Burgess to join Souths") on how the Souths forwards, following the signing of Sam Burgess, are going to be big and mean next year (with also D Taylor, Asotasi, Crocker, etc.). Now we hear the same of Wests-Tigers. Is this swings and roundabouts, or is every club in the NRL looking to bulk up its forwards? I also suspect a change in philosophy from Sheens. While he has not been deliriously happy about having one of the smaller forward packs in the competition, certainly he seemed content to make do. Not, it would seem, any more.
Alan Nicolea
Guest
Dogs of War He will certainly add depth to their forward pack. Indeed they struggled for replacements during the mid-season this year and they had to call back John Skandalis out of park footy to help mend the Tigers woes upfront. Whilst his best days maybe behind him, a fit Cayless will be a welcome addition to the Tigers IMO.
Dogs Of War
Roar Guru
He struggled to make the team last season, mostly due to injuries. I don't see his signing as being the missing link they need, probably a bench player at best.