Behind The Roar
Behind The Roar is the official podcast of the Wests Tigers rugby league club. It offers listeners behind-the-scenes access to the team, including player interviews and insider perspectives. The podcast keeps fans updated on club news, match previews, and reviews. Produced by the club itself, it is a dedicated channel for Wests Tigers supporters.
Episodes
77. NRLW Star Emily Bass & PWA Wrestlers Join BTR ft. WWE’s Grayson Waller | Behind the Roar
NRLW star Emily Bass joins Behind the Roar alongside PWA wrestlers Billy Preston and Frankie B in a huge crossover episode.Behind The Roar is proudly brought to you by @ProWrestlingAustralia They talk about the hardest hits they’ve ever taken, the challenges of balancing part-time wrestling and rugby league with full-time jobs, and Bass reflects on the special moment of being recalled to the Mar
76. Wingmen - Sunia Turuva & Jeral Skelton
Behind the Roar | Wingmen SpecialWests Tigers wingers Sunia (Tito) Turuva and Jeral Skelton join host Tim Grant for a high-energy episode all about life on the edge of the field. From finishing tries to putting on those highlight-reel hits, the boys break down what it really takes to be a modern NRL winger.Expect laughs, banter, and some honest insight into the game as they share their journeys, t
75. The Uso's - Laulilii Brothers
Behind the Roar is back with a brand new episode filmed inside the PWA training facility in Campbelltown.This week, host Lachy McIntyre is joined by Wests Tigers duo Luke and Kit Laulilii, plus special guest — PWA superstar Robbie Eagles. Expect plenty of laughs, inside stories, and the boys going head-to-head in a chaotic round of 10 Second Trash Talk.But that’s not all — just when things are hea
74. Captains - Jarome Luai & Api Koroisau
In this special episode of Behind the Roar, proudly presented by @ProWrestlingAustralia Wests Tigers co-captains Jarome Luai and Api Koroisau sit down for an honest and entertaining conversation about leadership, growth, and the season so far.With this weekend's Members Appreciation Round fast approaching, the pair reflect on the 2025 season to date and the lessons they’ve learned about them
73. Persistence | Tristan Hope & Charlie Murray
This week on Behind the Roar, brought to you by Pro Wrestling Australia @ProWrestlingAustralia we sit down with Wests Tigers debutants Tristan Hope and Charlie Murray - two players who’ve taken the long road to the NRL.Hosted by Tim Grant, this episode dives deep into the challenges both men faced chasing their rugby league dreams - from juggling full-time jobs and family commitments, to grindin
72. Evie McGrath & Montana Clifford | NRLW Draw | Behind The Roar Podcast
This week on Behind the Roar, proudly brought to you by Pro Wrestling Australia (PWA), Kezie Apps is joined by two of her Wests Tigers NRLW teammates, Montana Clifford and Evie McGrath, for an episode full of laughs, insight and reflection as they gear up for Round 1.The duo open up on their journeys to Wests Tigers, from childhood in regional and suburban NSW, to debuting in the NRLW. Clifford sh
71. Shane Richardson | CEO UPDATE | New Signings + Club News
In this special episode of Behind the Roar, Wests Tigers CEO Shane Richardson provides an in-depth update on key developments both on and off the field.Richo reflects on the club’s recent performances, acknowledging the 5-8 record but praising the team’s growth, effort, and the exciting style of footy under Benji Marshall. He highlights standout individual performances, the return of key forwards,
70. Terrell May & Fonua Pole | The Pack | Behind The Roar Podcast
On this episode of Behind the Roar Wests Tigers front-rowers Terrell May and Fonua Pole sit down for a candid, wide-ranging chat hosted by Tim Grant.Sponsored by @ProWrestlingAustralia this episode is packed with insight into life on and off the field, with the boys discussing the tough realities of playing in the front row, and the passions that keep these players grounded beyond the game.Terre
69. Locked In | Sarah Togatuki & Christian Pio | Behind The Roar
On this episode of Behind the Roar, Kezie Apps hosts two of her Wests Tigers NRLW teammates, Sarah Togatuki and Christian Pio.This episode is must-with, with 'Sala' and Chris reliving their paths to the NRLW, revealing how community support, family, and resilience shaped their journeys.The duo also share their excitement about returning to NRLW preseason and their hopes for the season ahea
68. Milestone Men | Alex Twal & Adam Doueihi | Behind The Roar
In this week’s edition of Behind the Roar, Lachy McIntyre sits down with the club’s most recent milestone men, Adam Doueihi and Alex Twal.In this special episode, The Milestone Men reflect on their journeys so far, share stories from their careers, and answer questions submitted by you – the fans. Doueihi, who played his 100th NRL game against the Eels in Round 7, and Twal, who notched up 150 game
68. Backing Campbelltown | CEO Update | Behind The Roar
In this week’s episode of Behind The Roar, Wests Tigers CEO Shane Richardson delivers an update on the future of our club - with a special focus on our long-term vision for Campbelltown Sports Stadium.Richo outlines the club’s strategic push for a $50M short-term and $100M long-term investment into Campbelltown, transforming it into a modern, fit-for-purpose venue that can support NRL and NRLW gam
67. Creator Takeover | Behind The Roar | New Signing News
Lachy McIntyre hosts Hammy Goodman, ShakTV and Lachie Pringle to discuss their experiences supporting our great club.The group outlines their first memories of attending Wests Tigers matches, reviews the weekend’s tough loss to the Warriors and gives their thoughts on the performances of some of our 2025 recruits.They also unpack some unique pieces of club merchandise they’ve brought in, look ahea
66. Meet our NEW hosts | Behind The Roar | Wests Tigers Podcast
Behind the Roar is back in 2025!Behind the Roar is back in 2025, along with three new hosts!Wests Tigers’ resident intern Lachy McIntyre, NRLW Captain Kezie Apps, and Wests Tigers Player #189 Tim Grant are all jumping on board to help steer the BTR ship this year.In their first episode, the trio discuss the NRL side’s impressive start to the season, what their wrestling persona would be, and plent
65. Jarome Luai | Welcome to the Jungle
Welcome to the Jungle, Jarome Luai, our special guest on this week’s summer series edition of Behind The Roar.
Wests Tigers' marquee signing covers plenty of ground on the club’s official podcast, telling us how much he’s looking forward to the challenges ahead.
Jarome reveals his first taste of the NRL was watching the 2005 Grand Final from a caravan park on the Central Coast, and how from that
Wests Tigers 2025 Draw | Shane Richardson | Behind The Roar
On this special edition of Behind The Roar we speak to Wests Tigers CEO Shane Richardson. Richo give's us some insight into the strategy behind this years draw requests. He also announces a big re-signing at the club.
64. Football Review | Matthew Betsey | Behind The Roar
On the final episode of the 2024 season, we speak to Head Of Football Matthew Betsey.
CEO Update | Shane Richardson | Behind The Roar
In a special edition of Behind The Roar, Wests Tigers CEO Shane Richardson sets the record straight about some key issues at the club ahead of Friday’s sold-out match against the Eels at Campbelltown.
63. Wayne Pearce | The First Coach | Official Wests Tigers Podcast
On this week’s episode of BTR, as we celebrate Wests Tigers 25th season in the NRL, we chat to the team’s very first coach and Balmain Tigers legend, Wayne Pearce.
Junior’ covers plenty of ground as our NRL and NRLW teams prepare for big games at Leichhardt Oval over the next few days.
We chat about his days as a 14-year-old selling hotdogs on the very same hill that would eventually be named in
62. Reuben Porter | Behind The Roar | Official Wests Tigers Podcast
On this week’s episode of BTR we chat to Wests Tigers Player #287 Reuben Porter, who made his NRL debut this season at the age of 27.
After eight seasons in the NSW Cup, Reuben had almost given up on his dream to play NRL, before a call from Benji changed all that.
This is a story about a perseverance and patience, about belief and self-doubt, about a guy who put ambition on the backburner only to
61. Tim Johannssen | Behind The Roar | Official Wests Tigers Podcast
On this week’s episode of BTR we chat to Wests Tigers Player #291 Tim Johannssen, who made his NRL debut last week against the Cowboys. BTR is proudly sponsored by Pro Wrestling Australia. This is a story about a young fella who walked away from rugby league, giving up on a childhood dream, who was then called back to give it another crack. A young man of strong faith, Tim reveals how he wandered
60. The War Chest | Shane Richardson | Official Wests Tigers Podcast
In episode 60 of Behind The Roar we speak to Wests Tigers CEO Shane Richardson.
59. Fainu Brothers | Behind The Roar | Official Wests Tigers Podcast
On this week’s episode of Behind the Roar we chat to the Fainu brothers who last weekend became the first trio of brothers to play NRL together for Wests Tigers.
It’s not often three brothers all get to play NRL, yet alone at the same time, and in the same team. So rare in fact, only ten times have three or more brothers played together in the same team in the past 100 years.Last weekend Latu, Sam
58. State Of Origin | Tim Grant & Brett Kimmorley | The Decider
This week’s episode of Behind The Roar is a special State of Origin preview as we count down to Wednesday’s series decider at Suncorp Stadium.
We chat to a couple of fellas who know a thing or two about Origin deciders at Suncorp having experienced all that the Queensland cauldron has to offer.
We are joined by Wests Tigers current NRLW Coach Brett Kimmorley, who played 10 Origins for NSW over a
57. NRLW Captains | Botille Vette-Welsh & Kezie Apps | Behind The Roar
In this episode of BTR we speak to NRLW co-captains Botille Vette-Welsh and Kezie Apps.
56. Justin Olam | Behind The Roar | Official Wests Tigers Podcast
On this week’s episode of Behind the Roar we chat to Wests Tigers Player #281, Justin Olam, ahead of the team’s Round 18 match against Melbourne Storm.Adored in his homeland Papua New Guinea, Olam has also developed a big following here in Australia since his arrival in 2017, following six seasons with the Storm.
‘Juzzie’, who didn’t start playing rugby league until he went to university, tells us
55. Debutants | Jordan Miller, Luke Laulilii, Heath Mason | Official Wests Tigers Podcast
On this episode of Behind the Roar we speak to debutants, Jordan Miller, Heath Mason & Luke Laulilii.
54. Junior League Appreciation | Lachlan Galvin, Kit Laulilii, Tallyn Da Silva | Official Wests Tigers Podcast
This week’s guests on Behind The Roar are three rising stars who have recently made their NRL debuts with Wests Tigers, as we celebrate Junior League Appreciation Round.Joining us for episode 54 of BTR is Wests Tigers Player #270 Tallyn Da Silva, WT Player # 275 Kit Laulilii, and WT Player # 277 Lachie Galvin.All three are Macarthur juniors who have played with and against each other for many year
53. Keith Galloway | Behind The Roar | Official Wests Tigers Podcast
This week’s guest on Behind The Roar is Wests Tigers Player #94 Keith Galloway. One of the best props to have pulled on a Wests Tigers jersey, Galloway played 173 games for Wests Tigers over 10 seasons after joining the club from Cronulla Sharks in 2006.
A good old-fashioned prop who had a cult following in his heyday, Galloway reflects on the good times and the tough times in his days at the West
52. Alex Lobb | The Early Riser | Behind The Roar
This week’s guest on Behind The Roar is former Dragons’ winger Alex Lobb, who will make his first starting appearance in the NRL on Friday night in Wollongong.
Lobb, a 22-year-old Wollongong local, joined Wests Tigers in the off-season looking for an opportunity.
He was unexpectedly called on to make his NRL debut in the team’s most recent match against the Cowboys in Townsville.
It was an unlike
Indigenous Jersey 2024 | Uncle Richard Campbell | Behind The Roar Podcast
On this week’s episode of BTR we chat to the man behind the design of our 2024 Indigenous Jersey which will be worn on Friday night against the Cowboys.
It’s a special bitesize edition of BTR where we recognise and celebrate the immense contribution indigenous players – past and present – have made to our game.
Uncle Richard Campbell has very close ties to rugby league and indeed to Wests Tigers.
51. Shaun Mielekamp | Behind The Roar | Official Wests Tigers Podcast
This week’s guest is a highly regarded sports administrator who was CEO of Central Coast Mariners for nine years and has previously worked in the NRL at both Penrith Panthers and South Sydney Rabbitohs.
He was recently appointed to the position of GM Community, Foundation and Affiliates and his work will play a huge role in Wests Tigers Strategic Plan.
We talk to Shaun about how his challenging ex
50. Aaron Payne | Behind The Roar | Official Wests Tigers Podcast
Joining us this week on our 50th episode of Behind the Roar is former Cowboys hooker, now Wests Magpies NSW Cup Coach, Aaron Payne.
Payne joined Wests Tigers in the pre-season, uprooting from Townsville for a sea change in the big smoke, and a fresh challenge.
After playing 219 NRL games across 11 seasons with the Cowboys, this fella has plenty of skin in the game, and can tell a yarn or two as we
49. Fonua Pole | Behind The Roar | Official Wests Tigers Podcast
On this week’s episode of BTR we learn a lot more about 21-year-old middle forward, Fonua Pole.
We chat about preparations for Saturday’s game against the Bulldogs, how some divine intervention helped him switch from Aussie Rules to Rugby League, and he also tells us about his ‘first true love’.
As debate continues about banning the long kick-off, Fonua says he loves coming off the back fence
48. Shane Walker & John Skandalis | The Originals | Wests Tigers Podcast
On this week’s episode of Behind the Roar turn back the clock with two of Wests Tigers ‘Originals’ who played in the club’s first season in the NRL, and in the very first match against the Broncos at Campbelltown.
We chat to WT Player #8 Shane Walker – who zooms in from his worksite – and WT Player #15 John Skandalis – who strolls in from his worksite, the corporate sales suite at the Zurich Cent
47. Tim Grant | Behind The Roar | Official Wests Tiger Podcast
This week’s guest on BTR is former Panthers, Wests Tigers and NSW prop, Tim Grant.
Much of the chat with Tim is about his role at the Wests Tigers as head of wellbeing, and we take a deeper dive into the link between mental wellbeing and player performance.
He talks openly about his own battles post-retirement, and the struggles of others who failed to cope when all they knew was suddenly take
46. Darren Senter | The Originals | Behind The Roar Podcast
In this week’s episode of Behind the Roar we chat to Wests Tigers very first captain, Darren Senter.
Senter played 226 NRL games in total over 13 seasons. He made his debut with Canterbury Bulldogs in 1992, playing three seasons at Belmore before joining Balmain in 1995, where he played five seasons there.
He played another five seasons at West Tigers but decided to hang up the boots in 2004. Des
45. THE PLAN | Shane Richardson | Behind The Roar Podcast
Wests Tigers CEO Shane Richardson joins us on this week’s episode of Behind the Roar to talk through some key elements of the club’s new strategic plan, and a whole lot more.
We talk about the importance of increasing Wests Tigers’ focus on the southwest corridor, our plan to be the number one development club in Sydney, and with Leichhardt Oval facing an uncertain future, we discuss the factors
44. Aidan Sezer | Behind The Roar | Official Wests Tigers Podcast
In episode 44 of Behind the Roar we chat to veteran half Aidan Sezer ahead of Easter Monday’s match against the Eels.
Aidan has played more than 150 NRL games and made his first starting appearance for Wests Tigers in Saturday night’s glorious win over the Sharks at Leichhardt Oval.
He’s a wonderful character with a great sense of humour who is grateful for the opportunity he’s been given at West
43. Joel Caine | Behind The Roar | Official Wests Tigers Podcast
In Episode 43, we sit down with Wests Tiger number one Joel Caine. Joel takes us on a journey through his career, sharing insights from his time with the inaugural Wests Tigers team and his transition into the world of media.
But that's not all - we introduce a brand new segment called Turnbuckle Time, proudly brought to you by Pro Wrestling Australia.
All that and much more, on this episode o
42. John Morris | Behind The Roar | Official Wests Tigers Podcast
Wests Tigers assistant coach John Morris is our guest on the first episode of Behind The Roar for the 2024 season. We also welcome to our new sponsor of Wests Tigers official podcast, Pro Wrestling Australia.
Morris covers plenty of ground on this episode of BTR, talking about the rigours of pre-season, about what is needed this weekend in Canberra, and giving specific detail about his role as de
41. Josh Feledy | Behind The Roar | Official Wests Tigers Podcast
In our final episode of Behind The Roar’s pre-season series we chat with rising star and former development player, Josh Feledy.
Josh talks about his hopes and dreams for 2024, his pre-season goals and achievements, and how important it was to him making his NRL debut at the end of last season.
A powerful centre, and one of the shorter players in the team, Feledy explains how dropping a few kilos
40. Shane Richardson | Behind The Roar | Official Wests Tigers Podcast
On Episode 40 of Behind The Roar, we speak to Shane Richardson
Recently appointed CEO Shane Richardson wants to make Wests Tigers the best sporting club in Sydney, outlining here some key changes that will form part of a new business strategy for the club.
He also issues a challenge to Wests Tigers supporters who have not yet 'joined the family' as a member.
39. Solomona Faataape | Behind The Roar | Wests Tigers Pre-Season Series
This week we chat to Solomona Faataape, a 23-year-old centre from Brisbane who was a standout in the Queensland Cup last year, helping Brisbane Tigers win their first premiership in more than 30 years.
He talks about what it means to be given this opportunity, the benefits of being able to train full time, how he was off the pace when he first joined the club, and how something as simple as a fr
38. Solomone Saukuru | Behind The Roar | Pre-Season Series | Official Wests Tigers
This week we chat to Solomone Saukuru, a 19-year-old centre who has played the past few seasons in Wests Tigers pathways teams, and well on the mend after post-season shoulder surgery.
He talks about the challenges he faced when entering pre-season but unable to train with the main squad, his goals and aspirations over the next 12 months and beyond, his father’s influence on him as a person and a
37. Tony Sukkar | Behind The Roar | Pre-Season Series | Official Wests Tigers
This week we chat to Tony Sukkar, a local junior and edge forward who has climbed his way through Wests Tigers pathways teams, and is now patiently for that next big opportunity.
Tony talks about his junior footy where he played for three clubs in the Balmain district, the influence his father has had on his young career, the greatest challenges of pre-season training, and why ‘finding his voice’
36. Kit Laulilii | Behind The Roar | Pre-Season Series | Official Wests Tigers
This week we chat to Kit Laulilii, an exciting young lock who made his NRL debut for Wests Tigers in the final round of the 2023 season against Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles at Brookvale Oval.
Captain of the premiership-winning Wests Magpies Harold Matthews team, Laulilii explains how leadership has been instilled in him from a young age.
35. Alex Lobb | Behind The Roar | Pre-Season Series | Official Wests Tigers
This week on BTR we chat to Alex Lobb, a goal-kicking winger who joined Wests Tigers from the Dragons at the start of pre-season.
Still living in Wollongong, Lobb wakes most mornings at 4:30 ahead of his trip to Concord. The early riser talks about his transition to his new club, how playing soccer as a kid has helped his kicking game, his burning desire to make his NRL debut, and a whole lot mo
34. Jordan Miller | Behind The Roar | Pre-Season Series | Official Wests Tigers
Episode 34 of BTR is with Jordan Miller, another player who has emerged from the Western Suburbs premiership winning Harold Matthews team from 2022. Jordan talks about pre-season and his goals for 2024.
33. Justin Matamua | Behind The Roar | Pre-Season Series | Official Wests Tigers
This week we chat to ball-playing forward, Justin Matamua who is preparing to enter his third season in the NRL.
He talks about the growing number of pathways players in our top-30 squad, how he's handling pre-season training, his expectations for next season, and a whole lot more.
32. Lachlan Galvin | Behind The Roar | Pre-Season Series | Official Wests Tigers
Episode 32 of BTR is with Lachlan Galvin, another player who has emerged from the Western Suburbs premiership-winning Harold Matthews team from 2022, to a top-30 contract in 2024.
He talks openly about the challenges faced by an 18-year-old in his first NRL pre-season, how he loves learning off Benji, his pathways journey where he was overlooked by a rival club, and a whole lot more.
31. Tallyn Da Silva | Behind The Roar | Pre-Season Series | Official Wests Tigers
This week we chat to teenage hooker, Tallyn Da Silva who is preparing for his first full season of NRL after making his first-grade debut in 2023.
It was a meteoric rise for the Campbelltown junior who went from playing park footy with his father, to playing NRL with Wests Tigers in the space of 12 months.
With five NRL games under his belt the East Campbelltown Eagles junior is now part of W
30. Chris Faagutu | Behind The Roar | Pre-Season Series | Official Wests Tigers
Wests Tigers official podcast Behind The Roar is shining the light on some of the club’s younger players over the summer, as preparations continue ahead of the 2024 NRL season.
The 10-episode pre-season series includes five players who are on NRL Development contract and five who are part of the club’s top-30 roster. Six of these players are yet to make their NRL debut, and all but one has pla
29. Jahream Bula | Behind The Roar | Official Wests Tigers Podcast
The final episode of Behind The Roar for 2023 features this year’s Kelly-Barnes Medallist, Jahream Bula.
We cover plenty of ground and reflect on a remarkable debut season which saw the 21-year-old collect the Player of the Year, Players’ Player, and Rookie of the Year awards.
He talks openly about his strong Christian faith, the influence of Benji Marshall, and his desire to remain at Wests Tiger
28. Darren Flindell | Behind The Roar | Official Wests Tigers Podcast
This week’s guest on Behind The Roar is Darren Flindell, a diehard Wests Tigers fan who also happens to be the ‘voice of racing’ in Sydney.
Yes, something a little different on this week’s edition of Behind The Roar.
Whether you’re into horse racing or not, there’s a good chance you’ll find Darren Flindell’s journey a captivating one. It’s a story about an ardent Tigers’ fan who as a kid dreamed o
27. Tim Moltzen | Behind The Roar | Official Wests Tigers Podcast
This week’s guest on Behind The Roar is former Wests Tigers utility back Tim Moltzen. Moltzen played 90 NRL games across six seasons at the club before his career was cruelly cut short by a chronic knee injury.
We chat about a range of topics including the new coaching set-up at the club next season, the problems he faced when injury forced him out of the game as a 26-year-old, the talents of hi
26. Paul Whatuira | Behind The Roar | Offical Wests Tigers Podcast
This week’s guest on Behind The Roar is two times premiership winner and Kiwi international, Paul Whatuira.
We catch up with the former Wests Tigers centre at the team hotel in Hamilton ahead of last Saturday’s Round 24 match against the Warriors.
He talks about the highs and lows in his football career, and in life. He recalls the ‘key ingredients’ that took Wests Tigers all the way in 2005 an
24. Isaiah Papali'i, Starford To'a | Behind The Roar | Official Wests Tigers Podcast
This week’s episode of Behind the Roar has a New Zealand flavour ahead of this weekend’s home game against the Warriors in Hamilton.
We chat to two proud New Zealanders, Isaiah Papali’i and Starford To’a, who are both now carving their NRL careers in Australia, here at the Wests Tigers.
Wests Tigers are the first NRL club to take a home game to New Zealand following the Covid pandemic, as a gest
24. Kezie Apps | Behind The Roar | Official Wests Tigers Podcast
In this week’s episode of Behind the Roar we chat to Wests Tigers NRLW Co-captain, Kezie Apps.
One of the game’s highest profile female players, Apps tells her story of how a young girl from a dairy farm on the NSW South Coast, grows into a rugby league icon.
The 32-year-old forward also recounts the day she decided to turn a dream into reality. Sitting on her couch in Bega at the age of 22, Ap
23. Feleti Mateo | Behind The Roar | Official Wests Tigers Podcast
This week’s episode of Behind the Roar features former NRL star Feleti Mateo who these days is doing a terrific job with Wests Tigers in wellbeing and education.
We talk about his stellar career, his struggles with depression, his unique playing style, his brief dash to London, and his willingness to help Polynesian players feel more connected with their culture.
All that and a whole lot more o
22. NRLW - Sarah Togatuki, Rikeya Horne and Jakiya Whitfeld
This week’s episode of Behind the Roar celebrates Wests Tigers entry into the NRLW, ahead of Sunday’s very first against the Eels.
We talk to three of our NRLW team’s key recruits ahead of Sunday’s season-opener - Sarah Togatuki, Rikeya Horne and Jakiya Whitfeld.
We hear some truly inspiring stories from these ladies who somehow manage to juggle work, life and football.
All that and plenty more on
21. David Klemmer
In Episode 21 of Behind The Roar, we speak to Wests Tigers player #264 David Klemmer.
20. Matthew Betsey
This week’s episode of Behind the Roar gives us a glimpse into the future, with Wests Tigers General Manager - Women’s and Pathways, Matthew Betsey.
We take a deep dive into the strategic importance of pathways and development, and the unique opportunities we have as a club with three strong catchment areas.
All that and more on this week’s edition of Behind The Roar.
19. Alex Twal
This week’s guest on Behind the Roar is Wests Tigers try scoring hero Alex Twal ahead of this weekend’s trip to Townsville.
He’s been one of our team’s most consistent forwards for many years, but until Round 16 against Melbourne Storm, Twal was still chasing that elusive first NRL try.
After waiting seven seasons and 116 first-grade games in the NRL, he finally crossed for his ‘maiden meat pie’
18. Wayne "Chops" Lambkin
In this episode of Behind The Roar podcast we speak to NRL assistant coach Wayne "Chops" Lambkin, who is also the NSW Knock On Effect head coach for the Western Suburbs Magpies. We speak to Chops about his playing career and his transition into coaching.
17. Dene Halatau
This week’s guest on episode 17 of Behind The Roar is one of our premiership heroes from 2005 and Wests Tigers Player #68 Dene Halatau. After hanging up the boots at the end of the 2016 NRL season, he has forged a successful career at NRL HQ in varying roles, both in player wellbeing, and these days in the injury assessment space.
He has also adapted well to life in the media as a regular on ABC
16. Brett Kimmorley
On Episode 16 of Behind the Roar podcast, we speak to inaugural NRLW coach Brett Kimmorley.
15. John Bateman
On episode 15 of Behind The Roar we chat with English international John Bateman ahead of Friday’s match against Canberra Raiders. We cover plenty of ground over 40 minutes, as we get to know what makes this proud Englishman tick.
He tells us how much rugby league has helped him grow as a person, and how the greatest game of all helped put a ‘difficult young boy’ on the 'straight and narrow
14. Luke Brooks
On episode 14 of Behind The Roar we chat with Luke Brooks, following a night to remember against the Cowboys last weekend. It’s an inciteful chat about his past, his present and his future.
We cover plenty of topics including the team’s turnaround in form, his better understanding of how best to work with Api, his dreams as a kid watching his beloved Wests Tigers, what needs to be done to beat th
13. Brent Naden
On episode 13 of Behind The Roar we chat with Brent Naden leading into Wests Tigers Indigenous Round match against the Cowboys at Leichhardt Oval.
Naden covers a range of topics, some serious, some not so. He talks about fatherhood, about self-development, about his proud Indigenous heritage, and that of his teammates.
Hear about that and much more in this week’s edition of Behind The Roar.
12. Ronnie Palmer
On episode 12 of Behind The Roar we talk to rugby league’s longest serving strength and conditioning coach, Ronnie Palmer.
A Balmain junior who would later play for the Tigers in the 70’s, Ronnie has seen it all, having given more than 50 years of service to the game. That includes twenty-odd years with the Roosters, about 25 years with the NSW Origin team, and working with 23 different coaches i
11. Api Koroisau
On episode 11 of Behind The Roar we talk to Wests Tigers captain Api Koroisau following the team’s first win of the season, against his former club.
Api talks about the team’s brilliant win over the Panthers in Bathurst, what the team learnt after suffering seven straight losses, why captaincy is so important to him, the influence his mother has had on him as a player and a person, his penchant fo
10. Botille Vette-Welsh
This week’s podcast has a focus on the women’s game and coincides with the launch of the 2023 NRLW fixtures. Joining us for episode 10 is Wests Tigers NRLW star, Botille Vette-Welsh.
The New Zealand born fullback is well placed to talk all things footy, having played five seasons at Wests Tigers in the NSWRL Women’s Premiership, NRLW with the Roosters, Dragons and Eels, State of Origin for NSW, a
9. Shannon Gallant
In Episode 9 of Behind the Roar podcast, We talk to former Wests Tigers fullback, Shannon Gallant, who these days is an integral part of Wests Tigers' pathways programs in the south-west and Macarthur regions.
Shannon Gallant might not be a household name in rugby league, but if you want insight into how a young boy’s dreams became reality, about how a passion for rugby league became a way of life
8. Chris Lawrence & Pat Richards LIVE
This week’s episode of Behind The Roar was recorded live at Accor Stadium before Easter Monday’s match against Parramatta Eels, featuring former Wests Tigers players Chris Lawrence and Pat Richards.
Just as they did in their respective careers, the boys cover plenty of ground. With almost 600 first-grade games between them, they’ve seen a lot, learned a lot, and hurt a lot. Now retired but still
7. Roy Masters
On this week's episode of Behind the Roar we are paying tribute to Western Suburbs great Tommy Raudonikis, two years after his passing. Roy Master's joins Chris to reflect on our club legend.
Roy and Tommy were not just coach and player, they were the best of mates. In Episode 7 of BTR, Roy tells a few tales about the mighty number 7, who passed away on April 7 two years ago.
6. Simon Dwyer
On episode 6 of Behind The Roar, we chat to former Wests Tigers forward and now assistant coach, Simon Dwyer.
Dwyer talks about how he's coped after a career-ending injury, his love for Wests Tigers and his revamped role at the club, some encouraging stats from our team despite four straight losses, 'that hit' on JWH in 2010, and a whole lot more.
They say you don’t fully appreciate what you have
5. Paul Sironen
On episode 5 of Behind The Roar, Balmain great Paul Sironen talks about a range of issues including John Bateman’s Wests Tigers debut, the perils of social media, the satisfaction that comes with his role in pathways, the loveable larrikins he played with at the Tigers, and why our current NRL team should feel confident ahead of Friday’s clash in Melbourne.
One week after NRL Multicultural Round,
4. John Skandalis
Episode 4 of BTR takes a deep dive into the world of a former professional rugby league player who has carved a career that he loves, with a club that he loves, long after hanging up the boots.
Skandalis talks openly about how, to this day, he still yearns to play rugby league but how the ‘body says no’. He also talks about the challenges facing this year’s NRL team, after a disappointing start t
3. Joe Ofahengaue
Joe Ofahengaue joins host Chris Warren on episode three of Behind The Roar. We learn a whole lot more about popular Wests Tigers forward, Joe Ofahengaue in a revealing interview on the official Wests Tigers podcast. A player of proud Tongan heritage, Joe explains more about his family’s strong influence on his career, and how correct pronunciation of Pacifica island names is a show of respect.
On
2. Tim Sheens
Join head coach Tim Sheens and host Chris Warren for episode two of the official Wests Tigers podcast, Behind The Roar.
Sheens chats about several key issues heading into the opening round of the 2023 NRL season. Tim touches on several topics including the process behind the selection of this year’s team captain, how Api Koroisau can ‘unlock’ Luke Brooks, how Benji Marshall is adapting to his new
