Twitter: @EastsTigers
Home Ground: Suzuki Stadium Langlands Park, Coorparoo
Coach: Scott Sipple
Last Year: 5th – eliminated 2nd week of finals – 13 wins – 8 losses – 2 draws
The Tigers did what they do best in 2015 and were super competitive throughout the season, and gave eventual premiers Ipswich a run for their money in the second week of the finals before bowing out.
Their season wasn’t without sadness in 2015 after the passing of their halfback Grant Giess during a bye week during the season. Like the Falcons they battled through admirably afterwards, and beat Ipswich and drew with Townsville at home after that to complete an undefeated home quinella against the grand finalists. They were also ruthless against some lower ladder opposition with some big wins chalked up.
Their association with the Melbourne Storm continues, and the Tigers won’t need much improvement in 2016 to get into the top 2 and attempt to make a third grand final appearance in four years. They have recruited Penrith forward Daniel Foster and Javarn White amongst their Ins for the season ahead, but have lost the excellent Shaun Nona.
For those wanting to follow Easts throughout the year, they have coverage of games featuring former ABC TV commentary team members Warren Boland and Gavin Payne, and NothingButLeague’s own Matt Crowhurst. The Back Row Podcast is also recommended. All can be found at thetigers.com.au.
Key Matches:
The match against Wynnum in the first week of the finals like it seems to be every year.
Away matches north of Rockhampton are key to a top two finish. The Tigers were 0/4 in 2015. Although the Tigers have avoided a trip to Townsville in this year’s draw.
