James Tamou has already been so extremely impressed with his new squad, he’s comparing them to the young team he led to the NRL Grand Final just a few months ago.
The young playing group at the foot of the mountains is as good as any in the league, but Tamou has seen enough that Wests Tigers can match it with them in the future.
“It’s a young group,” Tamou told media on Tuesday. “The similarities between here and Penrith are of the same talent pool. I’ve said that many times.
“Penrith have had that talent pool for a while, it’s just about putting it all there on one page and doing good things with it.
“I am pretty confident in this special group that we’ve got. But like I said it’s not really known until we get tested on Sunday.”
Tamou also gave the highest of praises and a significant comparison to young hooker, Jacob Liddle.
“I felt (in the Manly trial) he was very quick out of dummy half,” Tamou said.
“If we’re able to get a roll on, he’s able to get out. He can create opportunities there. He’s a bit like Api Koroisau.
“Obviously the hooker comes into the game now it’s quicker around the ruck.”
“I definitely think he’s more than capable and can take a hit. That’s probably one of the most pleasing things to see, you want someone to line up beside you and they do their job.”
The Wests Tigers open their season against the Canberra Raiders at 4:05pm, Sunday.
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