It's back to the future for the Tigers in 2023, with veteran Tim Sheens returning to take charge 18 years after he led the club to the promised land.
Alongside him on the coaching staff are two of the heroes of that memorable premiership triumph in 2005, Benji Marshall and Robbie Farah.
Sheens hasn't mucked around since taking over, bolstering the wooden spooners with some key signings.
READ MORE: Bitter blow as Aussie bowling stocks crumble
READ MORE: 'Heartbreaking' fight spurring on NRL All Stars giant
THE MOLE: Police 'over-reaction' claimed after stars' arrest
Apart from the Bulldogs, the Tigers have probably recruited better than any team in the NRL and should improve vastly on their meagre tally of four wins in 2022.
Throw in some exciting youngsters the club has been developing and things are looking positive in Tiger-town for the first time in several years.
Will they feature in the race for the finals? Probably not quite this year - but by 2024 they will be a force to be reckoned with.
2022 finishing position: Last (16th)
Gains: Apisai Koroisau (Panthers), Isaiah Papali'i (Eels), Triston Reilly (rugby union, Waratahs), David Nofoaluma (return from loan), Charlie Staines (Panthers), David Klemmer (Knights), John Bateman (Wigan), Will Smith (Hull FC), Brandon Wakeham (Bulldogs).
Losses: Luke Garner (Panthers), Kelma Tuilagi (Sea Eagles), Zane Musgrove (Dragons), Jock Madden (Broncos), James Tamou (Cowboys), Oliver Gildart (Dolphins), Jacob Liddle (Dragons), Tyrone Peachey (Panthers), Jackson Hastings (Knights).
Best 17
Charlie Staines
David Nofoaluma
Tommy Talau
Brent Naden
Ken Maumalo
Adam Doueihi
Luke Brooks
Stefano Utoikamanu
Api Koroisau
David Klemmer
Isaiah Papali'i
John Bateman
Joe Ofahengaue
Bench: Jake Simpkin, Alex Twal, Fonua Pole, Shawn Blore
Best buy
Api Koroisau is as good as any hooker in the NRL and will get the Tigers on the front foot - his teammates then have to take up the baton.
Biggest loss
Many fans questioned the Tigers' decision to move Jackson Hastings on after his impressive debut season for the club. Time will tell if it was the right move.
Greatest strength
An impressive forward pack bolstered by big guns Koroisau, Isaiah Papali'i, David Klemmer and John Bateman.
Biggest question mark
While the Tigers have bolstered their pack, the backline has had few changes and looks a little vulnerable. Where will the tries come from?
Man under pressure
The much-maligned Luke Brooks looked certain to be heading to the Knights before the club released Hastings instead. Brooks has had sevefral lean years - can he recapture his form and confidence?
Predicted 2023 finishing position: 12th
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It's back to the future for the Tigers in 2023, with veteran Tim Sheens returning to take charge 18 years after he led the club to the promised land.
Alongside him on the coaching staff are two of the heroes of that memorable premiership triumph in 2005, Benji Marshall and Robbie Farah.
Sheens hasn't mucked around since taking over, bolstering the wooden spooners with some key signings.
READ MORE: Bitter blow as Aussie bowling stocks crumble
READ MORE: 'Heartbreaking' fight spurring on NRL All Stars giant
THE MOLE: Police 'over-reaction' claimed after stars' arrest
Apart from the Bulldogs, the Tigers have probably recruited better than any team in the NRL and should improve vastly on their meagre tally of four wins in 2022.
Throw in some exciting youngsters the club has been developing and things are looking positive in Tiger-town for the first time in several years.
Will they feature in the race for the finals? Probably not quite this year - but by 2024 they will be a force to be reckoned with.
2022 finishing position: Last (16th)
Gains: Apisai Koroisau (Panthers), Isaiah Papali'i (Eels), Triston Reilly (rugby union, Waratahs), David Nofoaluma (return from loan), Charlie Staines (Panthers), David Klemmer (Knights), John Bateman (Wigan), Will Smith (Hull FC), Brandon Wakeham (Bulldogs).
Losses: Luke Garner (Panthers), Kelma Tuilagi (Sea Eagles), Zane Musgrove (Dragons), Jock Madden (Broncos), James Tamou (Cowboys), Oliver Gildart (Dolphins), Jacob Liddle (Dragons), Tyrone Peachey (Panthers), Jackson Hastings (Knights).
Best 17
Charlie Staines
David Nofoaluma
Tommy Talau
Brent Naden
Ken Maumalo
Adam Doueihi
Luke Brooks
Stefano Utoikamanu
Api Koroisau
David Klemmer
Isaiah Papali'i
John Bateman
Joe Ofahengaue
Bench: Jake Simpkin, Alex Twal, Fonua Pole, Shawn Blore
Best buy
Api Koroisau is as good as any hooker in the NRL and will get the Tigers on the front foot - his teammates then have to take up the baton.
Biggest loss
Many fans questioned the Tigers' decision to move Jackson Hastings on after his impressive debut season for the club. Time will tell if it was the right move.
Greatest strength
An impressive forward pack bolstered by big guns Koroisau, Isaiah Papali'i, David Klemmer and John Bateman.
Biggest question mark
While the Tigers have bolstered their pack, the backline has had few changes and looks a little vulnerable. Where will the tries come from?
Man under pressure
The much-maligned Luke Brooks looked certain to be heading to the Knights before the club released Hastings instead. Brooks has had sevefral lean years - can he recapture his form and confidence?
Predicted 2023 finishing position: 12th
For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here!
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