A new face will soon arrive at Wests Tigers but could it soon be followed by a more familiar one? The ink is not yet dry on gun youngster Jake Simpkin's deal but talk has already turned to whether Tim Sheens could also be making a return to Leichhardt, with the former coach becoming available just as the club seeks a new head of football.
The joint-venture outfit has just signed teenaged Broncos hooker Jake Simpkin, considered one of the best young dummy-halves in the country and earmarked as the long-term replacement for Robbie Farah, on a three-year deal.
Tigers fans will get their first chance to see him play when he runs out for Queensland 18s in the State of Origin curtain-raiser on Wednesday night.
Could Tim Sheens be coming back to Wests Tigers?Credit:Steve Christo
The Broncos had been grooming the 17-year-old for higher honours at feeder club Wynnum-Manly until the Tigers got under their guard. Simpkins imminent departure has prompted Brisbane to re-sign Corey Paix, a rising halfback who could be turned into a hooker to eventually take over from Andrew McCullough.
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The development comes as former Tigers coach Tim Sheens reportedly parted company with Super League battlers Hull KR. The Tigers are seeking a replacement for departing head of football Kelly Egan, with a host of candidates lining up for the position. Canterburys former pathways performance manager, Andrew Patmore, has been linked to the post but a committee tasked with appointing Kellys successor has not yet done so.
Sheens, who handed Tigers coach Michael Maguire his NRL playing debut as a player when they were both at the Raiders in the 1990s, could become a surprise option. Sheens led the club to their only premiership, in 2005, before an ugly split ultimately resulted in the club paying him a settlement. But given prodigal sons Benji Marshall and Robbie Farah have returned, Sheens – who was earmarked as a potential head of football candidate at Cronulla before the job went to Phil Moss – could be in the frame for a return.
“No one has to remind me of the bona fides of Tim Sheens, but weve formed a committee and theres a process to go through,” said Tigers chairman Barry OFarrell.
“There are already many well credentialled candidates that have expressed an interest and well consider all of the applicants.”
There could be a further change at the Tigers. As revealed by the Herald last month,
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