JUST IN: Wests Tigers bolster roster with seven new signings

The Wests Tigers are continuing to strengthen their squad for next season and beyond by signing seven players who will bring both quality and depth to the current roster.

Five of the seven new signings are local juniors or players from the Tigers’ pathways program, one is a Queensland Cup premiership-winning hooker, and the other is a promising half from New Zealand.

Wests Tigers CEO Shane Richardson emphasized that these players will bring much-needed depth to the existing roster.

“Most of these players are being rewarded for their performance in our pathways program, and we’ve also looked outside our system to bring in additional quality,” said Wests Tigers CEO Shane Richardson. “I strongly believe that a successful NRL team needs healthy competition across the roster. We’re thrilled that all seven players have committed to what we’re building here.”

Among the new signings:

• Tim Johannssen, a 22-year-old prop, recently made his NRL debut for the Wests Tigers in Round 22 against the Cowboys at Leichhardt Oval. Born in Switzerland, Johannssen joined the Tigers from feeder club Ryde-Eastwood earlier this year and has signed a two-year deal.
• Lachlan Broederlow, a 20-year-old edge forward, has also signed a two-year contract after impressing in the Jersey Flegg and NSW Cup competitions this season. Broederlow will transition to an NRL development contract in 2026.
• Jaxson Rahme, a 20-year-old middle forward known for his toughness, professionalism, and high work rate, returns to the Wests Tigers after playing Harold Matthews Cup and SG Ball Cup for Balmain. A Dundas Shamrocks junior and 2021 Australian Schoolboys representative, Rahme played 21 NSW Cup games for the Newcastle Knights this season.
• Kobie Wilson, a 21-year-old hooker, has made a strong impression in the Jersey Flegg Cup after joining from the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks. Wilson has scored six tries in 14 games for the Tigers’ U/21s side in 2024, showcasing his ball-playing skills and short kicking game.
• Vaka Aho, a 21-year-old prop, has progressed through the Wests Tigers pathways, attending Holy Cross Ryde College. Aho played in 12 Jersey Flegg Cup games this season before being promoted to the Wests Magpies NSW Cup team.
• Tristan Hope, a 27-year-old hooker, joins from the Brisbane Tigers in the Queensland Cup. Hope played a key role in Brisbane’s 2023 Queensland Cup premiership and completed pre-season with the Melbourne Storm before the 2024 NRL campaign. He has 69 Queensland Cup appearances, with 24 tries and 73 goals.
• Eiden Ackland, a 26-year-old five-eighth from New Zealand, returns to Australia after previously completing a pre-season with the Manly Sea Eagles. Ackland has played 24 NSW Cup games for the Sea Eagles and New Zealand Warriors, as well as featuring in NRL trial matches for both clubs. He’s recognized for his dynamic running game and goal-kicking ability.

The Wests Tigers congratulate all seven players on their new contracts with the club.

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