Fanatical Wests Tigers supporter Andrew Yee has ‘Stepped Up’ to become a 2010 Member - and he has done it all the way from Shanghai, China.

In a show of loyalty and passion for his beloved club, Andrew has secured a Stripes Membership which gives him a non-ticketed membership with all Wests Tigers Benefits.

Wests Tigers spoke to Andrew this week to ask him about his love for the team and why he is hoping 2010 really is ‘The Year of the Tiger’ according to the Chinese.

WT:How did your passion for the Tigers begin. What are you early childhood memories?
AY: It started in 1998 in the school playground with footy cards and mini footballs. I remember a school mate asking me which team I supported and I told him Balmain Tigers. The rest is history. I remember watching the 1988 and 1989 Grand Finals and crying and yelling at my mum. She wanted Canberra to score.

WT: Who are your favourite Tigers players, past and present, and why?.
AY: My all time favourite Balmain players were Tim Brasher, Benny Elias, Paul Sironen, Steve Edmed. When the Wests Tigers first started, my favourites were John Skandalis and Matty Sears. In recent times, I like Benji (is God), Robbie Farah, Brett Hodgson, Chris Lawrence and Tim Moltzen.

WT: What are your best Wests Tigers moments? How did you celebrate the 2005 premiership win?
AY: I will always remember the 2005 premiership win and the games we won along the way. I loved being at the preliminary final against the Dragons. We were the underdogs and we won comfortably, that night gave me tingles!
When we beat the Cowboys to win the premiership, I celebrated with a quick phone call to a mate in Townsville. I then went into Balmain with a few friends and celebrated the night away with the rest of the Tigers supporters running around the streets!

WT: How often do you click on the WT website to get your Wests Tigers fix of news, match reports and WTV?
AY: Truthfully, probably about three times a week. The WTV segments take a while to stream in Shanghai, China. Sometimes i wish I had an Australia network here but you only get Friday’s games on delay with some games on Saturday. It is very expensive to get.

WT: Do family or friends send you copies of the games to China. Do you wear your WT gear around the streets of China?
AY: No, unfortunately not. I use a website p2p, again it is not exactly a great stream, but you take what you can get. I do wear the gear, generally in the mid seasons, however, it is winter now and it is way too cold for the Tigers jersey. Come season 2010, I will get it out with pride; i have high hopes for 2010!

WT: Why is important to you to become a Wests Tigers Member?
AY: I like to think I’m doing my bit for my team, especially with the AFL coming in so aggressively. Rugby League is so much better to watch for the contact, the excitement and the all-round game. I have grown up watching league and want my kids (when I have some) to do the same. For me, a Wests Tigers Membership means I am a real fan. I can’t go to the games or even regularly watch them, but Ii am always shouting at the computer (to the shock of my girlfriend). I love the Tigers and feel they are a big part of my life. I would recommend any Wests Tigers fan to invest a small amount of money in this great club and to watch the success of two proud foundation clubs come to fruition.