Tim Simona
Age: 21
2013 NRL games: 14
After making his debut in 2011, Simona had only played a handful of games leading into this season. Starting the year in the NSW Cup, injuries to Chris Lawrence and Blake Ayshford opened the door for a return to the top grade in Round 8 against the Bulldogs.
Simona found his feet in Round 11 against Penrith, scoring a scintillating try to sway the game in favour of the Wests Tigers. That amazing effort was his first NRL try and sparked a purple patch of form for the evasive three-quarter.
His performance in the Round 16 victory over the Storm could only be described as outstanding scoring a great solo-try, setting up one of the best tries of 2013 and running for a whopping 237 metres.
With eight tries in the past ten games, Simona is the equal top tryscorer for the Wests Tigers with David Nofoaluma. Switching between wing and centre this season, it is yet to be known which position Simona excels at most.
One thing is for sure though - Wests Tigers fans have plenty to be excited about in the coming years!
KEY STATISTICS
- Career high 237 metres against Melbourne in Round 16
- Average of 109 metres per game
- 47 tackle breaks (3.4 per game)
- 9 Linebreaks
- 8 Tries
MICK POTTER SAYS
I think Tim has sparked his run of form this year with his work ethic. His application to training has been very good in the pre-season; there is no doubting his footwork, acceleration and ability to beat people and thats a key ingredient for a really good outside back.
Tim could play centre, wing or fullback and would handle all three positions. I think he is going to get better and better as he develops himself physically in the gym, as well as on the field - looking after some of the subtleties of experimenting with things at training that could create space for teammates or himself in the game.
Tim has great skill; I want him to be able to play both sides of the field. At the moment he has boxed himself into more of a left side. Thats his favoured side but I want him to be as skilful on both sides.
There is going to be competition for places in 2014 and he could play centre or wing. Its tough because there are only two centre and wing positions and weve got plenty of competition for those. He just needs to keep his form up and his pre-season needs to be red hot and he will get one of those spots.
Tim thinks centre is his best position and maybe he is right. We will see how he develops in pre-season.
READ PART 1: DAVID NOFOALUMA
READ PART 2: SAUASO SUE
READ PART 3: AVA SEUMANUFAGAI
READ PART 4: JAMES TEDESCO
READ PART 5: JACK BUCHANAN
READ PART 6: CURTIS SIRONEN
READ PART 7: JOEL LUANI
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