Rugby league great Paul Gallen has questioned how the Wests Tigers have gone backwards in 2023 despite a star-studded forward pack full of representative forwards.

Writing for the Wide World of Sports, Gallen was also concerned for Tim Sheens’ health after the veteran coach was moved on by Wests Tigers last week.

“It baffles me how they’ve gone backwards when you look at the squad,” Gallen wrote.

“The forward pack has current or former Origin players David Klemmer, Stefano Utoikamanu, and Api Koroisau, while it’s an entirely international backrow with John Bateman and Isaiah Papali’i.

“Then factor in young talent such as Jahream Bula at fullback and Starford To’a out wide and it’s certainly not the worst roster in the competition.

“They shouldn’t be a wooden spoon team, they should have won more games than they have in 2023, and I hope for the club’s sake they can improve next year.”