Michael Maguire and Wests Tigers know they have to change things up from last season. What they had in 2021 clearly didn’t work.

Some strategic signings, additions to the coaching support staff and a new defensive structure have been three key changes sprouted by the joint venture club.

Some would say what was on display against Manly last weekend proved the changes had little or no effect on the field, but hey it was only a trial and the club did use 33 players across the two halves.

The latest announcement out of Concord is the team has appointed a five man leadership group, with previous skipper James Tamou joined by Adam Doueihi, Luke Brooks, Tyrone Peachey and Ken Maumalo to share captaincy duties in 2022. The club says the group was appointed by teammates.

As a coach of amateur teams I fully embrace the leadership group concept. It brings the squad together and allows more individuals to be responsible for creating a positive team culture and winning mentality.

OFFICIAL — Wests Tigers have announced the club’s new leadership group for the 2022 NRL season.

More details + interviews 👉 https://t.co/KiiSx9r1zf pic.twitter.com/jPV31c0Sb2

— Wests Tigers (@WestsTigers) February 22, 2022

Of course it is not a new phenomenon in the NRL and most clubs appoint a leadership collective. However having five different captains may be a bridge too far.

There is a thought that Maguire is putting a marker in place before Adam Doueihi returns from injury. The Tigers junior seems the obvious choice for skipper. He is passionate, has good on field vision and is a talker.

James Tamou struggled for game time last season. He may be better focussing on providing go forward and tightening up the middle rather than barking orders.

The Daily Telegraph reported Wests Tigers brought in leadership guru Dan Haesler who previously worked with Shaun Johnson to oversee the process.

It’s going to be a difficult season for Wests Tigers as they look to make the top eight for the first time in eleven years. Getting the on and off field leadership right will be crucial to any success.