Why Jahream Bula won’t be susceptible to second-year syndrome.
The Wests Tigers’ rising star, Jahream Bula, remains unfazed by the notion of the dreaded second-year syndrome, as he is unfamiliar with the concept. Despite the common belief that second-year players often struggle, Tigers coach Benji Marshall questioned the validity of this belief. Notable fullbacks such as James Tedesco, Tom Trbojevic, and Reece Walsh showed improved statistics in their second full seasons.
Bula, who was a positive standout for the Tigers last year, has generated anticipation for the upcoming season. The legendary Greg Inglis has joined as a mentor for Bula, who, despite being eligible for Queensland, expresses a wish to play for NSW.
The young player emphasized the importance of enjoying the game, focusing on team contributions, and working on building confidence without fearing mistakes. Coach Marshall asserted that the club’s decision to secure Bula until 2027 was well-founded, with no signs of a sophomore slump observed during the summer.
Regarding the potential challenges in his second year, Bula mentioned his need to enhance confidence and not dwell on mistakes. Coach Marshall dismissed the notion of second-year syndrome, emphasizing Bula’s competitive spirit and his significant defensive contributions in the previous season.
The article also highlighted the positive impact of Greg Inglis as a mentor and addressed the progress of other players, such as John Bateman’s anticipated return from foot surgery and Adam Doueihi’s recovery from a third ruptured ACL. Doueihi, whose contract expires at the end of the year, expressed determination to return stronger mentally and physically after his injuries. The club and Doueihi plan to delay contract talks until after a successful return.
