The Wests Tigers are on the verge of securing another promising talent for the 2025 NRL season, with reports indicating that the club is set to sign former Penrith Panthers forward Mavrik Geyer on a one-year deal. The move comes as the Tigers continue their aggressive recruitment drive under head coach Benji Marshall, aiming to rebuild the squad into a competitive force after years of struggling near the bottom of the ladder. Geyer, the son of rugby league legend Mark Geyer, brings a mix of raw aggression, versatility, and a winning pedigree from his time at Penrith, where he came through the ranks but found first-grade opportunities limited in a star-studded lineup.
Geyer’s departure from the Panthers was not entirely unexpected, given the club’s depth in the forwards. Despite being highly regarded within Penrith’s system, the 22-year-old found himself behind established stars like Isaah Yeo, Liam Martin, and Scott Sorensen in the pecking order. With only a handful of NRL appearances to his name, Geyer has been eager for more consistent playing time, something the Tigers can offer as they look to inject youth and energy into their pack. His ability to play both in the middle and on the edge provides Marshall with valuable flexibility, a key asset for a team looking to climb the standings.
For the Tigers, this signing represents another step in their long-term strategy of blending experienced campaigners with emerging talents. The club has already secured the services of Jarome Luai from Penrith on a big-money deal starting in 2025, and Geyer’s arrival adds another player with premiership-winning experience, albeit in a more developmental role. While he may not be a marquee signing, Geyer’s work ethic and physical style of play align with the identity Marshall is trying to instill in the squad—a team that competes relentlessly and refuses to be pushed around.
The one-year nature of the deal is also significant. It gives Geyer the chance to prove himself at NRL level without the long-term pressure of a multi-year contract, while the Tigers retain the flexibility to reassess their roster needs after the 2025 season. If Geyer excels, he could earn an extension; if not, the club can move on without being tied down financially. This approach reflects a more calculated recruitment strategy compared to past years, where the Tigers have been criticized for overcommitting to players who failed to deliver.
From Geyer’s perspective, the move is an opportunity to step out of his father’s shadow and carve his own path in the NRL. Mark Geyer was one of the most feared forwards of his era, known for his explosive running and uncompromising defense. Mavrik has inherited some of those traits but has also worked hard to develop his ball-playing skills and defensive reads, making him a more modern forward capable of fitting into different systems. At the Tigers, he will have the chance to work under Marshall, a coach who understands the pressures of being a high-profile young player in the NRL.
The Tigers’ forward pack has been an area of concern in recent seasons, often outmuscled by more physical opponents. The addition of Geyer, along with other recent recruits, signals a clear intent to address that weakness. His aggression and willingness to take on defensive workloads should complement the likes of Isaiah Papali’i and John Bateman, providing the Tigers with a more balanced and intimidating pack. If Marshall can get the best out of him, Geyer could become a fan favorite at Concord, embodying the hard-nosed style that supporters have been craving.
Penrith’s loss is undoubtedly Wests’ gain, but the Panthers’ system is so well-stocked that Geyer’s departure is unlikely to leave a major hole in their roster. For the Tigers, however, this signing is another piece of the puzzle as they look to transition from perennial strugglers to finals contenders. The club has shown patience in its rebuild, and while results have been slow to materialize, there is a growing sense that the pieces are falling into place.
The challenge now for Geyer is to seize his opportunity. The NRL is a ruthless competition, and players who fail to make an impact often find themselves quickly replaced. But with his pedigree, physical attributes, and a point to prove, he has all the tools to succeed. For the Tigers, this signing is a low-risk, high-reward move—one that could pay dividends if Geyer fulfills his potential.
As the 2025 season approaches, the Tigers’ recruitment strategy is becoming clearer. They are targeting players with something to prove, hungry talents who can grow with the team rather than relying on expensive, established stars to carry the load. Geyer fits that mold perfectly. If he can translate his potential into consistent performances, this one-year deal could be the start of something much bigger—for both him and the club.
The Tigers have been a team in transition for far too long, but with smart signings like Geyer, there is finally a sense of direction. Fans will be hoping that this latest addition helps the team take a significant step forward in 2025. The road ahead is still long, but with each new signing, the Tigers are inching closer to becoming a side that can compete with the NRL’s best. And if Mavrik Geyer can bring even a fraction of the intensity and passion that his father was known for, he will quickly endear himself to the Tigers faithful.
In the end, rugby league is a game of opportunity. For Mavrik Geyer, the opportunity is now. For the Wests Tigers, the hope is that this signing will be another small but important step in their journey back to relevance. Only time will tell if this move pays off, but for a club that has been searching for answers, Geyer represents another chance to get it right. The Tigers are pouncing—now they need to make it count.
