Balmain legend Steve ‘Blocker’ Roach believes the Wests Tigers have lacked an enforcer since the departure of Gareth Ellis, saying that they won’t make the top eight until they sign one.

Ellis left the Tigers in 2012, with the club’s finals drought stretching back to 2011.

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Round 20

Speaking on the Countdown to 2020 podcast with Braith Anasta, Roach argued that the Tigers pack had all the hallmarks of a modern forward unit – mobile, industrious and durable.

Crucially, he believes they lack the bite and nastiness to be a realistic prospect of making the top eight and suggested a compatriot of Ellis could turn them into the force the want to be under Michael Maguire.

Gareth Ellis in action for the Wests Tigers Source: News Limited

“You’ve got to have an intimidator,” said Roach.

“I don’t care what anyone says. All sides that have won premierships have one. I don’t think the Tigers have been the same since Gareth Ellis left, I think he was their best buy for a long time. He was a hitman and went out and put pressure on the opposition.

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“You’ve got to have an enforcer, someone who will go out there every week and make the opposition have a bit of a look.

“I’m really excited to see Zane Musgrove play, he’s a monster and he’s aggressive. I think they should go out in the market and get [Alex] Walmsley the big front-rower from St Helens to start a roll on.”

Alex Walmsley of St Helens on the charge during the World Club Series with the Roosters Source: Getty Images

Walmsley is a five-cap England international who took the challenge to the Roosters in last week’s World Club Challenge. The 195cm, 115kg prop ran for 189m and made four tackle busts against the Chooks.

Roach also wants to see more growth from Luke Brooks. Admittedly, that is tough in a side which doesn’t always fires.

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While the former Dally M halfback of the year has some obvious qualities in his game, Roach says he wants 2020 to be the year he really takes ownership of Maguire’s side.

“You’ve got to own the team. I see Broosky and he does some great things, but he doesn’t look like the great halves,” Roach said.

Blocker Roach has called for Luke Brooks to really try be the leader of the Tigers Source: AAP

“They own the team, tell them where to go, and I don’t know whether that’s in his DNA.

“He’s a great kid and a fantastic player. But to go to the next level he’s got to own a football team.

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Asked for his tip of where the Tigers would finish, Roach added: “I love the Tigers, but I don’t think they can make the eight. It hurts me to say it, I think they’ll finish around ninth or tenth.”