The Tigers are determined to prove that there is life after Stuart Raper.

The Aussie coach had worked wonders with a limited budget to guide them to a play-off spot in each of his three full seasons in charge.

But when Raper jumped at the chance to succeed Frank Endacott as Wigan boss recently there were those who feared the Tigers would lose their teeth.

But despite a little inconsistency under caretaker-boss Graham Steadman, they have not given up hope of making the play-offs.

They showed their intentions this week by announcing that Australian half-back Mitch Healey will stay with the club for another season.

Healey joined the Tigers from Cronulla Sharks on a one-year contract with the option of a second season, which has now been taken up.

Healey said: "It's a great club, we're settled here and after getting over my injury problems I feel that things have been going OK for me.

"The club's form has been improving over the past couple of months under Graham and I'm happy to be part of things. This is a good move for me."

Healey's decision was also welcomed by Tigers chief executive Richard Wright.

He said: "We are very happy that Mitch has chosen to exercise the option of a second year with the club.

"We knew when we signed him that we were getting a quality player with a lot of ability and a very professional approach, and Mitch has shown all of that.

"Our options at half-back have been very limited for the last couple of years but we look strong now with Mitch, Danny Orr and Mark Lennon.

"Although there is plenty to play for this year, at the same time we have also got to look ahead.

"That is why we are working so hard to tie our key players into new deals.

"The ones that we have re-signed over the last few weeks have all shown their faith in the club and agreed new deals, confident that they can achieve success here.

"We will be making further announcements in the weeks ahead as we continue to build for the future."