Wests Tigers head coach Tim Sheens has named his 22-man squad for Sunday’s Magic Round match against the Dragons in Brisbane.
Tommy Talau has been elevated from the interchange bench into the starting side, replacing Brent Naden (suspended) in the centres.
Asu Kepaoa returns from illness in the only other change to the side which defeated the Panthers last weekend in the Tigers’ first win of the season.
The 12-8 victory over the premiers should be a massive confidence boost for this Sunday’s game at Suncorp Stadium.
It was built off the back of the best performances of the year for so many Wests Tigers players, from young fullback Jahream Bula to David Nofoaluma, who scored the 100th try of his career.
New recruits Api Koroisau, David Klemmer, Isaiah Papali’I and John Bateman arguably had their best matches for the Wests Tigers.
It’s worth noting though that Bateman has yet to explode and have a really influential game for his new side.
Hopefully it will come this Sunday against St George Illawarra.
But the most important performances came from the halves, Brandon Wakeham and Luke Brooks, both as individuals and as a unit pulling the strings.
Brooks, pictured above, pulled off two 40/20s, ran the ball more than ever and his kicking was almost perfect.
Wakeham was the perfect foil, and as cool as a cucumber with the ball in his hands last Saturday night in Bathurst.
It was only the third game together for these two playmakers, but the signs are good that given time they could become a lethal unit.
Brooks is off contract at the end of the season, and it will be interesting to see if the club will make him an offer to stay beyond 2023.
Either way, all Wests Tigers fans will be hoping that he will be firing on all cylinders for the rest of the season, starting against the Dragons from 2pm on Sunday in Brisbane.
TEAM LIST:
1. Jahream Bula
2. David Nofoaluma
3. Starford To’a
4. Tommy Talau
5. Junior Tupou
6. Brandon Wakeham
7. Luke Brooks
8. Stefano Utoikamanu
9. Api Koroisau (c)
10. David Klemmer
11. Isaiah Papali’i
12. John Bateman
13. Fonua Pole
INTERCHANGE:
14. Jake Simpkin
15. Joe Ofahengaue
16. Alex Twal
17. Asu Kepaoa
18. Alex Seyfarth
19. Justin Matamua
20. Daine Laurie
21. Shawn Blore
22. Triston Reilly
