Wests Tigers coach Benji Marshall has named his squad for Friday’s Round 21 match against the Warriors in Auckland.
There are a few changes to the side that lost to Rabbitohs 42-28 last weekend, including the return of captain Api Koroisau.
The former Origin hooker slots straight back into the No.9 jersey after recovering from a calf strain, with Tallyn Da Silva dropping back to the bench.
Backrower Isaiah Papali’i will play his first game since suffering an ankle injury in Round 12.
He’s been named at lock for his 150th NRL appearance, with Fonua Pole moving to the front row to replace David Klemmer (ankle).
The other change in the forwards sees Reuben Porter replacing John Bateman in the second row.
Starford To’a will play his first NRL game since Round 10 after returning from a hamstring injury through the NSW Cup.
To’a replaces Adam Doueihi (load management) in the centres.
Alex Seyfarth has been added to the bench after being rested last weekend (HIA protocol).
Some Wests Tigers fans will be pleased to see Doueihi, Klemmer and Bateman out of the side, but we’ll see how the side performs without them.
A highlight, again, is having all three Fainu brothers in the 17, with Latu to partner Lachlan Galvin the halves.
The constantly improving Samuela Fainu is in his usual position of second row, while Sione is on the bench and wearing jumper number 17 for the clash, which kicks of at 6pm.
TEAM LIST:
1. Jahream Bula
2. Luke Laulilii
3. Solomona Faataape
4. Starford To’a
5. Charlie Staines
6. Lachlan Galvin
7. Latu Fainu
8. Stefano Utoikamanu
9. Api Koroisau
10. Fonua Pole
11. Reuben Porter
12. Samuela Fainu
13. Isaiah Papali’i
INTERCHANGE:
14. Tallyn Da Silva
15. Alex Seyfarth
16. Sione Fainu
17. Alex Twal
RESERVES:
18. Heath Mason
