Big guns Jarome Luai and Api Koroiseau have been named to return for the Wests Tigers in their Round 19 away match with the NZ Warriors this Sunday afternoon in Auckland.
The Tigers are coming off a big, losing streak-breaking victory over the Roosters last Sunday at Allianz Stadium, pictured above.
Their 30-28 heart stopping win came after losing their previous six games.
And apart from the Manly game, when they were awful, the Tigers have been competitive through that period, but just not good enough to win games.
Against the Roosters they got out of the blocks with lightning speed and before the home side knew what hit them the Tigers had opened up a 16-0 lead.
The inevitable momentum switch occurred around 10 minutes before half time, with the Roosters scoring twice to go to the half time break 20-10 down, but not out.
There’s no doubt the Tigers switched off for those 10 minutes, and the next 20 after the re-start.
But their loss of concentration wasn’t as annoying for Wests fans watching the game on Pay TV as the commentators constantly lamenting the missing stars from the Roosters line up.
Well, the Tigers had a stack of stars out too, including their two inspirational leaders, Luai (Origin) and Api (one week suspension).
But that’s alright, Wests Tigers fans are just about used to the BS from so called TV experts – and getting the rough end of the pineapple from referees as well.
Tigers should have won the fourth round match with the Wahs in Campbelltown, leading with a few minutes to go.
But the visitors snuck in for a last minute try and a narrow 26-24 win.
It’s been that kind of season for Benji Marshal’s side, and, honestly, they deserve a bit of good fortune for the rest of the season.
TEAM LIST: 1. Sunia Turuva, 2. Charlie Staines, 3. Adam Doueihi, 4. Starford To’a, 5. Jeral Skelton, 6. Jarome Luai (c), 7. Latu Fainu, 8. Terrell May, 9. Api Koroisau (c), 10. Fonua Pole, 11. Samuela Fainu, 12. Tony Sukkar, 13. Alex Twal (c). INTERCHANGE: 14. Tristan Hope, 15. Alex Seyfarth, 16. Sione Fainu, 17. Jack Bird, 18. Heath Mason.