
Following their 42-26 win over the Roosters on the weekend, a full strength Wests Tigers side will run out at Leichhardt Oval for their second and last trial this Friday night against Penrith.
The squad chosen by coach Benji Marshall for the Roosters trial was a mixture of mostly lower grades and pathways players.
For the Penrith clash, Marshall has selected a starting 13 that looks close to the run-on side for the 2026 NRL premiership competition.
This will be the club’s last hit out before their first NRL match in round 2 against the Cowboys on Saturday, March 14, also at Leichhardt Oval.
The Tigers, who have a bye in round one, will host Panthers at Leichhardt Oval as part of a double-header this Friday, Febraury 20, kicking off in the second match of the evening at 8.10pm.
Co-captains Api Koroisau and Jarome Luai have been named for their first hit-out of the 2026 campaign, along with senior leaders, Adam Doueihi and Alex Twal.
New recruits, Bunty Afoa and Kai Pearce-Paul will make their first appearance in the orange, white and black after impressing throughout their first pre-season at Concord.
Heamasi Makasini retains his place in the starting side following a hat-trick against the Roosters, while Jared Haywood, Tino Tavana and Javon Andrews have also been named in the extended squad.
WESTS TIGERS V PENRITH PANTHERS:
1. Jahream Bula
2. Heamasi Makasini
3. Taylan May
4. Star To’a
5. Sunia Turuva
6. Jarome Luai (c)
7. Adam Doueihi
8. Bunty Afoa
9. Api Koroisau (c)
10. Fonua Pole
11. Samuela Fainu
12. Kai Pearce-Paul
13. Alex Twal
14. Jock Madden
15. Jack Attard
16. Alex Seyfarth
17. Sione Fainu
18. Patrick Herbert
19. Tony Sukkar
20. Kit Laulilii
21. Tristan Hope
22. Heath Mason
23. Luke Laulilii
24. Jared Haywood
25. Mavrik Geyer
26. Tino Tavana
27. Charlie Murray
28. Javon Andrews
The match will be shown live on Fox League and Kayo Sports.