After an open training session in the Southern Highlands yesterday, Wests Tigers head coach Tim Sheens has rung in the changes for Sunday’s clash with Manly at Campbelltown.
Jahream Bula is in line to become the second Wests Tigers player to make his NRL debut this season after being named at fullback for the Anzac Round match.
The 21 year old, Auckland-born speedster joins Brandon Wakeham, Tommy Talau and Daine Laurie as one of four new faces in the side.
Charlie Staines reverts to the wing with Asu Kepaoa shifting into the centres for the injured Brent Naden (shoulder).
Wakeham replaces Adam Doueihi (knee/season) at five eighth in the only other change to the starting side and will once again partner Luke Brooks (pictured above in Mittagong with young fans from the Camden area) in the halves.
Laurie will fill the utility role on the bench at #14, while Talau returns to the side for his first game since breaking his nose against the Knights in Round 2.
Bula relocated with his family from Auckland to Queensland in 2016, where he attended Keebra Park State High School.
He’s played handful of games this season for Western Suburbs Magpies in the Knock On Effect NSW Cup, after playing Jersey Flegg Cup for Wests Tigers in 2022.
He was also given a taste of the top grade in the opening game of this year’s NRL Pre-season Challenge against the Warriors in Auckland.
Kick off against Manly is 4pm.
TEAM LIST:
1. Jahream Bula
2. Charlie Staines
3. Starford To’a
4. Asu Kepaoa
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. Daine Laurie
15. Joe Ofahengaue
16. Alex Twal
17. Tommy Talau
18. Alex Seyfarth
19. Shawn Blore
20. Justin Matamua
21. David Nofoaluma
22. Jake Simpkin
