Injuries to key players, Origin selection and loss of form have forced Wests Tigers coach Tim Sheens to make a raft of changes to the side that will take on Melbourne Storm this Saturday night at Campbelltown.
One of the changes will be in the form of a debut for a local Campbelltown junior, Tallyn Da Silva, an 18-year-old hooker, pictured above.
Da Silva has been named to make his NRL debut off the bench, after a rapid rise through Wests Tigers pathways teams.
The young rake was a member of Wests Magpies premiership-winning Harold Matthew’s Cup team last year, and has this season played in the SG Ball, Jersey Flegg and NSW Cup competitions.
He has been named in the 22-man squad for much of this season, but now he will finally get some game time in front of his family and friends at Campbelltown.
Missing from the squad is Stefano Utoikamanu (NSW Origin), Api Koroisau (broken jaw) and Luke Brooks (hamstring).
Starford To’a has shifted from the centres to five-eighth and will partner Brandon Wakeham in the halves.
Englishman John Bateman has moved from the second row to lock, with Fonua Pole replacing Utoikamanu at prop.
Bateman will captain the side in the absence of Koroisau.
Brent Naden makes his return to the NRL after a couple of appearances in the NSW Cup, and will partner Asu Kepaoa in the centres.
Another local Campbelltown junior, David Nofoaluma (99 tries for Wests Tigers) gets another chance to become the first player to score 100 tries for the club and do it in front of his home fans.
“Nofa’’ was one of the better performed players in last Thursday’s disappointing 28-12 loss to the Titans up on the Gold Coast.
Worse than the defeat was the ordinary performance, coming after several rounds of competitive footy from the Wests Tigers.
This Saturday night they get an opportunity to redeem themselves against the Storm, who will also be without their Origin stars.
TEAM LIST:
1. Jahream Bula
2. David Nofoaluma
3. . Brent Naden
4. Asu Kepaoa
5. Junior Tupou
6. Starford To’a
7. Brandon Wakeham
8. Fonua Pole
9. Jake Simpkin
10. David Klemmer
11. Isaiah Papali’i
12. Shawn Blore
13. John Bateman (c)
INTERCHANGE
14. Tallyn Da Silva
15. Tommy Talau
16. Alex Twal
17. Alex Seyfarth
