As widely expected, new recruit Tuimoala Lolohea has been named in the starting lineup of the Wests Tigers team to take on St George Illawarra Dragons on Saturday afternoon at ANZ Stadium.
Not only that but the 22 year old utility will be wearing the number 6 jumper left behind by Mitchell Moses, who is now with the Eels.
Lolohea only had his first training session with the Wests Tigers on Monday but there are signs coach Ivan Cleary is hoping “Tui’’ can be a capable replacement for Moses in the vital pivot’s role.
Indeed how Lolohea performs in that role could be a guide as to Cleary’s judgement.
The coach, who took over the reins after Jason Taylor was sacked just three rounds into the season, clearly believes Lolohea has what it takes to make the number six jumper his own.
Some fans expressed disappointment with the signing of Lolohea on the basis that he was considered by some of them to be an average first grader at best.
The rest of us will withhold judgement until after we’ve seen him in action for a few games.
In other selection moves, NSW State of Origin players James Tedesco and Aaron Woods have both been named in the starting side for the round 13 clash, with the pair to be monitored post Wednesday night’s game.
Unfortunately half-back Luke Brooks will miss the game as he continues his rehabilitation from a hamstring injury.
On the bright side, backrower Chris Lawrence returns to the side after missing the last game against the Broncos.
The match on Saturday is scheduled to start at 3pm.
Wests Tigers v St George Illawarra Dragons:
1. James Tedesco
2. David Nofoaluma
3. Malakai Watene-Zelezniak
4. Moses Suli
5. Kevin Naiaqma
6. Tuimoala Lolohea
7. Jack Littlejohn
8. Aaron Woods (C)
9. Matt McIlwrick
10. Ava Seumanufagai
11. Kyle Lovett
12. Chris Lawrence
13. Elijah Taylor
Interchange:
14. Tim Grant
15. JJ Felise
16. Joel Edwards
17. Jacob Liddle
18. Esan Marsters
19. Matt Eisenhuth
20. Jordan Rankin
21. Michael Chee Kam
