Fans of Wests Tigers will be hoping it will be the side from four weeks ago that runs out on to the hallowed turf of the SCG on Saturday night to play the Roosters.
Something changed in that period and after a horror season to start with it gave fans hope for the future.
Wests Tigers just got pipped by Newcastle at Campbelltown two rounds back.
A week earlier they defeated the Broncos 32-18 in Brisbane in a scintillating performance that had fans scratching their heads saying: where has that been all season?
And the entire rugby league world except the numbskulls at NRL HQ agrees Wests Tigers defeated the Cowboys in Townsville even though the record books will show a 27-26 loss.
That’s because record books don’t explain that now and again a team can get robbed.
A week before the Tigers went down 18-16 to reigning premiers Penrith, and also went close to beating Parramatta before losing 28-20.
But that’s all in the past and all their long suffering fans would like is some effort – something that went missing in the 36-12 capitulation to the Cronulla Sharks in Tamworth last Saturday.
One of the few exceptions was fullback Daine Laurie, pictured above from the game.
After just one set for each team it was crystal clear it was going to be a long day at the office for Wests Tigers, and their fans.
This Saturday Ken Maumalo (knee) makes his return after missing last weekend’s loss.
Starford To’a will move back into the centres with James Roberts dropping out of the side.
Alex Seyfarth is also back on deck replacing Tyrone Peachey on the bench.
Joe Ofahengaue will run out for his 150th NRL appearance on Saturday night, eight years after making his debut with Brisbane Broncos.
The team named is:
- Daine Laurie
2. Brent Naden
3 Starford To’a
4. Asu Kepaoa
5. Ken Maumalo
6. Adam Doueihi
7. Jock Madden
8. James Tamou
9. Fa’amanu Brown
10. Zane Musgrove
11. Luke Garner
12. Kelma Tuilagi
13. Joe Ofahengaue
14. Fonua Pole
15. Austin Dias
16. Tom Freebairn
17. Alex Seyfarth
