They were brilliant last week, but the question is: how long can old stagers like Benji Marshall and Robbie Farah keep it up this season.
As far as new coach Michael Maguire is concerned the two ageless warriors can step up next year and maybe much longer than that if they play like that every week.
Farah in particular turned back the clock to score two tries in the team’s round one 20-6 defeat of Manly at Leichhardt Oval.
It’s no surprise then that the coach has hardly made a change in naming the lineup for this Sunday’s round two face off with the New Zealand Warriors at Campbelltown Sports Stadium.
The only change in the squad is the inclusion of Moses Mbye, who takes the place of Jacob Liddle after the young hooker picked up an ankle injury playing in Canterbury Cup.
The annointed Wests Tigers captain for 2019, Mbye has been included in the 21-man squad for the Warriors clash after missing last week’s season opener with a knee injury.
Mbye has been named in jersey 18 and will be assessed further throughout the week as Michael Maguire’s side look to build on their strong win in round one.
Josh Reynolds, Matt Eisenhuth and Chris McQueen are named as reserves.
Debutants Paul Momirovski in the centres, Robert Jennings on the wing and Ryan Matterson in the second row all had good games against Manly and deserve to retain their spots.
The Warriors thumped the Bulldogs 40-6 in New Zealand so they should be a sterner test for the Wests Tigers this Sunday evening.
Match kick off is 6pm.
Wests Tigers NRL team v New Zealand Warriors:
1. Corey Thompson
2. Mahe Fonua
3. Paul Momirovski
4. Esan Marsters
5. Robert Jennings
6. Benji Marshall
7. Luke Brooks
8. Ben Matulino
9. Robbie Farah
10. Alex Twal
11. Ryan Matterson
12. Luke Garner
13. Elijah Taylor
Interchange:
14. Russell Packer
15. Thomas Mikaele
16. Josh Aloiai
17. Michael Chee Kam
Reserves:
18. Moses Mbye (captain)
19. Josh Reynolds
20. Matt Eisenhuth
21. Chris McQueen
