Here comes the cavalry: Adam Doueihi and Alex Twal, arguably two of the best performers for Wests Tigers in 2026, have been included in the team to face Newcastle Knights this Sunday in round 19 of the NRL.
Their inclusion is just what the doctor ordered after a 36-22 defeat at Campbelltown to the Dolphins on the weekend in front of 12,500 fans.
Indeed the Wests Tigers lineup selected by Benji Marshall is the strongest in more than 10 rounds.
As well as the key inclusions of Adam Doueihi and Alex Twal, a shoulder injury to Patrick Herbert means Starford To’a shifts to centre following a strong performance last week, with Jeral Skelton named on the wing.
The Tigers could certainly have done with the services of both Twal and Doueihi last Saturday at Campbelltown Stadium.
Despite a reasonably good performance, the Tigers came up against a red hot Dolphins side headed for a top four finish this season.
The teams were close on the scoreboard for most of the match, with late points giving the visitors a win with a 14-point margin.
The loss leaves Wests Tigers on 18 points and just outside the top eight, while the Knights are on 22 points and in fifth spot on the ladder.
There’s no doubt this is a must win game for the Tigers if they are going to play footy finals for the first time in 15 seasons.
The Knights v Tigers match will kick off at 4.05pm in Newcastle this coming Sunday, June 28.
WESTS TIGERS LINEUP:
1. Jahream Bula
2. Sunia Turuva
3. Taylan May
4. Starford To’a
5. Jeral Skelton
6. Jarome Luai
7. Adam Doueihi
8. Terrell May
9. Api Koroisau
10. Fonua Pole
11. Tony Sukkar
12. Sione Fainu
13. Alex Twal
INTERCHANGE:
14. Josese Lanyon
15. Bunty Afoa
16. Alex Seyfarth
17. Latu Fainu
18. Heamasi Makasini
19. Mavrik Geyer
