After back to back wins, Wests Tigers will run out to face Penrith this Saturday night with real fans in the stands for the first time since the resumption of the NRL.
Relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions mean that around 7,000 fans will be allowed into Bankwest Stadium for the clash between the big cats.
Following the emphatic 34-6 win over the Bulldogs on Sunday, head coach Michael Maguire has named an unchanged team for the round eight match.
This will be a far tougher assignment than the Cowboys and the Bulldogs, which were swept away quite easily by the resurgent Wests Tigers.
But the boys from Penrith will provide a sterner test.
Panthers are not only in the top four on the ladder, they look like a top four side this season, having produced several mature performances.
But Maguire’s team is also on the up, including the ladder, where they are in sixth spot.
The only fly in the ointment is club legend Benji Marshall, who has not played for three weeks, ostensibly because of poor form.
Most Wests Tigers fans would be content with how things are going all of a sudden, but many would also love to see Benji in the 17.
Marshall is on the reserves bench again, in jumper 18, so unless there’s a pre-game injury he will be watching the game from the stands.
The only change to the 21 man squad announced at 4pm by Maguire is the return from suspension of hard man Russell Packer, who replaces Reece Hoffman.
WESTS TIGERS V PANTHERS:
1. Adam Doueihi
2. David Nofoaluma
3. Joey Leilua
4. Moses Mbye (captain)
5. Tommy Talau
6. Josh Reynolds
7. Luke Brooks
8. Josh Aloiai
9. Harry Grant
10. Oliver Clark
11. Luke Garner
12. Luciano Leilua
13. Matt Eisenhuth
INTERCHANGE:
14. Elijah Taylor
15. Thomas Mikaele
16. Sam McIntyre
17. Michael Chee Kam
RESERVES:
18. Benji Marshall
19. Chris Lawrence
20. Billy Walters
21. Russell Packer
