There was no mention of Robbie Farah when Wests Tigers head coach Jason Taylor named his team for this Friday’s round 20 NRL match against the Sydney Roosters at ANZ Stadium.
Farah was apparently close to playing Origin III but was ruled out, so it was assumed he would have been fit to play for the Tigers against the Broncos last week.
But there was no sign of him at all as the brave young Tigers were demolished by a dominant Broncos outfit.
Now it looks like he may be out for at least two matches since Origin although there has been no official word from the club.
Mind you his understudy, Manaia Cherrington, sparked the Tigers when he came on in the second half at Suncorp and generally look sharp. Hopefully the club can keep the young rake long enough until it’s time to step in Farah’s shoes.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]Coach Taylor did serve up some good news for Wests Tigers fans: he named centre David Nofoaluma to make his return from a knee injury suffered in round 15 against Manly-Warringah.[/social_quote]
Nofoaluma will replace Nathan Milone in the centres, adding some experience there, which will be very much needed against the Roosters three quarter line.
But Nofoaluma is the only good news to emerge from the naming of the team this afternoon.
Ava Seumanufagai will miss the Roosters clash with a knee injury, bringing Jack Buchanan and Brenden Santi onto a five man interchange bench, which includes Curtis Sironen.
The young second rower made a surprise return against the Broncos last Sunday and he looked strong; the Tigers will need him if they are to stop the rampaging Roosters.
The Wests Tigers NSW Cup team has also been bolstered by the return of Chance Peni, who lines up at centre for his first game since Round 6.
Wests Tigers NRL – Round 20 v Roosters, 7.30 ANZ Stadium:
1. James Tedesco
2. Kevin Naiqama
3. David Nofoaluma
4. Tim Simona
5. Pat Richards
6. Mitchell Moses
7. Luke Brooks
8. Aaron Woods (C)
9. Dene Halatau
10. Sauaso Sue
11. Kyle Lovett
12. Chris Lawrence
13. Martin Taupau
Interchange:
14. Manaia Cherrington
15. Keith Galloway
16. Jack Buchanan
17. Curtis Sironen
18. Brenden Santi
