Wests Tigers coach Benji Marshall has made a handful of changes to his squad for Saturday’s Round 20 match against the Rabbitohs in Gosford.
On top of that there is still some uncertainty surrounding the fitness of skipper Api Koroisau.
The Wests Tigers captain has been included in the extended squad and will be monitored throughout the week after being forced from the field with a calf strain against the Sharks. Tallyn Da Silva has been named in the No.9 jersey.
The only other change to the starting side is the return of 18-year-old winger Luke Laulilii. He comes in for Alex Lobb (ankle) for what will be his third NRL appearance.
Alex Twal (HIA) has been named to make his return off the bench after missing the past five games, while Alex Seyfarth is rested after sustaining a head-knock last weekend.
Latu Fainu has also been named on the interchange bench for what will be his fifth NRL appearance. The 19-year-old half has played for Wests Magpies in the NSW Cup the past two weeks, after returning from a hamstring injury.
Also on the bench is teenage prop Jordan Miller, who is in line to play his second NRL game. The Liverpool Catholic Club junior is one of six players in the squad aged 19 years or younger.
As for the 58-6 loss to the Sharks, the less said about it the better.
Let’s just say the young Tigers side were in the fight until some diabolical decisions – including sending Api to the sin bin – by the referee simply ruined the contest early in the piece.
It has been one of those seasons.
TEAM LIST:
1. Jahream Bula
2. Luke Laulilii
3. Solomona Faataape
4. Adam Doueihi
5. Charlie Staines
6. Lachlan Galvin
7. Aidan Sezer
8. Stefano Utoikamanu
9. Tallyn Da Silva
10. David Klemmer
11. John Bateman
12. Samuela Fainu
13. Fonua Pole
INTERCHANGE:
14. Latu Fainu
15. Alex Twal
16. Sione Fainu
17. Jordan Miller
RESERVES:
18. Justin Matamua
