Prop JJ Felise put in a solid performance against the Storm on Sunday when the Wests Tigers were defeated 29-20.
But the promising 20-year-old forward has had to make way for Robbie Farah, who has been named on the bench for this Saturday’s vital clash against Penrith Panthers.
JJ Felise was listed as 18th man when Wests Tigers head coach Jason Taylor named his side for the round 17 home game.
The match against the Panthers at ANZ Stadium is scheduled for a 5.30pm kickoff this Saturday, July 2.
This was the only change to the side that put in a Jekyll and Hyde performance against the Storm.
A diabolical first half from the Wests Tigers allowed the Storm to race away to a 26-0 lead at the conclusion of the first stanza.
But the Wests Tigers came out a different team in the second half, oozing energy and confidence as they set about tackling the home team’s lead.
With 15 minutes to go it was 26-20 and anything could have happened, but the experience of Storm skipper Cameron Smith was the difference in the end.
It was nonetheless a mighty effort from the Wests Tigers, who restricted the Storm to just two points from a penalty and a field goal in the second half.
A slightly better show in the first 40 minutes and we’d be talking about a famous victory.
But it wasn’t to be for the Tigers.
Vital clash against Penrith Panthers
Robbie Farah, who suffered concussion during the final minutes of State of Origin II, was rested for the Storm match but he’s back for the Panthers.
The club will host the Panthers this Saturday in a match themed as Legends Day, with former players from Balmain, Western Suburbs and Wests Tigers in attendance.
Confirmed guests on the day include Tim Brasher (Balmain), Tommy Raudonikis (Western Suburbs), Darren Senter (Balmain, Wests Tigers), Trevor Cogger (Western Suburbs), John Dorahy (Western Suburbs) and many more.
Wests Tigers NRL – Round 17 v Panthers:
1. James Tedesco
2. David Nofoaluma
3. Tim Simona
4. Kevin Naiqama
5. Jordan Rankin
6. Mitchell Moses
7. Luke Brooks
8. Aaron Woods (C)
9. Dene Halatau
10. Sauaso Sue
11. Josh Aloiai
12. Chris Lawrence
13. Elijah Taylor
Interchange:
14. Tim Grant
15. Ava Seumanufagai
16. Robbie Farah
17. Kyle Lovett
18. JJ Felise
