Josh Reynolds to make his Wests Tigers debut from the bench

[dropcap]J[/dropcap]osh Reynolds is back but the biggest off season signing for the Wests Tigers has been named on the bench for the trip to Brookvale to take on Manly this Sunday afternoon.

The former Bulldogs five-eighth will be wearing the number 14 jumper in his debut for Wests Tigers.

There are quite a few changes from last week’s side that upset Melbourne 11-10 in Auckland, but moving Benji Marshall to the bench to make way for Reynolds is not one of them.

Loss of form and injuries have forced coach Ivan Cleary’s hand for this week’s selections.

Corey Thompson moves to fullback to replace Tui Lolohea, who was named on an extended bench, while David Nofoaluma returns to first grade for the second time this season to fill the vacant wing spot for the round six clash.

There are no changes in the centres or the halves, where Marshall and in form Luke Brooks will call the shots against Manly at Lottoland.

Backrowers Matt Eisenhuth, Chris Lawrence and Robbie Rochow, who have been outstanding so far this season, especially in defence, have been named in their usual starting positions.

But Alex Twal comes into the front row to partner Ben Maulino and in the absence of the injured Russell Packer, who is expected to miss one or two weeks.

Also named in the run on side for the first time this year is rising hooker Jacob Liddle, replacing Pita Godinet.

Sitting on the bench with Josh Reynolds will be Josh Aloiai, Michael Chee Kam and Sauaso Sue.

Tim Grant has been named 18^th man.

Manly, last start losers, have won two out of their first five matches to be sitting in eighth spot on the NRL ladder.

But at Fortress Brookvale or Lottoland – or whatever –  the Sea Eagles will be hard to pluck.

The match will kick off just after 4pm and will be shown live on Channel 9.

WESTS TIGERS NRL TEAM:

1. Corey Thompson
2. David Nofoaluma
3. Esan Marsters
4. Kevin Naiqama
5. Malakai Watene-Zelezniak
6. Benji Marshall (capt.)
7. Luke Brooks
8. Alex Twal
9. Jacob Liddle
10. Ben Matulino
11. Chris Lawrence
12. Robbie Rochow
13. Matt Eisenhuth

Interchange:

14. Josh Reynolds
15. Josh Aloiai
16. Michael Chee Kam
17. Sauaso Sue