Wests Tigers head coach Benji Marshall has made some changes to the squad he has named to take on the St George-Illawarra Dragons at Kogarah this Saturday, kicking off at 5.30pm.
Alex Twal (pictured above) returns at lock having recovered from a knee injury, with Alex Seyfarth shifting to the interchange bench.
Jock Madden comes into the starting lineup at five-eighth, with Jarome Luai suffering delayed concussion symptoms from the Tigers Round 17 clash with the Knights.
Heamasi Makasini lines up at centre, replacing Taylan May who sustained a shoulder injury on Sunday.
Up in Newcastle last Sunday afternoon the Tigers let one slip through their fingers, going down 12-6.
The home side were awful, especially in the first half, but Marshall’s team failed to capitalize on the opportunity to grab two cheap points.
Tigers did have some good news through this week, announcing the signing of Jake Averillo, with the centre inking a four-year deal with the club.
Arriving at Concord for the 2027 NRL season, Averillo will play an important role in Benji Marshall’s backline and joins a core group of players committed to the Wests Tigers until the end of 2030.
Renowned for his speed, footwork and versatility, Averillo has amassed over 130 first grade appearances since making his debut for the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs in 2020.
Having spent four seasons with the Bulldogs, the Bankstown Sports and Moorebank Rams junior made the move north to the Dolphins in 2024. He has made 54 appearances for the ‘Phins, scoring 28 tries.
The 25-year-old, who has scored six tries in seven matches this season, will bring strike power and experience to the Tigers’ backline, as well as the ability to cover multiple positions.
The Wests Tigers have confirmed that Starford To’a will depart the club at the conclusion of the 2026 NRL season, after agreeing to join the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles.
Originally contracted through until the end of 2028, the Wests Tigers and To’a have mutually agreed to his release to take up this new opportunity.
WESTS TIGERS LINEUP V ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA:
1. Jahream Bula
2. Sunia Turuva
3. Heamasi Makasini
4. Starford To’a
5. Jeral Skelton
6. Jock Madden
7. Adam Doueihi
8. Terrell May
9. Api Koroisau
10. Fonua Pole
11. Tony Sukkar
12. Sione Fainu
13. Alex Twal
INTERCHANGE:
14. Josese Lanyon
15. Bunty Afoa
16. Alex Seyfarth
17. Latu Fainu
18. Tino Tavana
19. Charlie Murray
