When Esan Marsters signed on for another two years last week, Wests Tigers fans would have been hoping the rising young centre would have celebrated with a big win over Newcastle.
But it was not to be as the Knights came from behind to snatch an unlikely 22-20 win in Scully Park, Tamworth last Sunday.
Marsters tried very hard to get on top of his opponents, but for whatever reason the Wests Tigers just didn’t have the energy and enthusiasm they had displayed so far this season in winning five matches.
Wests Tigers didn’t even score a point in the first half, going to the break 10-0 down.
Coach Ivan Cleary and the first grade squad will try to put that loss behind them as they prepare to face a resurgent Parramatta this Sunday.
The team will welcome back Chris Lawrence, who missed last weekend’s loss with a hamstring strain.
Lawrence will also captain the side against the Eels.
Elijah Taylor and Jacob Liddle have both been named to play after not finishing the game against the Knights, while Alex Twal will miss this week’s game with a minor shoulder issue, but is expected to only miss a week.
There is no official word when Russell Packer and Josh Reynolds will be back on the park.
As for Esan Marsters, he gets another chance to celebrate the new contract, which will see him in the Wests Tigers colours until the end of the 2020 season.
Since making his debut in Round 13 last year the 21 year old has taken to the field 19 times for Wests Tigers and is fast becoming a fan favourite.
Marsters said that he was thrilled to be extending his stay.
“It was definitely an easy choice for me to stay at Wests Tigers,” Marsters said.
“They gave me a chance to play first grade here and I really want to pay them back by playing some good footy.
“I just enjoy being around this club, all the boys are really tight and I’ve got some of my best mates here. We’re all pretty close on the field and it’s really reflecting on the field.
“In saying that, I really want to play for Ivan as well. He’s stuck by me this entire time so I really want to play some good footy for him and just finish the year on a good note,” he said.
“I think all the boys are really close this year and do things for each other.
“We’re showing on the field what we can do and I’m really happy to be a part of it.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“We definitely want to keep improving and working hard as a team and that’s the most important thing.”[/social_quote]
Wests Tigers NRL v Paramatta Eels:
1. Corey Thompson
2. David Nofoaluma
3. Esan Marsters
4. Kevin Naiqama
5. Malakai Watene-Zelezniak
6. Benji Marshall
7. Luke Brooks
8. Matt Eisenhuth
9. Jacob Liddle
10. Ben Matulino
11. Chris Lawrence (capt.)
12. Robbie Rochow
13. Elijah Taylor
Interchange
14. Pita Godinet
15. Josh Aloiai
16. Michael Chee Kam
17. Sauaso Sue
