Wests Tigers have confirmed the club’s 2015 trial matches as the countdown for the season begins.
The run of matches leading into the 2015 NRL season will feature games against the Penrith Panthers, Parramatta Eels and Cronulla Sharks throughout February.
Preceding those games will be the NRL Auckland Nines tournament, which will take place on January 31 and February 1 in New Zealand, with Wests Tigers set to take on the Warriors, Raiders and Titans in the Hunua Ranges Pool.
The following week will see the club’s NSW Cup and Under 20s teams take on Parramatta at Kirkham Oval, Camden. The game follows on from what was a successful inaugural NRL trial match at the ground last year, which attracted over 5,000 spectators.
Wests Tigers players will then pack their bags for Alice Springs for the second successive year, lining up against the Eels on Friday, February 13. NSW Cup and Under 20s sides will remain in Sydney to play the Panthers on the following day.
The pre-season schedule will conclude with a huge five-game program at Campbelltown Sports Stadium against the Cronulla Sharks on Saturday, February 21.
Wests Tigers head coach Jason Taylor highlighted the importance of these trial matches in preparation for the 2015 season.
“I’m looking forward to the trial matches that we’ve locked in for 2015,” Taylor said. “It’s a good opportunity for players to stake their claims for positions in the team and show what they have worked on during the off-season.
“Obviously we have a lot of hard work to do at training before then, but I know that the players will be itching to get back on the field,” he said.
On–sale dates for tickets and kick-off times will be confirmed closer to each match.
Wests Tigers 2015 Pre-season Schedule:
January 31 – February 1
NRL Auckland Nines tournament
Saturday, February 7
Wests Tigers (NSW Cup & NYC) v Parramatta at Kirkham Oval, Camden
Friday, February 13
Parramatta Eels v Wests Tigers (NRL) at Alice Springs
Saturday, February 14
Penrith v Wests Tigers (NSW Cup & NYC) – Venue TBC
Saturday, February 21
Wests Tigers v Cronulla (NRL, NSW Cup, NYC + SG Ball, H’Matts) at Campbelltown Sports Stadium.