Here we go, here we go.
The NRL race to the finals has hit the straight as teams brace themselves for the last seven matches of the home and away season.
Wests Tigers, who sit on 18 premiership points after 19 rounds (seven wins, two byes), are just two points out of the top eight.
But a leaky defence all season means they have a terrible points differential (-87), so the Tigers will need to win at least five of their last seven matches to secure a finals spot in 2016.
It’s possible 26 points may be enough to make the cut because of the Parramatta situation, but it’s more likely to be 27 or 28 points.
For the Wests Tigers their quest starts this Sunday at ANZ Stadium when they take on the St George Dragons.
Other than including his three State of Origin stars, coach Jason Taylor has not made any substantial changes to the team that lost to the Bulldogs a couple of weeks ago.
Skipper Aaron Woods and James Tedesco are in the run on side, while Robbie Farah will start from the bench.
Dene Halatau, who yesterday announced his retirement at the end of the 2016 season, retains the starting hooking role.
With Tedesco back at fullback Jordan Rankin shifts to the wing in place of Joshua Addo-Carr, while Tim Grant is back on the interchange bench to allow for the return of Woods.
In other grades, Wests Tigers’ Intrust Super Premiership side sit in fourth place and come up against the fifth placed Newtown Jets in an important clash this Saturday at Leichhardt Oval.
The side is bolstered by the return of Manaia Cherrington from injury, while Addo-Carr and JJ Felise also drop back from the NRL side.
Meanwhile in Holden Cup Wests Tigers will look to record their first win since Round 14, however face a tough ask against a Dragons outfit who are undefeated since Round 7.
Wests Tigers NRL – Round 20 v Dragons:
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. Joel Edwards
