It feels like an eternity since the Wests Tigers’ 66-18 rout of North Queensland Cowboys at Leichhardt.
That was in round 12, which was followed by a bye in round 13.
In the middle of all that Joe Ofahengaue was released, and two Wests Tigers players joined the NSW State of Origin squad, hooker Api Koroisau and prop Stefano Utoikamanu, the latter as part of the emerging Blues tradition.
This Friday night fans will be looking forward to seeing if the Wests Tigers can turn into the real ideal by beating the in-form Canberra Raiders at Campbelltown Sports Stadium.
In a controversial move, Raiders are resting their captain and goalkicker Jarrod Croker, saving his 300th game celebrations for their home match a week later.
In naming his 22-man squad side for Friday night, Wests Tigers coach Tim Sheens has made just one change to the side which had a romp against the Cowboys.
Fonua Pole will start at lock, with Alex Seyfarth added to the interchange, while Brent Naden returns to the squad after serving a three-game suspension.
Also named in the extended squad is 18-year-old hooker Tallyn Da Silva, who was a member of Wests Magpies premiership-winning Harold Matthew’s Cup team last year.
Api Koroisau and Stefano Utoikamanu have both been included in the run-on side.
David Nofoaluma has the opportunity to become the first player to score 100 tries for Wests Tigers in this game. His tally for the club stands at 99.
Round 14: Wests Tigers v Canberra Raiders, 8pm, Friday, June 2, Campbelltown Sports Stadium
TEAM LIST:
1.Jahream Bula
2. David Nofoaluma
3. Starford To’a
4. Tommy Talau
5. Junior Tupou
6. Brandon Wakeham
7. Luke Brooks
8. Stefano Utoikamanu
9. Api Koroisau (c)
10. David Klemmer
11. Isaiah Papali’i
12. John Bateman
13. Fonua Pole
INTERCHANGE:
14. Jake Simpkin
15. Alex Seyfarth
16. Alex Twal
17. Asu Kepaoa
18. Brent Naden
19. Aitasi James
20. Daine Laurie
21. Justin Matamua
22. Tallyn Da Silva
