Wests Tigers coach Ivan Cleary has ignored commentators calling for major personnel changes after the team’s poor showing in the 16-14 loss to a depleted Roosters outfit on Sunday.
Cleary has made just one change to the side that will take on the Cronulla Sharks at Southern Cross Group Stadium this Sunday, June 10.
Some football experts called on Cleary to end the experiment of having Elijah Taylor, a backrower, in the vital hooking position because it did not help the team in attack.
This was noticeable against the Roosters, with the Tigers unable to score a try in the first half and when effectively the game was lost.
And while no commentator called for Benji Marshall to make way for Josh Reynolds in the run on side, most of them felt the Tigers’ attack would have more spark in it with the former Bulldog at five-eighth alongside a specialist hooker wearing the number nine jumper.
But for reasons best known to himself, Cleary has again named Taylor as hooker for the vital Sharks clash, while Reynolds will be warming the bench in the number 15 jumper.
David Nofoaluma, who suffered a calf injury in the first half against the Roosters, has been replaced by Malakai Watene-Zelezniak in the only major change to the team named by Cleary a few minutes ago.
Benji Marshall will captain the side against Cronulla.
Cleary surely is aware that the season is slipping away from the Wests Tigers, with just two wins from their last seven matches.
Three of their losses were by just two points, which highlights the need for the team to score more points -the defence can’t really get much better.
Wests Tigers NRL side
1. Tuimoala Lolohea
2. Malakai Watene-Zelezniak
3. Esan Marsters
4. Mahe Fonua
5. Corey Thompson
6. Benji Marshall (capt.)
7. Luke Brooks
8. Russell Packer
9. Elijah Taylor
10. Ben Matulino
11. Chris Lawrence
12. Michael Chee Kam
13. Matt Eisenhuth
Interchange
14. Alex Twal
15. Josh Reynolds
16. Josh Aloiai
17. Tim Grant
Reserves
18. Robbie Rochow
19. Tyson Gamble
20. Pita Godinet
21. Kevin Naiqama
