Two sin bins and chance of victory evaporates

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Benji Marshall has rushed back big winger Jeral Skelton for the game against the premiers on Sunday.

Charlie Staines has been dropped to make way for Skelton, while Brent Naden is another one left out from the side that lost 32-28 to the Cowboys in Townsville last Saturday.

In other changes, Tony Sukkar has taken the place of the injured Alex Twal, but will slot into the second row, with Alex Seyfarth to play a little wider against Penrith.

And 23 year old lock forward Charlie Murray will make his NRL debut from the bench.

The defeat to the Cowboys was the third in a row for the Tigers, who will now need to win eight or nine of their last 13 matches to make the finals.

An incredible comeback from 32-6 down last Saturday felt just short of what would have been a miracle win for Wests Tigers.

The home side raced to a huge lead off the back of tries scored while Tigers were down a man thanks to the sin binning of Jarome Luai 11 minutes in, followed by Adam Doueihi just before half time.

Both sin bins were judged to be on the harsh side by the TV commentators – and we agree with those sentiments.

But on the other hand, both players could have shown more discipline for the sake of the team.

Referee Gerry Sutton has rarely shown any leniency towards Wests Tigers and the players, especially leaders like Luai and Doueihi, ought to have kept that in mind.

The damage was done during those two crucial incidents, and while the comeback was admirable it did not help the side get the vital two premiership points.

Now they must face a full Penrith Panthers side at Parramatta – for a home game, for goodness’ sake.

They will need a mighty team effort to beat the premiers – and Jarome Luai’s best game so far in Tigers colours to win this one, which kicks off at 4pm.

TEAM LIST:

1.  Jahream Bula 

2. Sunia Turuva

3. Adam Doueihi 

4. Starford To’a

5. Jeral Skelton

6. Heath Mason 

7. Jarome Luai (c) 

8. Terrell May

9. Api Koroisau (c)

10. Sione Fainu 

11. Samuela Fainu

12. Tony Sukkar 

13. Alex Seyfarth 

INTERCHANGE:

14. Latu Fainu

15. Jack Bird 

16. Kit Laulili’i

17. Charlie Murray

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