Wests Tigers coach Benji Marshall has named a 22-man squad for Friday night’s Round 14 match against the Dragons in Wollongong.
There are a few changes to the side which lost to the Cowboys 42-28 in Round 12, with a new-look centre pairing and another player in line to make his NRL debut.
The absence of David Klemmer (suspension) and Isaiah Papali’i (ankle) means the team will field a reshuffled forward pack.
Alex Twal, picture above, shifts from lock to prop, with both Alex Seyfarth and Justin Matamua elevated to the starting side.
There are a couple of new faces on the bench with Sione Fainu recalled to the side for just his second NRL game, and Reuben Porter preparing to make his NRL debut.
Porter, a 27-year-old prop, has been waiting several years for this opportunity.
The New Zealand born forward is in his first year at Wests Tigers after playing seven seasons in the NSW Cup.
Justin Olam and Brent Naden both return to the side after serving one game suspensions from Magic Round.
Olam slots straight back into the centres, while Naden has been named in the No.14 jersey.
Charlie Staines shifts into the centres with former Dragons player Alex Lobb named on the wing after making his NRL debut against the Cowboys as 18th man.
WESTS TIGERS TEAM LIST:
1. Jahream Bula
2. Alex Lobb
3. Charlie Staines
4. Justin Olam
5. Solomon Alaimalo
6. Lachlan Galvin
7. Jayden Sullivan
8. Stefano Utoikamanu
9. Apisai Koroisau (c)
10. Alex Twal
11. Samuela Fainu
12. Alex Seyfarth
13. Justin Matamua
INTERCHANGE:
14. Brent Naden
15. Fonua Pole
16. Sione Fainu
17. Reuben Porter
18. Tallyn Da Silva
