Wests Tigers coach Jason Taylor hasn’t sprung any real surprises in naming his side to take on the Gold Coast Titans for the club’s round 1 NRL match this Saturday, March 7.
Fullback James Tedesco has been named to play his first NRL game since suffering a knee injury in round 16 last year, while Kevin Naiqama is set to become the 180th player to play first-grade for Wests Tigers after being named on the wing.
The spine is as expected, with Robbie Farah at hooker and as the captain, with Luke Brooks and Mitchell Moses the halves.
The only unexpected selection would have to be that of young backrower Brenden Santi, who has been named to play his second NRL match from the bench, while rookie Kyle Lovett has also been included on an extended interchange.
Having posted two strong victories from two trial matches, Wests Tigers head into the match with plenty of confidence, and will be looking to continue their recent form when they take on the Titans at Cbus Super Stadium.
The team is: James Tedesco, Kevin Naiqama, Tim Simona, Chris Lawrence, Pat Richards, Mitchell Moses, Luke Brooks, Aaron Woods, Robbie Farah, Keith Galloway, Curtis Sironen, Sauaso Sue, Dene Halatau.
Interchange: Ava Seumanufagai, Martin Taupau, Matthew Lodge, Brenden Santi, Kyle Lovett.
In other club news, Nathan Brown has been granted an immediate release from his contract earlier in the week. He is believed to be headed to Souths.
Brown played one NRL game for the Wests Tigers in Round 24 of the 2013 season and spent last year with the NSW Cup team after graduating from the Holden Cup competition.
The 21-year-old prop forward was part of the premiership-winning Under 20s side in 2012.
Jason Taylor thanked Brown for his efforts while at the club and wished him well in the future.
“On behalf of everyone at the club I would like to thank Nathan for his commitment during his time at Wests Tigers,” Taylor said.
“I wish him all the best in the next stage of his rugby league career.”
“Looking at our current squad, I believe we have good depth in the front-row, with a number of quality options including current internationals Aaron Woods and Martin Taupau.
“The club has granted Nathan the chance to take up an opportunity to play first grade elsewhere and we wish him good luck in the future.”
