James Tedesco out, Luke Brooks back.
They were the standout items when Wests Tigers head coach Jason Taylor named his side for the club’s Round 24 away game against the Penrith Panthers at Pepper Stadium this Friday night.
Fullback James Tedesco has been ruled out for at least a month with a fractured jaw, resulting in Jordan Rankin shifting into the number one jersey and the promotion of Joshua Addo-Carr on to the wing.
In a massive boost for the side, halfback Luke Brooks returns from a knee injury after missing the past two matches, replacing Jack Littlejohn who will play with the club’s Intrust Super Premiership team this week.
Brooks’ fitness will continue to be monitored leading into Friday night’s match, however medical staff remain confident that he will be cleared to take on the Panthers.
The remainder of the team is unchanged from the Titans clash, with Michael Chee Kam named as 18th man and also in the Intrust Super Premiership team who play on Sunday.
Wests Tigers will play their first NRL match at Pepper Stadium since 2013, with the club winning its past three matches at the Penrith Panthers’ home ground.
In other grades, the Intrust Super Premiership side travel to Brookvale Oval on Sunday for a clash with Manly-Warringah, who sit second last on the ladder.
Paul Stringer’s team currently sit in third place with two regular season games remaining against the Sea Eagles and last placed Newcastle, with the side hot on the heels of the second placed Illawarra Cutters, who are just two competition points ahead.
Meanwhile in Holden Cup, Wests Tigers missed an opportunity to move into the top four last week with a loss to the Gold Coast and have a tough task this week against the competition leaders Penrith.
The Panthers suffered a shock loss to Newcastle last week, making this match an important one for both sides leading into the finals series.
Wests Tigers NRL – Round 24 v Panthers:
1. Jordan Rankin
2. David Nofoaluma
3. Tim Simona
4. Kevin Naiqama
5. Joshua Addo-Carr
6. Mitchell Moses
7. Luke Brooks
8. Aaron Woods (C)
9. Dene Halatau
10. Sauaso Sue
11. Josh Aloiai
12. Chris Lawrence
13. Elijah Taylor
Interchange:
14. Kyle Lovett
15. Ava Seumanufagai
16. Tim Grant
17. Joel Edwards
18. Michael Chee Kam
