After two wins on the trot it’s no surprise coach Jason Taylor has named the same team to host Newcastle Knights in round 23 this Saturday afternoon at Campbelltown Sports Stadium.
Martin Taupau (suspension) and Chris Lawrence (ankle injury) were the only players unavailable for selection.
In taking on the bottom placed Knights the only danger for Wests Tigers –believe it or not – is complacency.
After two scintillating performances in which they put the Storm and the Raiders to the sword, the Tigers have finally developed a little bit of consistency over 80 minutes and could end up with three wins in a row for the first time in 2015.
The return of captain Robbie Farah was a big factor in this. He directed the team around the paddock and made some darting runs too from dummy half when needed.
His understudy, Manaia Cherrington, although named 18th man for the trip to the national capital on Monday night, got some game time and was once again excellent in the 20-18 victory.
Cherrington is 18th man for the Knights clash but surely he will get to play once again, giving the skipper a rest in the middle.
Farah loves playing 80 minutes but knows that he’s not getting any younger and managing his time on the field could help him extend his illustrious career.
The match, which will start at 3pm, may of course be another special day for fullback James Tedesco.
He really has been the spark behind the Tigers’ revival and if he continue in that vein on Saturday it may get a little ugly for the visitors.
But first the Wests forwards will have to dominate the Knights pack before Teddy can weave his magic from the back.
♦ All three grades will be played on Saturday at Campbelltown Sports Stadium – with Holden Cup due to kick-off at 10:30am, followed by NSW Cup at 12:40pm and NRL at 3pm.
Wests Tigers NRL – Round 23 v Knights:
1. James Tedesco
2. David Nofoaluma
3. Kevin Naiqama
4. Tim Simona
5. Pat Richards
6. Mitchell Moses
7. Luke Brooks
8. Aaron Woods
9. Robbie Farah (C)
10. Keith Galloway
11. Curtis Sironen
12. Dene Halatau
13. Sauaso Sue
Interchange:
14. Kyle Lovett
15. Jack Buchanan
16. Ava Seumanufagai
17. Brenden Santi
18. Manaia Cherrington
