It looks like the Wests Tigers could pay a heavy price for their brilliant 22-6 victory over South Sydney last week.
How heavy will depend on how Robbie Farah, David Nofoaluma and Luke Garner respond to concussion protocol checks ahead of the match with the Bulldogs this Friday night at ANZ Stadium.
The trio, who did not finish last week’s game against the Rabbitohs after failing head injury assessment tests, have all been named in the starting line up by coach Ivan Cleary.
One player who will definitely not be there is forward Josh Aloiai, who suffered a fractured hand during the brutal clash against the Rabbitohs and is expected to miss the next four weeks.
Prop Russell Packer will captain the side against the Bulldogs.
Campbelltown’s own local hero David Nofoaluma will play his 100th NRL game for Wests Tigers – if he is cleared to take his place.
Nofoaluma was close to being one of the best players on the field against Souths.
His defence was rock solid and he ran hard with the ball all day.
There’s no doubt Nofoaluma has been pumped up since the return of Robbie Farah to the side.
The Bulldogs game shapes up as a tricky assignment for Wests Tigers, who seem to struggle against teams below them on the ladder.
The alarm bells will be ringing for Cleary, who no doubt will impress on his charges the need to string a few wins if they are to make the cut in September.
Even a winning streak may not get them there if the Broncos, Warriors and Penrith, who are four points ahead of them, also keep winning matches.
Wests Tigers NRL Team
1. Moses Mbye
2. David Nofoaluma
3. Esan Marsters
4. Kevin Naiqama
5. Corey Thompson
6. Benji Marshall
7. Luke Brooks
8. Russell Packer (C)
9. Robbie Farah
10. Ben Matulino
11. Michael Chee Kam
12. Luke Garner
13. Elijah Taylor
Interchange
14. Alex Twal
15. Sauaso Sue
16. Robbie Rochow
17. Matt Eisenhuth
18. Jacob Liddle
19. Chris McQueen
20. Pita Godinet
21. Malakai Watene-Zelezniak
