Two teenagers are in line to make their NRL debut when the Wests Tigers run out for their last game in 2023 against Manly Sea Eagles at Brookvale on Friday night.
There are several changes to the team that lost 32-8 to the Roosters last Saturday, including naming the two teenagers, Kit Laulilii and Josh Feledy, in the top 17.
The pair are preparing for their first game in the top grade after moving through the club’s pathways teams, progressing from SG Ball to Jersey Flegg, and more recently playing in the NSW Cup competition.
Laulilii, a middle forward, will be the second member of Wests Magpies premiership winning Harold Matthews Cup team from last year to make his NRL debut, joining fellow Campbelltown junior, Tallyn Da Silva.
Feledy is a strong running centre who grew up on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, scoring 11 tries in 16 appearances for Wests Tigers Jersey Flegg Cup team this season.
Their addition augurs well for next season when Benji Marshall takes the coaching reins. Several youngsters have already been blooded this year, none better than excitement machine Jahream Bula at fullback (pictured above against the Roosters).
In other team news Jake Simpkin returns to the side at hooker with Api Koroisau to line up at halfback for the second time in three weeks.
Young prop forward Stefano Utoikamanu has been ruled out, making way for the return off Alex Twal, who missed the Roosters’ match through illness.
John Bateman has also been ruled out through a rib injury, with Shawn Blore to start as an edge forward.
The match will kick off at 6pm.
TEAM LIST:
1. Jahream Bula
2. David Nofoaluma
3. Triston Reilly
4. Josh Feledy
5. Junior Tupou
6. Daine Laurie
7. Api Koroisau (c)
8. Alex Twal
9. Jake Simpkin
10. David Klemmer
11. Isaiah Papali’i
12. Shawn Blore
13. Justin Matamua
INTERCHANGE:
14. Asu Kepaoa
15. Kit Laulilii
16. Fonua Pole
17. Alex Seyfarth
RESERVES:
18. Tallyn Da Silva
19. Brandon Wakeham
20. Will Smith
21. Aitasi James
22. Tommy Talau
