Injuries loom as the biggest threat to the resurgent Wests Tigers in 2018.
This week will be one of those tests of the club’s depth, with both Chris Lawrence and Josh Reynolds unavailable for selection in the round seven clash with the Newcastle Knights.
Lawrence, who has been in superb form all season, suffered a low grade hamstring strain in Sunday’s 38-12 win over Manly and is expected to only miss a week.
Marquee signing Josh Reynolds is out of the side for this weekend’s game with a shoulder issue following the game against the Sea Eagles.
It’s not clear how long Reynolds will spend on the sidelines.
There were some positives when Wests Tigers head coach Ivan Cleary named his side to take on the Knights at Scully Park in Tamworth this Saturday.
Workhorse Elijah Taylor returns to the side for his first game since round two and he will also captain the team.
Matt Eisenhuth will start at prop, with Josh Aloiai moving to the back row in place of Chris Lawrence.
David Nofoaluma keeps his wing spot, with Tui Lolohea named fullback in Brett Hodgson’s ISP side.
And of course Benji Marshall will once again partner Luke Brooks in the halves.
Marshall scored two tries against Manly at Brookvale, while Brooks dominated so much pundits started mentioning him as a possible Origin selection for Brad Fittler’s NSW Blues.
Kevin Naiqama will play his 100th NRL game in Tamworth, with 77 of those having being for Wests Tigers since debuting for Newcastle in 2010.
The game at Scully Park, Tamworth is a sell out with kick off at 5.30pm on Saturday.
Wests Tigers v Newcastle Knights:
- Corey Thompson
2. David Nofoaluma
3. Esan Marsters
4. Kevin Naiqama
5. Malakai Watene-Zelezniak
6. Benji Marshall
7. Luke Brooks
8. Matt Eisenhuth
9. Jacob Liddle
10. Ben Matulino
11. Josh Aloiai
12. Robbie Rochow
13. Elijah Taylor (capt.)
Interchange:
14. Pita Godinet
15. Alex Twal
16. Michael Chee Kam
17. Sauaso Sue
