Today is all about the return of Benji and the mighty Magpies

A lot of talk this week has been what sort of reception James Tedesco will get when he runs out in Roosters colours against the Wests Tigers at ANZ Stadium this afternoon.

That’s easy: there will be a lot of booing and fingers crossed the former mayor of Menangle has a shocker against his old club.

The other topic of discussion for the match, which will kick off at 4.30pm, has been the return of Wests Tigers prodigal son Benji Marshall.

Head coach Ivan Cleary has named Benji on the bench so it’s anybody’s guess when fans may see the Kiwi wizard.

Cleary included six club debutants when he named his team earlier this week: Corey Thompson, Josh Reynolds, Russell Packer, Pita Godinet, Ben Matulino, and Robbie Rochow.

Thompson’s inclusion comes at the expense of South West Sydney fan favourite David Nofoaluma.

However another local favourite, Chris Lawrence, will captain the side against the Roosters.

Flying under the radar is the return of the Western Suburbs Magpies to top flight competition, the Intrust Super Premiership.

When the Magpies run on to ANZ Stadium to clash with the Bulldogs at 2.15pm it will also be the first game as a coach for club legend and 2005 NRL premiership winner Brett Hodgson.

As part of his coaching duties Hodgson is also an assistant to Cleary.

WESTS TIGERS NRL ROUND 1 TEAM
1. Tuimoala Lolohea
2. Corey Thompson
3. Esan Marsters
4. Kevin Naiqama
5. Malakai Watene-Zelezniak
6. Josh Reynolds
7. Luke Brooks
8. Russell Packer
9. Pita Godinet
10. Ben Matulino
11. Chris Lawrence (capt.)
12. Robbie Rochow
13. Elijah Taylor
Interchange:
14. Benji Marshall
15. Alex Twal
16. Michael Chee Kam
17. Matt Eisenhuth
Reserves:
18. Matt McIlwrick
19. David Nofoaluma
20. Tim Grant
21. Taane Milne

WESTERN SUBURBS MAGPIES INTRUST SUPER PREMIERSHIP ROUND 1

1. Watson Heleta
   2. David Nofoaluma
   3. Taane Milne
   4. Toni Tali
   5. Mahe Fonua
   6. Tyson Gamble
   7. Josh Drinkwater
   8. Sauaso Sue
   9. Matt McIlwrick
   10. JJ Felise
   11. Chris McQueen
   12. Luke Garner
   13. Bayley Sironen
   Interchange
   14. Patrice Siolo
   15. Joseph Ratu
   16. Cowen Epere
   18. Braden Robson
   19. Harry O’Toole
   20. Lucas Price