Wests Tigers name 8th debutant of 2013 season

Another injury to Wests Tigers captain Robbie Farah has paved the way for another rookie to debut in first grade this weekend versus the Eels. Young hooker Joel Luani will replace the NSW Origin rake in a side that is fast looking like the Wests Tigers 2012 Toyota Cup team. Luani replaces Farah who will be missing for 1-2 weeks with a fractured finger/knuckle. 

In other changes, young Fijian winger Marika Koroibete returns to first grade in a backline shuffle due to the premature end of centre Chris Lawrence's season with an ankle injury that requires surgery. Lawrence's position in the centres goes to winger Tim Simona.

There was no room (yet) for 18 year old half back Luke Brooks who would need to gain an exemption from the NRL due to the Tigers maxing out their second tier salary cap. Although some suggestions point to Brooks being a late addition in a bid to shield any possible debut till late notice.

Wests Tigers also confirmed today that in addition to Chris Lawrence's season ending injury, he will be joined by prop Aaron Woods who will also miss the remaining rounds with knee surgery on the cards. The latest injuries are yet another insult in a season of mass destruction at Wests Tigers.