Round 11 team analysis: V Brisbane Broncos

Tuesday's news that both Robbie Farah and Aaron Woods will line up for New South Wales in Origin 1 next Wednesday night was not the biggest of surprises for Wests Tigers. Farah barring injury was always likely to be selected whilst Woods form was always going to dictate his selection. If he played well he'd be rewarded, and he has.

This now means that coach Mick Potter gets to activate his Origin plan. Only, Potter has already had to activate it due to Farah's dislocated elbow last month. That gave Joel Luani a run in the team then and now Luani returns to the side for the clash with Brisbane Broncos this Saturday night at Campbelltown Stadium.

Luani's return is one of two significant changes to the line up this week. The other regarding Aaron Woods will see Martin Taupau replace the NSW Origin prop in the starting line up this week. Cory Paterson who stood out impressively last weekend unfortunately is missing this week due to injury which means a recall for Sitaleki Akauola.

The bench sees the addition of Keith Lulia in a move which has fans scratching their heads, condsidering Blake Austin is also on the bench, it leaves just two notable forwards on the bench in Ava Seaumanufagai and Sauaso Sue. Coach Mick Potter has revealed that Lulia, normally a centre, will spend time in the back row this weekend but some suggestions from fans believe we could see a late addition to the bench with the inclusion of a third forward at Lulia's expense.

For the Broncos they'll be without Sam Thaiday (injury), Matt Gillett, Corey Parker and Justin Hodges (all Origin) this weekend. This evens the ledger significantly. However the Broncos crucially still retain their spine with Ben Barba, Josh Hoffman, Ben Hunt and Andrew McCullough all available for the Broncos.

It promises to be a tough match for both sides and one that is hard to pick a clear favourite. The Broncos look stronger in key positions but Wests Tigers will fancy their chances in front of a home crowd on an emotional night in which the club will celebrate it's 15th anniversary. It would be quite the amusement if we were to see another 24-all draw like the two sides played back in 2000.

Stranger things have happened........

WESTS TIGERS TEAM V BRISBANE BRONCOS

Kurtis Rowe, David Nofoaluma, Tim Simona, Chris Lawrence, Pat Richards, Braith Anasta (c), Luke Brooks, Martin Taupau, Joel Luani, Keith Galloway, Sitaleki Akauola, Bodene Thompson, Adam Blair. Interchange: Sauaso Sue, Ava Seumanufagai, Blake Austin, Keith Lulia