Round 1 @Dragons: Team Analysis

Dragons                                     Tigers

1 Adam Quinlan                                      1 James Tedesco
2 Brett Morris                                          2 Marika Koroibete
3 Dylan Farrell                                        3 Keith Lulia
4 Gerard Beale                                       4 Chris Lawrence
5 Jason Nightingale                                 5 Pat Richards
6 Gareth Widdop                                     6 Braith Anasta
7 Michael Witt                                          7 Luke Brooks
8 Jack de Belin                                        8 Aaron Woods
9 Mitch Rein                                            9 Robbie Farah (c)
10 Dan Hunt                                           10 Martin Taupau
11 Leeson Ah Mau                                  11 Liam Fulton
12 Ben Creagh (c)                                  12 Bodene Thompson
13 Trent Merrin                                       13 Adam Blair

Interchange                                     Interchange
14 Bronson Harrison                                 14 Cory Paterson
15 Kyle Stanley                                         15 Ava Seumanufagai
16 Joel Thompson                                     16 Sauaso Sue
17 Tyson Frizell                                         17 James Gavet
20 Mike Cooper

Coach: Steve Price                            Coach: Mick Potter

Analysis

Wests Tigers named a somewhat predictable first squad for the 2014 season. Essentially the squad is exactly the same as the one which played Cronulla in the team's final trial 2 weeks ago. There are however three changes to the squad, with the return of forwards Liam Fulton, Ava Seaumanufagai and Sauaso Sue.  Fulton and Sue return from injury, whilst Seumanufagai has spent his pre-season largely with the VB NSW Cup squad gaining match fitness. 

As expected, Keith Lulia fills in for Tim Simona, Marikia Koroibete for David Nofoaluma, whilst Keith Galloway waits another week, which means Martin Taupau starts in his place. There's also an NRL debut for James Gavet, whose pre-season has been immense for the club. Gavet who was rocked by a long term foot injury in 2013 gets his chance off the bench this Sunday.

On Sunday the Tigers look likely to rely on several points of attack. James Tedesco's play from the back will be crucial. 100% fit again, Teddy looks faster, wiser and more confident and looks set to be a focal point in attack this season. Chris Lawrence and Pat Richards combination out wide could also be one to watch this season. The duo bring experience and real strike power close to the line with their ability to break tackles.

Up front Aaron Woods and Martin Taupau look a confident prop duo. Captain Robbie Farah and Liam Fulton are key players and their experience will be vital. whilst Cory Paterson and James Gavet will be ones to watch from the bench.

All in all, the Tigers have a side more than capable of grabbing the points on Sunday afternoon.