Taupau set for reward in Woods' absence

Wests Tigers arrested a two game losing streak with a tough, hard thought two point win over Cronulla on Saturday night at Remondis Stadium. The return of Captain and hooker Robbie Farah was pivotal for Wests with the NSW Origin hooker's direction around the park crucial in the performance of young halfback Luke Brooks success on the night.

Now the Tigers will have to go it alone without Robbie once more with Farah and Aaron Woods expected to be named this morning for NSW as the 2014 State of Origin series begins. The Tigers have won previously without Farah this season though, winning the Round 7 encounter with the Eels 21-18. Farah's place in the side will be taken again by Joel Luani which also means Blake Austin is assured a place on the bench once more.

The Tigers though will miss Aaron Woods for the first time this season if he is selected in the Origin squad. Coach Mick Potter faces a minor selection dilemma if Woods is to be unavailable. His best option in replacing Woods would seem to be Martin Taupau. However Taupau's impact from the bench has been brilliant this season and Potter may be keen to keep his enforcer there in the role. If he chooses to do that he will lean on one of either Sauaso Sue or Ava Seumanufagai to fill the starting role.

The best man for the job this week appears Seumanufagai. Ava's got the match fitness under his belt and is dependable. Sue who only last week returned from injury is perhaps best left to play from the bench on this occasion as he works on his match fitness and is kept out of the early exchanges. Having said all this though, Taupau remains my best option to start in place of Woods but his role as the impact forward is critical. 

Potter's decision may be made easier should James Gavet be available this week. If he is then Taupau would almost certainly start with Gavet to resume his role as enforcer from the bench. If Gavet is not fit for selection this week it is likely Sitaleki Akauola will return to the 17. No matter what way Potter chooses to go there will be added responsibility on Keith Galloway this week. Galloway has had a solid start to the season but will be looking to rise another level should Woods be missing.