The bye week came at a good time after Wests failed to fire in their last start versus the Broncos, going down 16-14 at Campbelltown. The break also gave Robbie Farah and Aaron Woods a breather after a frenetic Origin 1 encounter a week ago. They both return a little fresher this week and the Tigers will be boosted by the returns of James Tedesco, Liam Fulton and Curtis Sironen on top of the NSW duo.
James Tedesco in particular will be a welcome addition with his undoubted quality sorely missed in his absence. Coupled with Robbie Farah's return, alongside Luke Brooks, our attack should be markedly improved this week. The addition of Liam Fulton and Curtis Sironen (18th man) also provides the side with two ball playing back rowers, a further boost for our attack.
Interestingly Blake Austin is included on the bench but does shape as the most likely man to drop off. It wouldn't be a surprise to see Austin run out a day earlier for the NSW Cup side, where he could still act as 18th man for the NRL side a day later.
The Tigers make the trek to Hunter Stadium where they'll face a Knights side who have had their issues. Press reports suggest more than a few players are in doubt including Akuila Uate and Beau Scott. It wouldn't surprise anyone to see a rejigged Knights out fit run out on Sunday afternoon.
The key for the Tigers is the return of Robbie Farah who'll provide the injection of direction where it matters, the spine of the side with Tedesco and Farah alongside Brooks appears a test for the Knights. Our forwards continue to play with confidence too and i'm expecting a good showing from the 17 that run out this weekend.
It's also worth noting that Tigers will provide their strongest side in 2 seasons this weekend with only Tim Moltzen officially unavailable. Forwards Cory Paterson and James Gavet were not named in any grade this weekend but were given the luxury off another week off as a precaution. Dene Halatau whilst missing from the first grade side will play his second consecutive game in the NSW Cup as he looks to build some match fitness up.
First grade action kicks off at 2pm on Sunday afternoon with the NYC clash also LIVE on FOX SPORTS prior to the main game at 11:30am.
WESTS TIGERS TEAM V NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS
James Tedesco, David Nofoaluma, Tim Simona, Chris Lawrence, Pat Richards, Braith Anasta, Luke Brooks, Aaron Woods, Robbie Farah, Keith Galloway, Liam Fulton, Bodene Thompson, Adam Blair. Interchange: Sauaso Sue, Martin Taupau, Blake Austin, Ava Seumanufagai, Curtis Sironen
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