Wests Tigers 19-18 win over the Canberra Raiders last night will come at a cost. The question is just how much it will end up costing the Tigers in the long run? Whilst the win against the Raiders showed plenty of guts and determination against all odds, it's probably fair to suggest that a better side would've put the Tigers in their place.
The Raiders had six sets in succession attacking the Wests goal line in the second half and only rarely looked like seriously threatening to trouble the scorers. In actual fact they looked more of a threat from long range.The Tigers were fortunate to get the win last night but the ramifications of doing so leave the side in a vulnerable postion.
Top of the list is James Tedesco's ruptured patella. Tedesco's lay off couldn't have come at worse time for himself or the club. With Kurtis Rowe out injured and not expected back in the short term the Tigers now need to find a third choice fullback. Long term absentee Tim Moltzen won't be the man either as he continues on his slow road of recovery. Blake Austin filled in there admirably for 80 minutes last night but it's hard to see him getting the gig full time. It wouldn't be fair on him.
The most likely candidates appear to be NSW Cup options Jy Hitchcox or Mitchell Moses. Hitchcox is older at 26 and a speedy/explosive option and probably better suited for the NRL right now. Mitchell Moses on the other hand though at 19 may lack the size or experience of Hitchcox but possesses supreme ball skills and a partnership with halfback Luke Brooks. Potter has the option of opting for either of these potential NRL rookies or electing to show faith in Blake Austin. Previously though Potter has opted against switching players out of position meaning he may well keep Austin on his bench and call up a new player.
Tedesco's absence isn't the only bad news for the club today with Tim Simona set to miss four weeks after damaging his teeth in the head clash which prematurely ended his night. His absence is a little more straight forward in terms of replacements with veteran Keith Lulia the most likely option. However Potter does have the option of calling in rookies Asipeli Fine or Stefano Taukafa as well. This may still happen should winger David Nofoaluma be in any doubt for next weekend's match up versus Penrith.
Another player set to be ruled out is Sauaso Sue who today had scans on an AC joint. Sue who played on bravely with the shoulder injury looks set for a spell on the sideline. Thankfully Wests do have cover for the big man with Sitaleki Akauola, James Gavet and Dene Halatau all likely replacements.
What this all means is that the Wests Tigers will have to tough it out at least for one more week with Captain Robbie Farah and Aaron Woods set to miss the Panthers clash as well due to Origin selection. It also challenges the Tigers in their quest to make the top 8. The loss of Tedesco is a bitter blow and hopefully Kurtis Rowe will return sooner than later.
The run home for the club is not a simple one either. Keeping the team healthy was going to be vital. That and the teams finals chances are now in jeopardy but with 6th place belonging to the Tigers on the NRL ladder currently, the fortunes of the club remain in their own hands. That at least is the good news.
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