Round 17 team analysis: V Penrith Panthers

The Wests Tigers got the win they were expected to on the weekend against the struggling Raiders but it was far an easy two points for the Tigers. Several injuries meant the Tigers were forced into re-shuffling the make up of the side which in turn seemed to limit the impact the side could make on the Raiders. Wests however held firm, blocking the Raiders out for six consecutive sets on their own line before clinching what may become a vital two points later in the season.

The fall out from the gritty win though has come at a cost with several players injured as a result. Highlighting that list is fullback James Tedesco whose ruptured patella means he'll miss 3 months of football and barring a deep finals run and looks to have played his final game for 2014. Backrower Sauaso Sue also looks set for time on the sideline after injuring his shoulder. Sue's injury status is expected to be known later today but he is expected to miss at least the next few weeks and possibly longer.

Centre Tim Simona is the third player to come reeling out of the Raiders win with an injury. Simona will miss a month after damaging teeth in the head clash which ultimately ended his night early due to concussion. To make matters worse for the Tigers Captain Robbie Farah and prop Aaron Woods will also miss this weekend's clash with Penrith due to Origin III. All in all, Penrith have gotten the Wests Tigers at a good time.

Into the side this week come Blake Austin at fullback, Keith Lulia at centre, Joel Luani at hooker, whilst Dene Halatau, Sitaleki Akauola and Jack Buchanan return to the NRL off the bench. Blake Austin's inclusion at fullback is a slight surprise given his lack of experience in the position. However to be fair he did a fair job deputising for James Tedesco last weekend. There was plenty of talk that youngster Mitchell Moses could have gotten the nod this weekend, but for now it appears he may have to wait. A late change could yet happen though??

Keith Lulia's inclusion was always likely. Whilst he hasn't set the world on fire in 2014 he is a dependable option. Rookies Asipeli Fine and Stefano Taukafa will have to wait a little longer yet. Joel Luani will share the hooking duties with Dene Halatau (bench) this week. Luani's NRL form has been solid so far and will be keen for a good showing given this could be his final NRL game of 2014.

The Tigers return to Leichhardt Oval this weekend to face the impressive Panthers who have had a pretty settled side in 2014. Jamie Soward has been named despite failing to finish the game versus the Warriors on the weekend. Soward and halfback Peter Wallace have directed the side around well in 2014 and the Tigers will face an up hill battle this weekend with so many players missing.

The key for the Tigers will be to ensure that the forwards allow the likes of Luke Brooks and Braith Anasta the time to do their work. Holding the ball and keeping penalties down also hold more significance on weeks like this so discipline needs to be high. The bench rotations for both sides also loom as an vital component this weekend. The Panthers Tyrone Peachey and Lewis Brown have been good in recent weeks whilst workhorses Jeremy Latimore and Nigel Plum will be relentless as ever. 

WIth Martin Taupau starting this week Wests will need Ava Seumanufagai and Sitaleki Akauola to provide the bench support. With Farah and Tedesco both missing the Tigers will really need their forward pack to win the battle on Sunday. If the Tigers stay close to the Panthers coming down the stretch on Sunday afternoon, then hopefully with the help of a healthy Leichhardt crowd, the boys can ride home with another win.

WESTS TIGERS TEAM V PENRITH PANTHERS

 Blake Austin, David Nofoaluma, Keith Lulia, Chris Lawrence, Pat Richards, Braith Anasta (c), Luke Brooks, Martin Taupau, Joel Luani, Keith Galloway, Curtis Sironen, Bodene Thompson, Adam Blair. Interchange: Dene Halatau, Ava Seumanufagai, Sitaleki Akauola, Jack Buchanan