SHEENS NAMES TEAM TO PLAY MANLY

By Wayne Cousins

9/03/2010 5:43:03 PM

Wests Tigers Coach Tim Sheens has named his team to play Manly Sea Eagles in round one of the Telstra Premiership on Monday night, March 15, at 7pm.

Lote Tuqiri, Jason Cayless, Junior Moors and Mark Flanagan will make their Wests Tigers debut. Tuqiri has been named on the wing and will arrive in Sydney from England tomorrow to begin his three-year stint with the club.

New recruits Cayless (St Helens), Moors (Penrith) and Flanagan (Wigan) have been named on the interchange bench.

Liam Fulton and Daniel Fitzhenry will pull on the Wests Tigers jersey again after impressing Sheens following their return from the English Super League. Both played in the 2005 premiership winning Wests Tigers team.

Fulton has been named in the second-row to partner Gareth Ellis while Fitzhenry will fill a utility role off the interchange bench.

Prop Keith Galloway and Tuqiri will play their 100th NRL game.

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Posted by: John Mount Isa, March 12 2010 6:15 AM

Good luck tigers nyc and nrl. looking forward to the start of the season. its great being a tigers supporter in Cowboy land. We seem to have more depth than previous years last year injury cost us a spot in the 8. Two better this year boys make the finals and go onto take out the comp. -john-

Posted by: brenton, March 12 2010 2:36 AM

Forget fitzy and fulton, sheensy knows best and if he chose bin laden to play this week i wouldnt care, i'd still be cheerin GO THE TIGERS MOLTZY FOR DALLY M

Posted by: bagley, March 11 2010 8:13 PM

I know not all available but i would love to see 1 tuqiri 2 tuiaki 3 aysford 4 lawrence 5 tupou 6 marshall 7 moltzen 8 cayless 9 farah 10 galloway 11 ellis 12 heighington 13 dywer reserve backs taumatta danella reserve forwards payton moors fifita mataka .SIZE POWER SPEED ACROSS THE PARK. grrrrrrrrrrrrr.

Posted by: tutty, March 11 2010 7:38 PM

I reckon you're right Pratten Park but the team doesn't need a lot of changes, if they win one more game this year than they did last year they'll make it. The last 4 years they've been only a win or two away and this year with what is arguably the best squad during that time it gives them a terrific chance. But as always there are other teams who will look to improve and the form and fitness of key players will play a part in whatever transpires. Tigers!!!

Posted by: bagley, March 11 2010 7:32 PM

I know not all available but i would love to see (BACKS) fullback-tuqiri wing-tuaki/tupou centres-lawrence/aysforb halves-marshall/moltzen. backed up by taumatta and danella. (FORWARDS) prop-cayless/galloway 2nd row-ellis/heighington lock-dywer backed up by moors payton fifita mataka. Big strong quick across the park.

Posted by: tcogger, March 11 2010 6:40 PM

Plumber Joe..Even though hes not my favourite either,thats a big call saying Fitzy is worst ever.I reckon i could name 20 others that make him look like Ken Irvine.Cogger

Posted by: dw, March 11 2010 4:54 PM

ive tried to bite my tongue and let it go, you know new season new attitude. but i can't, why is fitzhenry in the 17? the magpies had a good year last year, balmain made the grand final as did our u/20's. the number of good players screaming for a call up or young kids ready to be given an oppurtunity is astounding. i held out for a lot of hope this year but already i see its same old same old. i honestly thought fitzy was back-up at best with so many NEW options this year, but no, straight into the side goes fitz. if we not carefull we will lose some really promising kids. in saying that good luck fitz and i hope this year turns out what i thought it would be.

Posted by: Scott, March 11 2010 4:30 PM

Before we start doubting the season, have a look at the players out and the likely make up of the side later. We are down some good forwards due to injury, and the backs will be rearranged. What we have this week is what we have. If nothing else, the guys getting a run this week that may not play many games later are getting more experience which can only improve our depth...which is where our problems have been in the past.

Posted by: Ryan, March 11 2010 12:48 PM

Oh my. The whinging has already started and not a ball kicked in anger as yet. Give the team a chance for god's sake. I'm seeing a lot being written about what if's and too smalls...all I'm hearing is WAAAHHHHHH! Just support the team and be positive for once...when we knock off Manly will the whinging stop...I doubt it.

Posted by: Pratten Park, March 11 2010 12:28 PM

I love the Wests Tigers, we play a great brand of footy and yes there are some questions relating to Fitzhenry, Fulton, Moors, Flanagan, Cayless and Tuquiri -: Can these new recruits adapt to the pace of the NRL? Can they adapt to the style of the Tigers? One things for sure, we haven't made the semis since 2005, so we needed some changes if we are to make the top 8 (or hooefully the top 4). I am hoping that the answers to the above questions are a big YES, because if so we will kick a few butts in 2010. Best wishes to all of the selected players, go out there and do us proud! TIGERS!

Posted by: tutty, March 11 2010 10:07 AM

We're all entitled to our opinions Plumber Joe but to describe that Daniel Fitzhenry is the worst player to ever wear the jersey is beyond belief. He's scored more tries than anyone and he's played over 100 games in various positions e.g wing, centre, five-eighth, hooker. Has he ever spat the dummy because he's used as a utility player? No. Name me a player who doesn't have their faults? Robbie Farah does, Gareth Ellis does, Benji does, Chris Lawrence does, Keith Galloway does and Lote will. But, just like those guys, Daniel will give his best and that's something to be proud of, not mocked. Tigers!!!

Posted by: woodmeister, March 10 2010 9:32 PM

Guys,you will find Dwyer,Tupou,Payten and Taumata are injured so hence their non selections. Click on the injury list to see it. We still seem to have the same forwards as previous years and i feel ill seeing Fulton and Fitzhenry there.Fulton is not a secondrower Sheensy.Although i admit our backs look very good.This will be a tough one to win Monday night.Woodmeister

Posted by: underwood tiger, March 10 2010 9:04 PM

I'm prepared to give Fitzhenry the benefit of the doubt after his stint in the Super League. Let's hope he's learnt something about running through the line. If Lote doesn't play he could be in the starting lineup?

Posted by: plumber joe, March 10 2010 7:08 PM

I rate Fitzhenry as the worst player to have played for the Wests Tigers. I can't believe he is in the top 17.

Posted by: beau, March 10 2010 7:07 PM

Hmmmmm Early days but I do believe the Tiges have better players available I still have nightmares about Benji at 7 last year Go Tiges

Posted by: theriddler1974, March 10 2010 3:01 PM

bit surprised simon dwyer isnt in the team but i,m sure he and others will push for spots.hopefully arana taumata really pushes too

Posted by: Damo, March 10 2010 2:04 PM

With Jamie Lyon moving to 5/8th and that new young kid in at #7, manly will find direction hard in the opening few rounds. Add to the fact they have us then Parramatta in rnd 2. Des is talking about targeting Lote but his concerns should be more with Benji and Lui in the halves with fitzhenry and farah running off the ball. Second half will see alot of holes apear in manlys defence. My prediction. Tigers victory by 16-20 points.

Posted by: baz pooley, March 10 2010 10:39 AM

Moltzen at full back, obviously a short term position until Lote moves there. But where is Blake Lazarus, who was being spoken of as full back for last year before injury meant he missed the entire season??? BAZ

Posted by: Fab, March 10 2010 10:01 AM

Hey Tim, how about this for a line up 1.Tuquri 2.Tupou 3.Ayshford 4.Lawrence 5.Danella 6.Marshall 7.Taumata 8.Cayless 9.Farah 10.Galloway 11.Heighington 12.Ellis 13.Dwyer 14.Moltzen 15.Moors 16.Payten 17.A.Fifita/J.Schirnack

Posted by: Tank, March 10 2010 9:58 AM

Go Tigers! ROOOAARR!

Posted by: Gladesville Tiger, March 10 2010 9:37 AM

Good starting side,bench is not what I expected. It'll be stronger in coming weeks with the return of Payten and Tuiaki. I agree that manlys pack is bigger, but we have enough size there with Galloway,Gibbs and Cayless.

Posted by: wade, March 10 2010 8:33 AM

Fitzhenry a utility? Can't wait to see his surrender tackles and being driven back 10 metres off his dummy half runs again. My 8 year old cousin is bigger than Liam Fulton and she's probably more talented too. Love the Tigers but I'm getting pretty sick of not making the finals 9 years out of 10.

Posted by: Joe, March 10 2010 8:15 AM

The starting line up looks good but the bench in not so great besides Jason Cayless, maybe Araana Taumata should be on the utility he can play in the halves and he has good foot work so he could squeeze in the centers or the wing as well

Posted by: mark, March 10 2010 8:04 AM

The starting side looks alright, but I am not filled with confidence about two of the bench players. Fulton is a lock not second rower, yeah, he will make 40 tackles but we need to bend the defensive line consistently this year to be a threat, and Im sorry but an 89kg second rower isnt going to cut it.Please dont let my heart sink at such an early stage of the season. Prove me wrong boys. Tigers for 2010

Posted by: TigerV, March 10 2010 12:57 AM

This is the most talented backline we have assembled since the premiership year...with Tuiaki still to come. I'm salivating at the thought of what Lui and Marshall will be able to dazzle us with as our pack looks more than formidable. Expect a massive season which I believe to be long overdue from Bryce Gibbs. Go the mighty Tigers.

Posted by: El Tigre, March 10 2010 12:54 AM

Please play Mullaney at 1 and Moltzen at 7. Please

Posted by: Philip Whittaker, March 9 2010 11:37 PM

Good luck boys,Great to see Liam and Daniel back. Smells of 05 premiership success all over again. See you all Monday everyone. Tigers!

Posted by: Darren Jones, March 9 2010 11:22 PM

I cant believe we are playing Fulton and Fitzhenry, wish i had of known this before I renewed my membership...wake up coach.

Posted by: Balmain Gez, March 9 2010 10:18 PM

I agree with Rod. Can't believe Fitzhenry made the team.

Posted by: Jarrad, March 9 2010 9:56 PM

Here we go again, round one and Sheens is already selecting players out of position. Fulton is too small for second row and Fitzfumble is out of position anywhere in the NRL. Maybe Marshall or Farah could play halfback again in round two. Bring back the KPI's!

Posted by: Tim, March 9 2010 8:49 PM

Bit of a worry when our halfback is bigger than our second rower.Fulton had better do something special or pick up his Magpies Jersey come Tuesday.

Posted by: Daryl.P, March 9 2010 8:46 PM

Looks like a great line up to me with the exception of Fitzhenry, surely we can give a Dwyer, Fifita or better yet a Mataka a run over Fitzhenry. Will look fantastic when Tuiaki and Tuqiri prowl the flanks. Good luck boys!

Posted by: Steve Mc, March 9 2010 8:08 PM

Backs look great, however Im with you Rod why would you have both Flanagan and Fitzhenry on the bench? Surely have Flanagan as the utility player and I would throw Andrew Fifita or Woods on the bench.

Posted by: TigerBob, March 9 2010 8:00 PM

I was expecting the Tigers to have a big year but if Fitzhenry is in our top 17 players we have big problems - seems to me Mr Sheens has learnt nothing playing Lui at halfback as he did with Benji last year - otherwise the team looks brilliant

Posted by: anthony, March 9 2010 8:00 PM

Can't believe Moltzen is not at halfback. If Fitzhenry is in the best 17, we are going 2 struggle hopefully im wrong.

Posted by: tcogger, March 9 2010 7:56 PM

I agree with Rod.I'm a bit dissappointed Fulton is named in the second row.Hes way too small to make an impact from there.As for Fitzhenry surely we have someone else that offers more.This pack doesnt seem to me to be at all improved from previous years.Maybe the bench is stronger though.Monday night will tell the tale.Cogger

Posted by: tutty, March 9 2010 7:53 PM

Rod, if you or any other supporters are so disappointed with Fulton and Fitzhenry playing does that mean you wont be giving them your support? Surely any any player wearing the jersey deserves the fans' total support. If that isn't the case then those fans must be questioning their own loyalty, but then again I've never really heard of that happening so it'd be a first. It's a great club so let's stick together all the way eh. Tigers!!!

Posted by: Michael N, March 9 2010 7:15 PM

Spot on Rod. The more things change the more things stay the same.We've been told how well we've recruited yet we seem to be putting the same (starting)cattle out to slaughter. Fitzhenry and Fulton what a joke! Where's Simon Dwyer ( Sheens referred to him as the next Brad Clyde) and Arana Taumata, along with all the other so called great signings? Just waiting for Sheens to start with the normal refrain 'We're a young inexperienced side building for next year'. This of course is absolute rubbish wth the team now one of the more expereinced in the comp with an average age of 25+.It seems next year never comes. All we ask as supporters is for accountability - who will stand up and take the blame the failures of the last 4 years ??

Posted by: Angry Tiger, March 9 2010 7:12 PM

I will never understand why Fulton gets selected. He weakens the back row. Otherwise, I like the look of the team.

Posted by: jimmyz, March 9 2010 7:11 PM

we might win by 20 but i cant understand fitzhenry on the bench,very disapointing.

Posted by: John, March 9 2010 6:45 PM

Why is Fitzhenry in the 17. He drops too much ball. What is Tim thinking?

Posted by: Jarry, March 9 2010 6:36 PM

Great looking side, not happy with Fulton anD Fitzhenry. 89kg back-rower dose not sit well with me when were up against a strong Manly pack. Why not Simon Dywer, I mean sheens has a big rap on this kid or Matt Hyland, dam good Defender. Cayless and Moors are to great interchange forwards. Looks to be a good year, GO TIGERS 2010

Posted by: tutty, March 9 2010 6:05 PM

I think it's clear that Big Red, Gibbsy and Heighno have to have good games, they've got to lay a platform. If that can be done I'm sure that Benji and Robbie, in particular, will find holes especially as the game wears on. Apparently the buzzword is 'professionalism' this year at the club so that's exactly what they'll have to be, do their jobs and do them well. Tigers!!!

Posted by: Carol, March 9 2010 5:58 PM

Can,t wait until Monday nite to see the tigers.Good luck boys go hard and strong.GO THE TIGERS.

Posted by: belmore tiger, March 9 2010 5:57 PM

here we go again,fitzy back in top17. and fulton in 2nd row,we do lack size

Posted by: Rod, March 9 2010 5:26 PM

Things can't be real good if Fulton and more particularly Fitzhenry can still get in the top 17.It is so disappointing.

Posted by: Mick, March 9 2010 5:22 PM

I'm loving the backline...can only get better once Tuiaki is back...not sure about having two utilities on the bench together with Fulton in the starting line up...Manly's pack and bench is much bigger but hopefully that just means we'll find some holes in the second half...Good luck for the year boys...we need a big one!

Posted by: coralie, March 9 2010 4:37 PM

Good Luck team, looks a pretty good one to me! Go Tigers