David Nofoaluma and Daniel Tupou go head-to-head in what should be a tough battle between two powerful wingers this weekend at Allianz Stadium.
The pair are no stranger to crossing the try-line - with a combined 76 NRL tries in 133 games showing an impressive strike-rate from the two explosive wingers.
Nofoaluma has crossed the line 26 times in 51 matches, while Tupou scored his 50th NRL try last weekend in his 82nd first grade appearance.
After injury-interrupted 2014 and 2015 seasons, Nofoaluma has missed just the one match this season and his run of impressive performances earned him a call-up to the City Origin side earlier.
On the other hand, Tupou has played just eight matches in 2016 and missed out on selection in the New South Wales side last week despite having made four Origin appearances previously.
Both wingers are aerial experts and are likely to be targeted in the attacking kicking games of both sides, making for an intriguing battle between the two high-flyers
With a wet track predicted at Allianz Stadium, the tough carries from the outside backs will be crucial in taking the pressure off the forwards, and this is one of Nofoaluma’s strongest assets.
Don’t be surprised to see a huge amount of carries from both Nofoaluma and Tupou in a grinding encounter between the two sides at Allianz Stadium.
History…
Nofoaluma and Tupou have met on three previous occasions in first grade, with the Roosters flyer winning all three games.
Tupou has an incredible record against Wests Tigers, scoring 11 tries in his six career clashes; including two separate hat tricks.
A big year for Nofoaluma…
While it may only be halfway through the 2016 season, Nofoaluma has already played 11 matches, which has now surpassed his games played last season after injuries cruelled his year.
The Campbelltown-product will be out to beat his record number of games in a season of 15 matches – which he achieved twice in 2013 and 2014.
Nofoaluma’s impressive debut season in 2013 was followed up with a solid year in 2014 that was unfortunately cut-short due to a knee reconstruction.
Breaking the Rooster drought…
While the Wests Tigers record against the Sydney Roosters isn’t easy reading with one win from the last 12 encounters, Nofoaluma is also currently in a drought of his own against the tri-colours.
Nofoaluma is yet to score an NRL try against the Roosters from his three encounters, with the Moore Park-based outfit one of just three Clubs the 22-year-old is yet to score against.
Sydney, Brisbane and Canterbury are the NRL teams that the former Junior Kangaroo is yet to cross against, with the bulking winger looking to cross one of those off his try-scoring list this weekend.
Tedesco back to boost the attack...
Wests Tigers received a massive boost this week with news that fullback James Tedesco is back from injury, adding an extra element to the attacking structures.
Tedesco is known not only for his dangerous speed, but also his great ball-playing ability to link with his wingers.
Nofoaluma scored all five of his tries this season while Tedesco was on the field, so don’t be surprised to see him scoot over for another with the dangerous fullback on deck this weekend.
