After contrasting performances and results in Round 8, Wests Tigers and the Cronulla Sharks have both named strong squad for their Round 9 clash this Saturday night.
With the defending premiers returning to Leichhardt Oval this week — a ground they have not won at since 2008 — Coach Shane Flanagan has named veteran forward Luke Lewis to return from injury this week, replacing the injured Jayson Bukuya on the right edge.
Gerard Beale also returns from a hamstring injury, pushing Kurt Capewell back to the interchange bench alongside forwards Chris Heighington, Jeremy Latimore and Joseph Paulo.
Tony Williams, Sam Tagataese, Edrick Lee and Fa'amanu Brown have been named as reserves.
For Wests Tigers, Coach Ivan Cleary's side have been boosted by the inclusion of Tim Grant, who has been named in the initial squad despite going off injured against the Bulldogs.
After an impressive starting performance in his 100th game last week, Joel Edwards has again been named to start on the right edge in an otherwise unchanged 17 for Wests Tigers.
JJ Felise, Kyle Lovett, Justin Hunt and Jack Littlejohn have all been named as reserves.
Wests Tigers will be looking to make it three wins out of four under Coach Cleary when they take on the Sharks this week, who themselves have won four of their last five games.
See all the team news for both teams ahead of Saturday's clash at Leichhardt Oval below!
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WESTS TIGERS
In's | JJ Felise, Kyle Lovett, Justin Hunt, Jack Littlejohn (reserves)
Out's | Nil.
Unavailable | Matt Ballin (knee), Jamal Idris (hamstring)
1. James Tedesco
2. David Nofoaluma
3. Michael Chee Kam
4. Moses Suli
5. Kevin Naiqama
6. Mitchell Moses
7. Luke Brooks
8. Aaron Woods (capt.)
9. Matt McIlwrick
10. Ava Seumanufagai
11. Joel Edwards
12. Chris Lawrence
13. Elijah Taylor
Interchange:
14. Tim Grant
15. Sauaso Sue
16. Josh Aloiai
17. Jacob Liddle
Reserves:
18. JJ Felise
19. Kyle Lovett
20. Justin Hunt
21. Jack Littlejohn
Coach: Ivan Cleary
CRONULLA SHARKS
In's | Luke Lewis, Gerard Beale
Out's | Jayson Bukuya
Unavailable | Jayson Bukuya (foot)
1. Valentine Holmes
2. Sosaia Feki
3. Jack Bird
4. Ricky Leutele
5. Gerard Beale
6. James Maloney
7. Chad Townsend
8. Andrew Fifita
9. Jayden Brailey
10. Matt Prior
11. Luke Lewis
12. Wade Graham
13. Paul Gallen (capt.)
Interchange:
14. Kurt Capewell
15. Chris Heighington
16. Jeremy Latimore
17. Joseph Paulo
Reserves:
18. Tony Williams
19. Sam Tagataese
20. Edrick Lee
21. Fa'amanu Brown
Coach: Shane Flanagan
