In the first edition of the Member-exclusive ‘Potter’s Preview’ article for 2014, Head Coach Mick Potter has revealed a key inclusion for the side to face St George Illawarra.
After an injury interrupted 2013, prop forward James Gavet will make his long-awaited NRL debut for the Wests Tigers this weekend.
Recruited from the Bulldogs after playing one NRL game for the Club in 2012, Gavet suffered a dislocation in his foot on the eve of the Wests Tigers’ first trial match last year.
After a lengthy recovery, Gavet returned from the injury late in the season with the NSW Cup side where he played the remainder of the year.
With a solid pre-season under his belt, the 24-year-old will look to cement a place in the team this weekend.
“James had an injury last year that forced him out and I’m looking forward to seeing him play,” Potter said.
“He has done really well in pre-season and is very strong, big and will be hard to handle from the opposition’s point of view.
“James is aggressive and has the potential to hold down the position long term.”
Along with new recruit Martin Taupau, Gavet will be part of a new-look prop rotation in Potter’s side for this weekend.
“We had a couple of young guys that played big minutes for us last year and did a good job considering the circumstances,” Potter said.
“These guys (Taupau and Gavet) bring a different dimension to the team and are a different type of player.
“I’m hoping for an impact and we will certainly find out on Sunday how they go.”
Wests Tigers will name his Round 1 team to face St George Illawarra at ANZ Stadium later this afternoon.
