Wests Tigers Under 20s side will be looking to replicate their impressive performance against Penrith a fortnight ago as they face off with Cronulla this Saturday in the final trial match before the season gets underway.
Coach Andrew Webster has named a strong side including NRL Auckland Nines squad members Delouise Hoeter and Manaia Cherrington.
“We are just looking to put the finishing touches on what we have done over pre-season and get a bit of confidence going into Round 1,” Webster said.
“It’s basically focusing on our whole pre-season and realising we are only two weeks away from playing our first game, which is really exciting.”
Webster said both Hoeter and Cherrington would have gained valuable experience from their trip to Auckland for the inaugural Nines tournament.
“To go to New Zealand with NRL players who have played Origin and won Grand Finals, I am sure they will come back with a heap of experience and be better for the run,” Webster said.
Webster will also welcome back Eli Levido who started at halfback in the NRL trial match against Parramatta at Alice Springs.
“Eli played really well over in Alice Springs and now he gets his opportunity with us and I’m sure he will have come back with some lessons learnt,” Webster said.
“It’s definitely the strongest side we could name barring injury and the case would have been if everyone is fit they would play.
“We have got about three of four (injuries) which we are going to give a bit of time going into Round 1 or even Round 2 if we need to..”
Kick-off for the game is 3:30pm this Saturday (February 22) at Remondis Stadium.
Wests Tigers NYC team to play Cronulla:
1. Sione Alofi
2. Delouise Hoeter
3. Marion Seve
4. Nathan Milone
5. John Ogden
6. Te Maire Martin
7. Eli Levido
8. Dallas Graham
9. Manaia Cherrington
10. Jake Dooner
11. Lamar Liolevave
12. Salesi Funaki
13. Matthew Woods
14. Leki Taumalolo
15. Lokeni Gavet
17. Peter Nay
18. Andrew Kazzi
19. Hala Masila
20. Jeremy Marshall-King
22. Tyler Cassel
23. Mason Farrell
24. Tom Satterthwaite
25. Dwayne Lemafa
Coach: Andrew Webster
