Wests Tigers Head Coach Mick Potter has exclusively revealed to Members one change to the side for this Sunday’s match ahead of the full team announcement later this afternoon.
Bench prop forward James Gavet will miss the next four weeks with a hamstring injury suffered in the 26th minute of yesterday’s thrilling 21-18 win over Parramatta at ANZ Stadium.
While the loss of Gavet is obviously disappointing, Potter said it provides an opportunity for another player to step up and fill the void.
“James has been going really well, it’s an unfortunate thing because there was nothing in the incident either - he was only on the field for six minutes,” Potter said.
“He will be out for probably four weeks at least, but it gives an opportunity to someone else.
“Ava (Seumanufagai) has been going fantastically and he might get a little bit more game time.”
Another player who has impressed Potter in recent weeks has been young forward Sitaleki Akauola.
“Sitaleki is relatively new to this level and is still finding his feet,” Potter said. “He still has work to do so he is able to perform week in, week out.”
“He has certainly got skill, abilty and he recognises what he needs to do – he is just getting his body used to it.
“I’m really pleased that he is making a go of it.”
Having already met the Gold Coast Titans in Round 2, recording a convincing 42-12 victory, Potter is expecting an improved opposition this weekend at Leichhardt Oval.
“We are expecting a really tough, physical team - they have a really good pack of forwards and will test us right out,” Potter said.
“They have a couple of speedy backs who have good last play options and they score most of their tries from kicks - we need to be ready for their last plays.
“Albert Kelly is lightning quick and I think he has scored something like six tries off intercepts, so we need to be careful when we are making our plays at the line.”
Potter will announce the full team to face the Titans at Leichhardt Oval later this afternoon on weststigers.com.au
