Match Preview: NRL Trial vs. Sharks

Wests Tigers will look to build on their two-point victory over Melbourne when they host the Cronulla Sharks at Campbelltown Sports Stadium in the club’s second trial match.

After a successful trip to the Sunshine Coast last week, the final trial will offer Wests Tigers the opportunity to build some momentum before the competition officially kicks off in a fortnight.

Wests Tigers Head Coach Jason Taylor named a near full strength side for the match with newly appointed skipper Aaron Woods set to make his first appearance for 2016, along with Wests Tigers 2015 Player of the Year James Tedesco. Vice-captain Chris Lawrence has overcome a corked hip sustained in the Nines to take his place in the back-row, partnering Curtis Sironen, who will also have his first hit out of the pre-season after missing last week’s trial match.

Tim Simona, Kevin Naiqama, Sauaso Sue, Ava Seumanufagai and Josh Drinkwater will also return from the Auckland Nines campaign for their first trial match before the season begins.

Taylor said the trial match was a good opportunity to see a full-strength team in action, with several Round 1 positions still up for grabs heading into Saturday night’s match.

“This week’s team is pretty close to [as it would be] in Round 1,” Taylor said.

“There’s plenty of guys who are pushing for a spot — we’ve got a battle in the halves to cover Luke Brooks for Round 1, a battle on the left wing and maybe a bench spot as well.

“We’re looking for a team performance this week — that’s the big thing for us.

“It might be one of our first actual games, but we’ve been training for a long time now in regards to executing well… so there’s no reason why we can’t execute early in the season.

“The big thing about this game is about getting the minutes into the guys that need it.”

With Wests Tigers NYC and NSW Cup featuring before the match, along with Western Suburbs junior representative grades earlier in the day, it’s shaping as a great afternoon of footy at the suburban ground, with plenty of tickets still available from Ticketek (click here to purchase).

All Wests Tigers 2016 members can gain entry to the trial match for free (click here for more).

For those unable to match, Wests Tigers will be providing a live stream of the NRL match on www.weststigers.com.au from 6:45pm, proudly sponsored by Campbelltown City Council.

Tickets are on sale for our trial match against Cronulla! Be there to see the boys in action!

NRL Match Details

Date — Saturday, February 20, 2016

Time — 7:00pm AEDT (Gates open at 11:15am)

Venue — Campbelltown Sports Stadium

NRL Match Officials

Referees — Henry Perenara and Chris James

Touch Judges — Jeff Younis and Adam Reid

Confirmed Squads

2016 Trial Match Results

Wests Tigers 18 def. Melbourne Storm 16, Sunshine Coast, QLD

Cronulla Sharks 24 drew with Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 24, Remondis Stadium, NSW

Wests Tigers Trial Teams — Sat., February 20