Wests Tigers will take on the Sydney Roosters at Campbelltown Sports Stadium this Sunday afternoon in what’s shaping as a crucial Round 14 clash for both sides.
After going down in tight fashion to the St. George-Illawarra Dragons last weekend, Ivan Cleary’s men now sit in 15th position on the Telstra Premiership ladder, and have not won since a thrilling victory over the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs back in Round 8.
The Roosters, by contrast, were able to sneak home against the Brisbane Broncos in Round 13, and have now moved in to the top four on the ladder with a run of victories.
They have lost just twice since Round 6, and despite a Origin-depleted Brisbane making them work for it, will certainly take plenty of confidence out of their last-start victory.
Blessed with a fortunate run of injuries, Trent Robinson’s side will be essentially full strength this Sunday with Mitchell Pearce (concussion) named to return to the side.
After picking up a head knock in last Wednesday’s Origin victory, Pearce did not feature for the Roosters against Brisbane last week, but will return alongside Luke Keary in the halves, with Connor Watson dropping back to the extended interchange bench.
Watson's inclusion on the interchange bench sees Zane Tetevano drop back to the reserves in jersey 18, in the only change to the Roosters team from last weekend.
For Wests Tigers, Ivan Cleary’s side will be without a number of big names as they look spring an upset against the Roosters with Luke Brooks (hamstring), Chris Lawrence (hamstring) and Josh Aloiai (knee) all not included in the 21-man squad today.
Wests Tigers will welcome back Sauaso Sue from suspension to cover the left edge spot vacated by Lawrence, with Jack Littlejohn joining Tuimoala Lolohea in the halves again.
Exciting youngster Esan Marsters has retained his spot after a promising first-grade debut last weekend, joining Tim Grant, JJ Felise and Jacob Liddle on the interchange list.
Matt Eisenhuth, Malakai Watene-Zelezniak, Jordan Rankin and Joel Edwards have all been named as reserves, and have all been named in the Club’s Intrust Super Premiership team which will take on the Wyong Roos earlier in the day on Sunday.
See how both teams will line up for Sunday’s clash at Campbelltown Sports Stadium below!
Sunday arvo footy returns to Campbelltown on June 11 when we take on the Roosters!
WESTS TIGERS
In’s | Sauaso Sue, Malakai Watene-Zelezniak, Jordan Rankin, Joel Edwards, Matt Eisenhuth
Out’s | Chris Lawrence
Unavailable | Luke Brooks (hamstring), Chris Lawrence (hamstring), Josh Aloiai (knee), Matt Ballin (knee), Justin Hunt (leg), Jamal Idris (ACL)
1. James Tedesco
2. David Nofoaluma
3. Michael Chee Kam
4. Moses Suli
5. Kevin Naiqama
6. Tuimoala Lolohea
7. Jack Littlejohn
8. Aaron Woods (capt.)
9. Matt McIlwrick
10. Ava Seumanufagai
11. Sauaso Sue
12. Kyle Lovett
13. Elijah Taylor
Interchange:
14. Tim Grant
15. JJ Felise
16. Esan Marsters
17. Jacob Liddle
Reserves:
18. Matt Eisenhuth
19. Malakai Watene-Zelezniak
20. Jordan Rankin
21. Joel Edwards
Coach: Ivan Cleary
SYDNEY ROOSTERS
In’s | Chris Smith, Kane Evans, Mitchell Pearce, Mitchell Cornish
Out’s | Nil.
Unavailable | Jayden Nikorima (hamstring)
1. Michael Gordon
2. Daniel Tupou
3. Latrell Mitchell
4. Joseph Manu
5. Blake Ferguson
6. Luke Keary
7. Mitchell Pearce
8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves
9. Jake Friend (capt.)
10. Dylan Napa
11. Boyd Cornder (capt.)
12. Mitchell Aubusson
13. Sio Siua Taukeiaho
Interchange:
14. Isaac Liu
15. Aidan Guerra
16. Ryan Matterson
17. Connor Watson
Reserves:
18. Zane Tetevano
19. Kane Evans
20. Chris Smith
22. Mitchell Cornish
Coach: Trent Robinson
