Wests Tigers Head Coach Ivan Cleary gives the final word ahead of his side's clash against the Cronulla Sharks this Saturday night at Southern Cross Group Stadium.
With both sides seeing a number of changes due to injuries and State of Origin commitments, Cleary said the fixture presented a great opportunity for players to step up in their absence.
"It's a good opportunity for players from both sides to show what they've got — that's what these games in this time of the year allow and present for teams," Cleary said.
"It's a chance for those other players to step up in the rep players' absence.
"These sort of games are about which teams turns up and plays best for each other.
"The star players, if you like, aren't there for teams, so it usually comes down to which team combines best as a team, and that team will give itself the best chance come Saturday."
Cleary's side will welcome the return of Luke Brooks from a hamstring injury this week, with the halfback to partner new recruit Tuimoala Lolohea in the halves for the first time.
"Luke's pretty excited to get back, he was frustrated watching," Cleary said.
"I think his kicking game is the biggest thing that he brings. And anything we get is over and above that is a bonus, but has a great ability to get us around and finish our sets well.
"That's his biggest strength.
"He's also mentioned himself that it's a good opportunity for him to lead the team this week and in to the future. This is the first week of that so I'm keen to see how he goes with that.
"Tui's more of an instinctive type of player and only two games in to his stint here, so I think having Luke back will really help him and help take some of that pressure offf him."
See what Cleary had to say about this week's game in full in the video above!
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