NRL Team Update: Round 9

Author: Dan Talintyre
Timestamp: Fri 4 May 2018, 05:28 PM

Wests Tigers Head Coach Ivan Cleary has updated his 19-man squad to take on the New Zealand Warriors tomorrow for their Round 9 clash at Mount Smart Stadium.

Kickoff for the match is at 5:30pm AEST (7:30pm local) with live coverage via Fox League.

Cleary has confirmed that Matt McIlwrick and Tyson Gamble will not feature on Saturday with the two players dropping out of the squad. Tim Grant (18) and Malakai Watene-Zelezniak (21) both travelled to New Zealand with the 19-man squad and have been retained as reserves for tomorrow's game.

Elijah Taylor (concussion) has been cleared to return and will start the match at lock forward with Matt Eisenhuth returning to the middle, while Pita Godinet will start at hooker in place of Jacob Liddle.

Last week's club debutant, Mahe Fonua, has retained his spot on the left wing.

For the Warriors, Coach Stephen Kearney has confirmed no changes as such yet with Isaac Luke still named to start the match at hooker despite coming off last week with a knee injury.

Utility Karl Lawton has been retained on the bench for his club debut, with Sam Cook and Anthony Gelling dropping out of the squad. Mason Lino and Albert Vete remain as reserves.

Final team lists for both sides will be confirmed one hour before kickoff (Saturday, 4:30pm AEST).

WESTS TIGERS

1. Corey Thompson
2. David Nofoaluma
3. Esan Marsters
4. Kevin Naiqama
5. Mahe Fonua
6. Benji Marshall (capt.)
7. Luke Brooks
8. Matt Eisenhuth
9. Pita Godinet
10. Ben Matulino
11. Chris Lawrence
12. Robbie Rochow
13. Elijah Taylor

Interchange:
14. Alex Twal
15. Josh Aloiai
16. Michael Chee Kam
17. Sauaso Sue

Reserves:
18. Tim Grant
20. Malakai Watene-Zelezniak

Coach: Ivan Cleary

NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS

1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (capt.)
2. David Fusitu'a
3. Peta Hiku
4. Solomone Kata
5. Ken Maumalo
6. Blake Green
7. Shaun Johnson
8. Bunty Afoa
9. Isaac Luke
10. Agnatius Paasi
11. Simon Mannering
12. Tohu Harris
13. Adam Blair

Interchange:
14. Karl Lawton
15. Sam Lisone
16. Isaiah Papali'i
17. James Gavet

Reserves:
20. Mason Lino
21. Albert Vete

Coach: Stephen Kearney