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Wests Tigers will be looking to consolidate on an impressive pre-season when they host Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles at Leichhardt Oval in the final hit-out before the start of the 2021 season.

The match is shaping as a perfect opportunity to strengthen combinations with Head Coach Michael Maguire naming a near-full strength side for the clash. 

Members and fans will have the opportunity of seeing star recruits James Tamou, Joe Ofahengaue and James Roberts in action for Wests Tigers for the first time.

New captain Tamou is looking to build on an impressive 2020 season, in which he skippered Penrith to the Grand Final, and has been leading from the front at Wests Tigers training. Ofahengaue is eager for Sunday’s match against the Sea Eagles after a big pre-season at Concord, while Roberts is looking fresh.

Why Tamou is one of the signings to watch in 2021


Maguire was pleased with his side’s efforts in last weekend’s trial against Sydney Roosters at Kirkham Oval despite suffering a narrow loss; however, he’ll be looking for a much-improved performance at Leichhardt Oval.

Dummy-halves Jake Simpkin and Jacob Liddle — who are battling for a starting position — had a good hit-out last Saturday night and Maguire is looking to see how they perform when the senior players return this time around. 

Maguire will also use this match as a guide as he looks to select the replacement for five-eighth Adam Doueihi, who will miss Round 1 against Canberra Raiders due to suspension. Recruit Daine Laurie — who played at fullback and in the halves last weekend — is a contender for the role, while youngster Jock Madden is eyeing off an NRL debut after being named in the number six jersey for the game.

With forwards Zane Musgrove (suspension) and Shawn Blore (injury) missing for the start of the season, there are a couple of positions up for grabs and the final trial match is the perfect time for players to impress.

MATCH DETAILS

Date — Sunday, 28th February, 2021

Time — 5:00pm AEDT

Venue — Leichhardt Oval

EVENT DETAILS

9:30am — Gates Open at Leichhardt Oval

9:45am — Tarsha Gale, Wests Tigers vs. St George Dragons

11:15am — NSW Women’s Premiership Trial, Wests Tigers vs. Cronulla 

1:00pm — Jersey Flegg Trial, Wests Tigers vs. South Sydney Rabbitohs

2:45pm — NSW Cup Trial, Western Suburbs Magpies vs. Blacktown Workers

5:00pm — NRL Trial, Wests Tigers vs. Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles

HOW TO WATCH

Live Stream — Available via www.weststigers.com.au or Kayo Sports

MATCH OFFICIALS

Referee — Grant Atkins

Touch Judges — Kieren Irons and Belinda Sharpe

Acknowledgement of Country

Wests Tigers respect and honour the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.