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