Five Wests Tigers players will make their club debuts on Sunday when Michael Maguire's side face the Canberra Raiders in Round 1.
Daine Laurie, James Roberts, James Tamou, Joe Ofahengaue and Stefano Utoikamanu will all take to the field in Sunday's clash — taking the number of Wests Tigers players to have debuted for the club since 2000 to
Wests Tigers would like to congratulate all five players on their club debuts.
Daine Laurie — #WT237
Daine Laurie joined Wests Tigers in February after initially signing with the club from the start of the 2022 season. A talented playmaker, Laurie made himself at home in the number one jumper in the club's second trial match against the Sea Eagles and will once again assume the fullback position on Sunday against Canberra.
James Roberts — #WT238
A former Dally M Centre of the Year, James Roberts arrived at Wests Tigers with 149 career games to his name and will bring up NRL game 150 on Sunday against the Raiders. One of the most dynamic players in the competition on his day, Roberts will form a new-look right edge partnership with 2020 Kelly-Barnes Award winner David Nofoaluma as he looks to return to the best form of his career.
James Tamou — #WT239
A previous NRL Premiership, World Cup, World Club Challenge and Auckland Nines winner, James Tamou joined Wests Tigers on a two-year deal and was widely celebrated after being named captain of the club in February. With 267 career first-grade games since his debut in 2009, Tamou is the most experienced player in Wests Tigers' NRL squad this year and will form a new-look front row partnership with fellow new recruit (and club debutant) Joe Ofahengaue.
Joe Ofahengaue — #WT240
Having played 105 games for the Broncos from 2015 to 2020, Joe Ofahengaue would join Wests Tigers for the start of the 2021 season on a three-year deal and quickly leave a strong impression on his new teammates. An athletic and determined forward, the Tongan international and State of Origin representative forward adds another level of talent and energy to the Wests Tigers pack in 2021.
Stefano Utoikamanu — #WT241
Stefano Utoikamanu was viewed as one of the best young front row prospects in rugby league when he initially signed with Wests Tigers in 2020 — playing out the final year of his contract with the Parramatta Eels before joining the club in 2021. Standing at 191cm and topping the scales at 115kg, the 20-year-old clearly has a bright future ahead of him in the game and is one to watch at Wests Tigers this year.
