In the Magpies’ tough 36-32 defeat to South Sydney, nine players in the 17-man line-up were still eligible to play Jersey Flegg (U/21’s), in a sign that the future of Wests Tigers lies in its youth.
Match: Rabbitohs v Magpies
Round 13 -
home Team
Rabbitohs
6th Position
away Team
Magpies
12th Position
Venue: Ironmark High Performance Centre, Sydney
A superb solo effort from teenage fullback Junior Tupou was the pick of the Magpies tries, as NRL regulars Jake Simpkin and Jock Madden also crossed.
Young centre Trey Peni continued his prolific try-scoring form across both the NSW Cup and Jersey Flegg competitions in 2022, scoring a double on Saturday afternoon.
Magpies Coach Wayne Lambkin, while disappointed with the defeat, understands that patience must be had with youth making the step up to senior competition.
“These young guys are gaining great experience and their recent performances have shown their improvement at this level over the past six weeks”, Lambkin said.
The last two weeks have been thirty-point turnarounds against teams that beat us earlier this year, so the improvement’s there”. We’re promoting the youth and trying to bring these kids through and they’re doing a great job really.”
Coach Wayne Lambkin
Lambkin referenced exciting prospects Livai Saukuru, Fonua Pole, Justin Matamua and Zane Camroux as his young guns to look out for in the near future who haven’t yet been seen at NRL level.
Western Suburbs take on Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles next week in the curtain-raiser to Wests Tigers’ NRL clash against Manly Warringah Sea Eagles at Campbelltown.
Match: Magpies v Sea Eagles
Round 14 -
home Team
Magpies
10th Position
away Team
Sea Eagles
12th Position
Venue: Campbelltown Sports Stadium, Sydney