Friday Focus: Round 1 vs Titans

After finishing last season in 13th position, Justin Holbrook’s side will be looking for an improved showing in 2023 as a number of their young stars continue to develop.

One of those players is Tongan international David Fifita, who is hoping that a clean bill of health and a return to a familiar combination will prove fruitful as he hunts for a new contract.

However, his opposite number is Wests Tigers new recruit Isaiah Papali’i, who will be out to make a strong first impression on the Leichhardt faithful following an off-season transfer from Parramatta.

For this week’s Friday Focus, we’re taking a deeper dive into the battle of the back-rowers to see who might have the upper hand in Sunday evening’s clash.

A junior weightlifting champion, Papali’i started his career in New Zealand before moving across the Tasman and exploding onto the scene in the blue-and-gold.

The barnstorming back-rower had an outstanding 2022 campaign as he played 28 matches alongside Mitchell Moses as the Eels marched to the Grand Final.

Papali’i led all forwards in total runs last season and only trailed Joseph Tapine, Reagan Campbell-Gillard and Jason Taumalolo in total post contact metres.

After making the move down the M4, Papali’i will be hoping to generate a similar impact in 2023 as he lines up on the left edge alongside Moses’ former teammate Luke Brooks.

If he can get his side rolling down the field early, expect Papali’i to lift the Leichhardt crowd and provide the time and space for Adam Doueihi and Api Koroisau to play an expansive and dangerous brand of football.

In order to do so, Wests Tigers will need to replicate the strong defensive effort of their second trial match as they try to contain a powerful right edge led by David Fifita.

Following a breakout campaign in 2021 that saw him score 17 tries in 22 matches, Fifita was far more subdued last year as injuries cruelled his season.

However, the damaging edge forward appears set for a return to form in 2023 as he reconnects with his former Schoolboys halves partner Tanah Boyd.

Boyd and Fifita played together at Keebra Park High School in 2017, winning the NRL Schoolboys Cup for the school that famously produced Wests Tigers assistant coach Benji Marshall.

Even with his injuries, Fifita placed in the top ten players in the league for offloads per game last season and will undoubtedly be keen to free the arm against the home side’s new-look left edge defence.

With his explosive running and silky passing ability, Fifita is capable of breaking the game apart and unleashing the speedsters outside him, including Phillip Sami and namesake Jojo Fifita.

If you're heading to the game, get there nice and early and watch all three grades.