Round 16: Media Wrap

Wests Tigers players are feeling confident yet focused heading into tonight’s showdown with the Canberra Raiders at Campbelltown Sports Stadium, as the team looks to gain momentum in the second half of the season.

Watch via Wests Tigers YouTube

YouTube: Jeral Skelton – Player Media

Winger Jeral Skelton praised the leadership of Jarome Luai, who is set to back up after his Origin appearance to take on the Raiders.

“He’s willing to do whatever's best for the team,” said Skelton, who previously played under Luai for Samoa.

“He does everything by his actions […] just wants the best for the players.”

Skelton says playing alongside Luai has already helped accelerate his own development, and the pair are continuing to build their on-field connection.

YouTube: Jahream Bula – Player Media

Fullback Jahream Bula spoke about the team’s position on the ladder and how tight the competition has become in 2024.

“It’s a good competition this year, everyone's fighting for the top eight”, said Bula.

“When we go set for set and play the physical game, we can match it with the top teams but there's little areas of lack of concentration where it gets away from us.

"We've got to work on those areas."

Jahream also reflected on a key defensive moment against Penrith where he shut down a near-certain try from Tom Jenkins.

“I thought he was gonna reach out and score, but lucky I got him down,” he said.

“The team came back, everyone was scrambling, and we ended up stopping the next few plays.”

YouTube: Jack Bird – Player Media

Veteran utility Jack Bird echoed the belief that the side is on the right track and ready to make a charge.

“If you look at it, I think we’ve nearly got the same amount of wins as they did last year, and it’s halfway through the season,” Bird said.

“This week we need to get the win, mark our stamp on the comp, and try to get in the eight.”

Bird also threw his support behind teammate Terrell May, backing the in-form prop for State of Origin honours.

“He’s one of the in-form front-rowers,” said Bird.

“If he keeps playing the way he is, he’s destined for greatness.”

YouTube: Alex Twal – Player Media

Forward Alex Twal returns to the side this week after a head knock and is relishing the challenge of facing Canberra’s powerhouse pack.

“We'll have our work cut out for us on Friday,” said Twal.

“But I know that we’re looking forward to the challenge and can’t wait to be back at home in Campbelltown and put in a good performance for our fans.”

Twal also credited Terrell May’s emergence as a leader within the group.

“He’s definitely taken that by the horns.

"He’s really got the backing of Benji and the coaching staff and he’s going out there and paying dividends on the field.”

Wests Tigers face the Raiders tonight at Campbelltown Sports Stadium. Kick-off is at 8:00pm.