Round 19: NRL Media Wrap

With a sense of momentum building following a hard-fought win over the Sydney Roosters, Wests Tigers head across the Tasman to face the New Zealand Warriors on Sunday afternoon at Go Media Stadium.

Watch via Wests Tigers YouTube

YouTube: Sunia Turuva – Player Media

Excitement remains high in camp, with fullback Sunia Turuva among those buoyed by the team’s recent performance.

“It’s been pretty good, especially after a win - that helps,” said Turuva. “How the last couple weeks were going for us, I think it was much needed.”

The flying No.1 praised the squad’s belief and resilience, even through a tough run of results.

“We were always losing by two points or a try,” he said. “The belief here at the Centre of Excellence was still pretty good.”

Turuva also acknowledged the playing group’s desire to respond for their coach.

“That game was for him,” he said of Benji Marshall. “He’s had a tough couple weeks, his name’s been dragged through the dirt… we know how he is at training.”

With key players returning this week, Turuva is confident the team can build on last week’s result.

“We’ve got a young squad here and six in a row losses isn’t ideal. But we keep turning up each day and each game trying to get the job done.”

Another returning face is five-eighth Jarome Luai, whose leadership Turuva expects will again shine through.

“He’s led all year for us and I’m expecting nothing different this week.”

Turuva has shifted into the fullback role in the absence of Jahream Bula, who remains in rehab.

“I’m just renting the position at the moment for Remy until he gets back. But I love being at the back - just enjoying it.”

YouTube: Fainu Brothers – Player Media

Fresh from a remarkable performance against the Roosters, brothers Latu, Samuela and Sione Fainu are also looking to carry the energy into Sunday’s clash in Auckland.

“It was an unreal feeling to get on the board together,” said Sione.

The try-scoring trio became the first set of three brothers to each score in the same NRL match, a moment that resonated deeply with their family.

“My parents got home, they just rewatched the game and they’ve been watching it ever since,” said Samuela. “They were just super stoked.”

The bond between the brothers and the club was also on display.

“Every time we put this jersey on, we just want to give back to this club,” said Latu. “They really helped supporting me and my brothers, getting my parents the house.”

Latu, who has been backed by Benji Marshall as a long-term option in the halves, said the belief from the coach inspires him daily.

“It’s a different feeling getting your coach backing you up. You just want to turn up every day and just give your best.”

As for what’s next, the trio have a clear ambition.

“Our next goal is to obviously go high in the NRL competition,” said Samuela. “Making the finals with Tigers - that’s the focus.”

Wests Tigers take on the Warriors at Go Media Stadium this Sunday afternoon, with kick-off scheduled for 2:00pm AEST.