Wests Tigers NRL Head Coach, Benji Marshall has made changes to the 28-man squad that was announced for the Wests Tigers Pre-season Challenge fixture against the Penrith Panthers.
The Tigers play host to the Panthers at Leichhardt Oval as part of a double-header on Friday, 20 September – kicking off in the second match of the evening at 8.10pm.
Marshall has named a combination of NRL Top 30, Development, NSW Cup and Wests Tigers Pathways players across an extended squad – bringing in several senior players who sat out the Tigers 42-26 victory over the Sydney Roosters at McDonald Jones Stadium.
Kai Pearce-Paul will have to wait until the season proper to make his first Wests Tigers appearance, with the second rower omitted from the match day squad as a precaution due to calf tightness – Alex Seyfarth takes his place in the starting side.
Kit Laulilii has been ruled out as he goes through HIA protocols and is replaced in the squad by Lachlan Broederlow.
In other changes, Alex Twal shifts to prop with Fonua Pole moving to the bench, while Sione Fainu joins the starting side at lock.
Wests Tigers Team List: Pre-season Challenge v Penrith Panthers
1. Jahream Bula
2. Heamasi Makasini
3. Taylan May
4. Star To’a
5. Sunia Turuva
6. Jarome Luai (c)
7. Adam Douiehi
8. Bunty Afoa
9. Api Koroisau (c)
13. Alex Twal
11. Samuela Fainu
16. Alex Seyfarth
17. Sione Fainu
Interchange:
14. Jock Madden
15. Jack Attard
10. Fonua Pole
18. Patrick Herbert
19. Tony Sukkar
21. Tristan Hope
22. Heath Mason
23. Luke Laulilii
24. Jared Haywood
25. Mavrik Geyer
26. Tino Tavana
27. Charlie Murray
28. Javon Andrews
29. Lachlan Broederlow
Match details:
Friday, 20 February
Wests Tigers v Penrith Panthers
Leichhardt Oval, Leichhardt
Kick-off: 8.10pm
Tickets: Available via Ticketek
Broadcast: Live on Fox League and Kayo Sports
