Experienced Wests Tigers forward Alex Seyfarth says the inclusion of fresh faces brings added enthusiasm and excitement to the team during difficult times.
One of those faces was exciting 21-year-old centre Solomone Saukuru, who scored two tries in a much-anticipated NRL debut at CommBank Stadium on Sunday in the narrow loss to the Dragons.
Seyfarth says players shouldn’t need added motivation to perform when the finals series is out of reach.
“Everyone’s in different journeys in their rugby league career,’’ Seyfarth said.
“You saw ‘Sol’ on the weekend. It was his NRL debut game and if you put it into perspective for him, it’s one of the biggest moments in his career.
“It was another game that we let get away. We probably could have won if we iced the moments in that game.
“There's optimism still. We've got quite a young squad that probably don't have the scars of the NRL of losing week to week, year to year, which is good. It’s quite refreshing, so we come out every day and do our job.”
This Sunday, the Tigers have some familiar faces returning in winger Jeral Skelton, half-back Jock Madden, and lock Alex Twal as they prepare to tackle competition leaders the Sydney Roosters at Allianz Stadium.
With regular half-back Adam Doueihi headed for shoulder surgery, Madden plays his first NRL game since Round 18.
“I thought Jock was quite strong for us early in the season,’’ Seyfarth said.
“We won a few good games and I think he was the key figure in the team.
“Having him back this week, just to direct us around the park, is good. He kicks well and to the corners.
“It’s real refreshing. It's good.”
