The One New Zealand Warriors face a huge challenge from a desperate Wests Tigers side determined to get its finals quest back on track at Campbelltown Sports Stadium in Sydney tonight.
Benji Marshall's men have struggled over the past couple of months and suffered a shock defeat to the Dragons last weekend.
They were dealt a blow in the loss when skipper Api Koroisau injured his pectoral, with the hooker facing a month on the sidelines.
Confidence remains high, however, that the Tigers can snap a 15-year finals drought and they remain just four points outside the eight with nine games to play.
Tonight's clash against the Warriors provides another chance to close the gap with a side sitting higher on the ladder and halfback Adam Doueihi will need to be at his best to lead his side to victory.
The Warriors will be without Origin forwards Mitchell Barnett and Kurt Capewell tonight. They suffered a last-start defeat to the Dolphins a fortnight ago before last week's bye and are eager to get back into winning form.
Halves Te Maire Martin and Chanel Harris-Tavita have developed an exciting combination since Tanah Boyd suffered a season-ending injury, while their success this season has been built on the back of a dominant pack.
Match: Wests Tigers v Warriors
Round 19 -
home Team
Wests Tigers
12th Position
away Team
Warriors
2nd Position
Venue: Campbelltown Sports Stadium, Sydney
Team news
Wests Tigers: Skipper Jarome Luai is on track to return from a concussion that forced him out of last week's loss to the Dragons. Luai replaces Jock Madden, who will play NSW Cup. Youngster Josese Lanyon has been named at hooker in place of injured skipper Api Koroisau. Back rower Samuela Fainu is on track to return from a foot injury suffered in round nine.
One New Zealand Warriors: Origin duo Mitchell Barnett and Kurt Capewell will miss the clash, with the pair dropping out of the extended squad on Thursday. Morgan Gannon came into the reserves in jumper No 25 as a result. In positive news, captain James Fisher-Harris and emerging forward Leka Halasima are both on track to make their returns from injury. Winger Alofiana Khan-Pereira is also set to return from a thigh injury. Former Tiger Luke Laulilii is on the extended bench while hooker Makaia Tafua was omitted at the 24-hour deadline.
Match: Wests Tigers v Warriors
Round 19 -
home Team
Wests Tigers
away Team
Warriors
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Wests Tigers is number 1 Jahream BulaFullback for Warriors is number 1 Taine Tuaupiki
-
Winger for Wests Tigers is number 2 Sunia TuruvaWinger for Warriors is number 2 Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
-
Centre for Wests Tigers is number 3 Heamasi MakasiniCentre for Warriors is number 3 Ali Leiataua
-
Centre for Wests Tigers is number 4 Starford To'aCentre for Warriors is number 4 Adam Pompey
-
Winger for Wests Tigers is number 5 Jeral SkeltonWinger for Warriors is number 5 Alofiana Khan-Pereira
-
Five-Eighth for Wests Tigers is number 6 Jarome LuaiFive-Eighth for Warriors is number 6 Chanel Harris-Tavita
-
Halfback for Wests Tigers is number 7 Adam DoueihiHalfback for Warriors is number 7 Te Maire Martin
Forwards
-
Prop for Wests Tigers is number 8 Terrell MayProp for Warriors is number 8 James Fisher-Harris
-
Hooker for Wests Tigers is number 9 Josese LanyonHooker for Warriors is number 9 Wayde Egan
-
Prop for Wests Tigers is number 10 Bunty AfoaProp for Warriors is number 10 Tanner Stowers-Smith
-
2nd Row for Wests Tigers is number 11 Samuela Fainu2nd Row for Warriors is number 11 Leka Halasima
-
2nd Row for Wests Tigers is number 12 Sione Fainu2nd Row for Warriors is number 12 Jacob Laban
-
Lock for Wests Tigers is number 13 Alex TwalLock for Warriors is number 13 Erin Clark
Interchange
-
Interchange for Wests Tigers is number 14 Latu FainuInterchange for Warriors is number 14 Sam Healey
-
Interchange for Wests Tigers is number 15 Fonua PoleInterchange for Warriors is number 15 Eddie Ieremia-Toeava
-
Interchange for Wests Tigers is number 16 Alex SeyfarthInterchange for Warriors is number 16 Demitric Vaimauga
-
Interchange for Wests Tigers is number 22 Jared HaywoodInterchange for Warriors is number 17 Marata Niukore
Reserves
-
Reserve for Wests Tigers is number 17 Tony SukkarReserve for Warriors is number 18 Luke Metcalf
-
Reserve for Wests Tigers is number 18 Faaletino TavanaReserve for Warriors is number 21 Luke Laulilii
Match Officials
- Referee: Wyatt Raymond
- Touch Judge: Kasey Badger
- Senior Review Official: Chris Butler
Last updated:
Stat attack
- Wests Tigers have won only one of their past eight games at Campbelltown Sports Stadium.
- The Warriors have won nine of their last 10 games against the Tigers.
- Tigers fullback Jahream Bula has scored three tries in his last three games at Campbelltown.
- Warriors winger Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad has scored seven tries in his last six games.
- Tigers halfback Adam Doueihi has scored five tries in his last four games.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
Don't miss your chance to see the Tigers in action at Campbelltown Sports Stadium. Kids tickets are available from $23 and selling fast. Click here to get your tickets today.
