Ton-up: Twal's century reaches growing legions of support

Alex Twal is aware of the petition floating around on social media.

He’s even tempted to sign it himself.

Twal will chalk up his 100th NRL game on Friday night at Leichhardt Oval but don’t ask him what he plans to do if he can break his drought and score his first-ever try in first grade.

“I think that’s the perfect way to describe it, I won’t know what to do, I don’t think the boys will give me a chance to celebrate it,” Twal laughed.

NRL fans have made up their own minds for him, creating a petition this month to encourage people to jump the fence of Leichhardt Oval if Twal can get over the line, the same way the AFL celebrated Buddy Franklin’s 1000th goal.

While NRL.com certainly doesn’t condone those acts with stadium regulations and NRL rules imposing serious bans and fines for pitch invasion, the cheeky gesture gives Twal reason to smile that plenty of fans are behind him.

“One of my friends sent me it the other day and there’s a few fair people who have signed it,” Twal told NRL.com.

“Maybe I should sign it too. It’s awesome, hopefully I can get over the line and give them something to smile about but maybe don't jump the fence, I don't want a game stopped for it.

“I’ve got to get that try soon. I’ve had a few stolen from me which doesn’t help. I cop it a lot, I go to dinner with my missus and cop it and go out with my mates and cop it.

“It’s all in good faith though, everyone means well by it.”

Twal joined the Wests Tigers in 2017 after playing his junior career at the Eels and says he “doesn’t regret anything” despite the club struggling to reach the finals during his time at the club.

He’s been a constant mainstay in the side alongside the likes of Luke Brooks and David Nofoaluma, and is committed for the long haul.

“It’s gone fast and slow at the same time but I wouldn’t change a thing, I’ve got great memories at the club and been around some fantastic individuals,” he said.

“It’s obviously a massive occasion for myself and my family. I’m extremely grateful for all the opportunities the club has given me and what they’ve done for me over the past few years.

“To play 100 for one club like the Tigers who I’ve grown up watching and loved, to be living out my childhood dream is an absolute honour and I can’t wait.”

Wests Tigers skipper James Tamou said the side was determined to make Friday night a special occasion for the Lebanon international.

“It’s up to us to dig deep and make it a memorable one for him,” Tamou said.

“He’s always thereabouts around the hard-working index. He does a lot of work on and off the ball which often goes unnoticed.

“One that doesn’t get talked about a lot but always turns up for the team.”