Luai returns for high-flying Tigers as big names back on deck
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Wests Tigers co-captain Jarome Luai is on track to return from a knee injury after being named at five-eighth for Saturday's showdown with the Broncos.
A sold-out crowd is expected at Campbelltown Sports Stadium for the clash between the high-flying Tigers and the defending premiers and Luai's return is a major boost for Benji Marshall's men.
The five-eighth has missed the past three weeks with a knee injury but has been named in the No.6 jumper for the second-placed Tigers.
A Turuva hat-trick in Campbelltown
The comeback is a big boost for a side that has won four from five to start the season and they're out to keep the momentum rolling on Saturday night.
"Romy is Romy," Tigers co-captain Api Koroisau said. "He's the ultimate competitor and he's a skipper of our team for a reason.
"He brings a lot to us in both attack and defence. We're excited to have him back and hopefully he gets to play this week."
Match: Wests Tigers v Broncos
Round 7 -
home Team
Wests Tigers
2nd Position
away Team
Broncos
11th Position
Venue: Campbelltown Sports Stadium, Sydney
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
In more positive news, centre Taylan May has been named for his first game since Round 1 while edge forward Samuela Fainu is also listed to play despite leaving last week's win over the Knights with a knee injury.
Both Fainu and Luai are expected to complete fitness tests later in the week before taking the field on Saturday.
The clash with Brisbane marks a new test for one of the surprise packets of 2026 and they will face an undermanned, but dangerous Broncos side.
Captain Adam Reynolds has been named to return from a groin injury, while Xavier Willison will start at lock in place of the suspended Pat Carrigan.
Josh Rogers is listed in the No.9 jersey after Cory Paix suffered a head knock in last week's thrilling loss to North Queensland.
In other team news across the league:
- The Rabbitohs have been granted special dispensation to name former Dragons Matt Dufty at fullback for Saturday's clash with St George Illawarra following the loss of Jye Gray to a shoulder injury.
- Soni Luke will start at hooker for the Cowboys after Reed Mahoney suffered a head knock last week.
- Jake Trbojevic has been named at lock for Manly's clash with North Queensland despite picking up an eye-socket injury in Round 6. Siosiua Taukeiaho is also set for his first match since Round 1 after recovering from a calf injury.
- Bulldogs skipper Stephen Crichton is a chance of a shock comeback from a shoulder injury and has been listed in the reserves for his side's clash with Parramatta.
- Luke Garner will replace injured Panthers forward Liam Martin, with Izack Tago earning a recall following Casey McLean's suspension.
- Knights star Dlyan Brown is set to return from a knee injury, prompting a backline reshuffle. Sandon Smith will play five-eighth, Fletcher Sharpe fullback and Fletcher Hunt moves to the centres for Sunday's clash with the Roosters.
The Tigers didn't miss a beat without Luai, former Bronco Jock Madden sliding straight into the No.6 jersey and starring in wins over the Warriors, Eels and Knights.
The playmaker will shift to the bench for Saturday's clash with Brisbane, with young gun Latu Fainu moving to jumper No.18. Fainu has spent time at lock this year and the new six-man benches give Marshall flexibility in his in-game substitutions.
Luai heaps praise on Madden
While the changes to the halves can unsettle some sides, Koroisau said the Tigers play a style that allows them to adapt on the run, no matter who is on the field.
"Jock's come in and he did what he did," Koroisau said. "We had all the trust in him. We've seen him all pre-season so we knew what he was going to bring, what he was going to do and he's shown he's more than up to the task.
"For us, it's about getting back to work and playing that hard brand of footy."
