Lessons from KPP driving Sukkar's fresh Tigers chance
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Advice from injured forward Kai Pearce-Paul will be fresh on Tony Sukkar's mind as the youngster looks to make the most of his opportunity in the Tigers starting side.
Pearce-Paul injured his pectoral in last week's win over the Titans and will undergo surgery that could end his season.
The injury has opened the door for Sukkar to step up, having waited patiently for his opportunity throughout the first half of the year.
Wests Tigers v Titans - Round 15, 2026
The 22-year-old impressed off the bench last Sunday and is determined to prove he should be a mainstay in the Tigers back row after earning a starting spot for Saturday's clash with the Dolphins.
"Any opportunity you get is a good opportunity," Sukkar told NRL.com. "I'm disappointed for Kai but he's taught me a few things and he'll help me out for the remainder of the season.
"He's taught me about patience and some of the smaller things about the game, how to use your body and a few things like that.
"I've been focused on working on my craft. The NRL is levels above reserve grade but I'm working on staying consistent throughout an entire game and involving yourself without fading away from games. That's been a big work-on for myself."
Match: Wests Tigers v Dolphins
Round 16 -
home Team
Wests Tigers
10th Position
away Team
Dolphins
4th Position
Venue: Campbelltown Sports Stadium, Sydney
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
Sukkar had the chance to visit Sydney Zoo earlier this week, where he met Las Vegas Raiders players Jonah Laulu and Atonio Mafi to promote next year's NRL season opener in the US sport and entertainment capital.
The Tigers will take on Melbourne in the fourth edition of the rugby league extravaganza, with the Eels to play Gold Coast as part of a triple-header at Allegiant Stadium. The event will begin with a clash between Super League clubs Leigh and Bradford.
We're passionate people
A proud Lebanese Australian, Sukkar has extended family in the US and he's eager to connect with relatives and the wider Lebanese community when he arrives in Vegas next year.
"I've got some extended family over there," he said. "Some family came to Australia and others went to America. I've only been to America once but we FaceTime regularly so hopefully I can catch up with them.
"It's exciting to be going to Vegas but it's still a long way away. We've got to get through the rest of this season but all the boys are looking forward to it and it's an experience everyone will remember."
While the Tigers have one eye on Las Vegas, the immediate focus is Saturday's clash with the high-flying Dolphins.
Kristian Woolf's side has won six on the trot and piled on the points in the process, averaging 37 points a game throughout the streak.
Dolphins v Roosters - Round 15, 2026
While they managed to secure an emotional win at Leichhardt Oval last Sunday, the Tigers have struggled defensively in recent times and recognise they must tighten up that aspect of their game this weekend.
"They have strike players across the park and hard workers through the middle so they're a great side," Sukkar said. "They're coming off the back of a few wins so it will be a good challenge but we're ready for it.
"We're preparing well this week and not getting too far ahead of ourselves. We're taking a training session at a time and hopefully we'll put out a good performance across the park."
Be there to see rugby league take over Las Vegas to kick off the 2027 season. Travel packages and match tickets are now available, so click here to secure your seats before they sell out.
