Wests Tigers v Dragons: Saukuru set for debut; Couchman returns
While both teams aren't sitting where they would like to be at this stage of the season, both Wests Tigers and the Dragons have plenty to play for in their Indigenous Round match up.
The home side come into this match following a bye where they had a week to built on a gutsy, but ultimately unsuccessful 16-13 result against the Eels in Round 22.
The side were able to work through their tumultuous build-up to put in a strong fight against their Western Sydney rivals, but will be looking for more polish and composure in this match up.
They will have a challenge on their hands however, with the improving St George Illawarra side full of confidence after knocking over their derby rivals the Sharks last round in a big upset.
The young Dragons have been threatening in patches all season and have unquestionable effort, but like Wests Tigers, have struggled to put a whole 80-minute performances.
Match: Wests Tigers v Dragons
Round 24 -
home Team
Wests Tigers
14th Position
away Team
Dragons
17th Position
Venue: CommBank Stadium, Sydney
Team News
Wests Tigers: A shuffle to the starting side and the bench on game day with Sione Fainu to start at lock and Alex Twal out of the side due to illness. Javon Andrews comes from the reserves onto the bench. Earlier, there was a change in the centres with Fiji representative Solomone Saukuru set for his NRL debut in place of Heamasi Makasini. Two new faces on the bench with Bunty Afoa and Faaletino Tavana added in place of Charlie Murray and Starford To'a.
Dragons: More changes on game day with Setu Tu and Damien Cook moving to the bench with Daniel Atkinson to start on the wing and Jacob Liddle to start as hooker. Earlier, there was a change in the 24-hour update, with Clint Gutherson (knee) has been ruled out seeing Mathew Feagai come in at the back. Blake Lawrie comes onto the interchange bench in place of Feagai. In earlier news, Toby Couchman returns from concussion protocols to take his place on the bench. Setu Tu starts on the wing with Mat Feagai listed on the bench despite coming off with a back injury against the Sharks. Hooker Damien Cook has been named to start after being an unused reserve last week as Jacob Liddle played the full 80. Jacob Webster retains his spot on the bench after playing 33 minutes on debut last Sunday. Experienced middle forwards Blake Lawrie and Josh Kerr are listed among the reserves.
Match: Wests Tigers v Dragons
Round 24 -
home Team
Wests Tigers
away Team
Dragons
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Wests Tigers is number 1 Jahream BulaFullback for Dragons is number 19 Mathew Feagai
-
Winger for Wests Tigers is number 2 Junior TupouWinger for Dragons is number 5 Tyrell Sloan
-
Centre for Wests Tigers is number 3 Solomone SaukuruCentre for Dragons is number 3 Moses Suli
-
Centre for Wests Tigers is number 4 Patrick HerbertCentre for Dragons is number 4 Valentine Holmes
-
Winger for Wests Tigers is number 5 Sunia TuruvaWinger for Dragons is number 18 Daniel Atkinson
-
Five-Eighth for Wests Tigers is number 6 Jarome LuaiFive-Eighth for Dragons is number 6 Lyhkan King-Togia
-
Halfback for Wests Tigers is number 7 Adam DoueihiHalfback for Dragons is number 7 Kyle Flanagan
Forwards
-
Prop for Wests Tigers is number 8 Terrell MayProp for Dragons is number 8 Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga
-
Hooker for Wests Tigers is number 9 Apisai KoroisauHooker for Dragons is number 14 Jacob Liddle
-
Prop for Wests Tigers is number 10 Fonua PoleProp for Dragons is number 10 Emre Guler
-
2nd Row for Wests Tigers is number 11 Samuela Fainu2nd Row for Dragons is number 11 Dylan Egan
-
2nd Row for Wests Tigers is number 12 Tony Sukkar2nd Row for Dragons is number 12 Hamish Stewart
-
Lock for Wests Tigers is number 15 Sione FainuLock for Dragons is number 13 Ryan Couchman
Interchange
-
Interchange for Wests Tigers is number 14 Heath MasonInterchange for Dragons is number 9 Damien Cook
-
Interchange for Wests Tigers is number 16 Alex SeyfarthInterchange for Dragons is number 15 Toby Couchman
-
Interchange for Wests Tigers is number 17 Bunty AfoaInterchange for Dragons is number 16 Jacob Halangahu
-
Interchange for Wests Tigers is number 19 Faaletino TavanaInterchange for Dragons is number 17 Jacob Webster
-
Reserve for Wests Tigers is number 18 Tristan HopeReserve for Dragons is number 2 Setu Tu
-
Reserve for Wests Tigers is number 20 Javon AndrewsReserve for Dragons is number 21 Blake Lawrie
Match Officials
- Referee: Peter Gough
- Senior Review Official: Grant Atkins
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- Wests Tigers have won only one of their last five games against the Dragons.
- The Dragons are chasing back-to-back wins for the first time in 12 months.
- Wests Tigers have been outscored 208-67 in seven straight losses.
- Dragons winger Tyrell Sloan has scored seven tries in his last seven games.
- Wests Tigers halfback Adam Doueihi has scored a try in his last three games at CommBank Stadium.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
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