Discuss the Raiders game here please.
Wests Tigers Podcast - Talking everything Wests Tigers!
Campbelltown junior Lachlan Galvin has earned a start at five-eighth and former Queensland Cup star Solomona Faataape will make his first NRL appearance in the centres.
Galvin represented the Australian Schoolboys last year after helping guide Wests Magpies to their first premiership in the Harold Matthews Cup in 2022.
Faataape joined Wests Tigers this season on a one-year development contract following a premiership-winning season with Brisbane Tigers in the 2023 Queensland Cup.
Coach Benji Marshall says Galvin and Faataape have worked hard for this opportunity.
"They have put in the work in pre-season and have earned their chance in the top grade," Marshall said
"It’s a special occasion for them, their families, and our team.”
Jayden Sullivan, Aidan Sezer and Samuela Fainu will also be making their first NRL appearance for Wests Tigers on Saturday.
Sullivan has been handed the No.7 jersey for the season-opener with Sezer and Fainu both named on the bench.
Justin Olam has been left out of the extended squad (knee) but is expected to be available for Wests Tigers first home game of the season in Round 3 against the Sharks at Leichhardt Oval.
Latu Fainu is also unavailable (hamstring) and is expected to return in Round 4.
Team List:
1. Jahream Bula - sponsored by Exclusive Estate Agents
2. Charlie Staines - sponsored by Gavmanak
3. Solomona Faataape - sponsored by Mater Dei on behalf of the Kirk Family
4. Starford To'a - sponsored by Ultra Building Works
5. Junior Tupou - sponsored by APN Compounding
6. Lachlan Galvin - sponsored by Leumeah Shopping Centre
7. Jayden Sullivan - sponsored by Club Menangle
8. David Klemmer - sponsored by ZWealth Group
9. Apisai Koroisau (c) - sponsored by ZRealty Group
10. Stefano Utoikamanu - sponsored by Tidda Workforce
11. Isaiah Papali'i - sponsored by Murray Kennedy Real Estate
12. John Bateman - sponsored by The Meat Man
13. Alex Seyfarth - sponsored by LC Wealth
Interchange:
14. Aidan Sezer - sponsored by Ellis Consolidated
15. Fonua Pole - sponsorship available
16. Alex Twal - sponsorship available
17. Samuela Fainu - sponsorship available
Reserves:
18. Asu Kepaoa - sponsored by Wests Tigers Foundation
19. Tallyn Da Silva - sponsored by Wests Tigers Foundation
20. Justin Matamua - sponsored by Wests Tigers Foundation
21. Alex Lobb - sponsored by Wests Tigers Foundation
22. Jake Simpkin - sponsored by Wests Tigers Foundation
Coach: Benji Marshall - sponsored by Pepper Money
Interesting choices by Benji. To’a better put in, he has been poor. Olam must still be injured. Don’t mind the halves pairing. Interesting that Sezer is on the bench, wouldn’t pick him as a bench player. Maybe Sullivan might go to hooker to give Api a break with Sezer to the half. Would have liked to see Lobb get a run.
In Benji we trust?
Twal and Seyfarth in 17 against raiders concerns me. As does not having a bench hooker. Staines and Tupou really need to improve as does Toa or we are going to be on the back foot all game.
I’m a fan of To’a and I would like to see him given more early ball. A lot has been said about his defence, however I think it’s the whole right edge that needs work. They’ve had plenty of time to work on it. So here’s hoping 🤞Interesting choices by Benji. To’a better put in, he has been poor. Olam must still be injured. Don’t mind the halves pairing. Interesting that Sezer is on the bench, wouldn’t pick him as a bench player. Maybe Sullivan might go to hooker to give Api a break with Sezer to the half. Would have liked to see Lobb get a run.
Some very interesting calls in there. Let's see how we go.
interesting team, perhaps Galvin goes to 13 for some of the game ?
run everything we have at Ethan strange he will crumble in defence
I can’t say that team is filling me with confidence but it is the best we can put together. Let’s see how the go.
Would love to know what the deal is with Matamua. Unsighted so far then named in the number 20 jersey.
Agree that Toa needs to put in, his end of season form last year was woeful as was his trial appearance...
The coaching staff has selected 3 halves to play a Raiders team that probably is the biggest in the league … Galvin should play at least 6 reserve grade games before entering NRL! Marshall has Sezer on the bench as he has no confidence in the starting duo what’s that tell you . I see the point in Sullivan at 7 it’s swim or sink time for him as others are at the door . Raiders are to big and strong for this selected team you can not have Twal and Seyfarth in the same side .
@jedi-tiger Yep the big boppers of the Raiders will have a bullseye on both the Tigers halves !
Was there any word on Naden
is he injured too?
I reckon it's gonna be a loooong day on Saturday
And, if you're right, that will be against a team that most experts/pundits (whoever they are) think will finish bottom half of the comp; despite the surprise win against the Knights.I reckon it's gonna be a loooong day on Saturday
I really, really, really hope both you and I are wrong, but I'm feeling the same way.
