Wests Tigers ready to roar

Wests Tigers will be searching for a winning start to their 2022 campaign when they take to the field for this Friday’s trial match against the Manly Sea Eagles at Leichhardt Oval.

Members and fans will receive their first glimpse at the club’s newest recruits as Head Coach Michael Maguire trials a number of fresh combinations ahead of the 2022 season.

With Adam Doueihi set to miss the start of the season as he recovers from a knee injury, much of the focus will be centred on the halves as Maguire looks to settle on a partnership for Round 1, although Jackson Hastings will miss Friday night's clash.

Youngster Logen Dillon will have a shot of playing fullback, and will be joined in the backline by Oliver Gildart and Starford To’a, who will be vying for the centre positions vacated by the injured Tommy Talau and Asu Kepaoa.

Up front, Stefano Utoikamanu experienced a breakout year in 2021 and appears set to take his game to a new level in his second season with the club. Utoikamanu scored six tries and averaged 97 running metres in 21 appearances last year.

The match signals the Wests Tigers' return to Leichhardt Oval for the first time since July, when biosecurity protocols saw the NRL relocate the competition to Queensland.

In the corresponding fixture last year, the Tigers scored nine tries in an emphatic 52-18 triumph over the Sea Eagles and Maguire’s men will be keen to repeat that result on Friday night.

https://www.weststigers.com.au/news/2022/02/17/match-preview-wests-tigers-ready-to-roar/