The Wests Tigers have named a strong line-up for this Friday night's trial match against the Penrith Panthers at Leichhardt Oval.
Coach Benji Marshall has named a 28-man squad for the side's second 2026 hitout, with new buys Bunty Afoa, Kai Pearce-Paul, Patrick Herbert, Jack Attard, and Mavrik Geyer set to feature. At the same time, all eyes will be on last week's three-try hero, Heamasi Makasini, who will line up on the wing against the Panthers. As excitement builds for the upcoming nrl trial games 2026, Joel Helmes and Josh Burnell from the Wests Tigers Podcast caught up to preview the match. Ahead of the trial, Joel Helmes and Josh Burnell from the Wests Tigers Podcast caught up to preview the match.
Some of the main talking points on this edition include:
- Api Koroisau's comments regarding the abilities of Makasini
- Why Fonua Pole needs to lift to another level this season
- The non-selection of Royce Hunt and Terrell May
- The high standards Kai Pearce-Paul wants to meet at our club
- Should we read more into Jack Attard being named at 15?
- Will Jock Madden play some hooker on Friday night?
The boys also discuss the new two-year deal for Patrick Herbert that was announced today by the club, and how a more harmonious and connected Wests Tigers team might help us make a finals spot in 2026 And don't forget to join the Wests Tigers discussion today on the Wests Tigers Podcast Forum!
Listen to "Wests Tigers Prep To Meet Panthers in NRL Trial" on Spreaker.
Wests Tigers Podcast - Talking everything Wests Tigers since 2018!
Thanks guys a very positive pod so I enjoyed it!
The discussion about 'key takeaways from the trial #2" got me thinking.
If the result does not matter (which is good to remind ourselves of) then:
- I hope we match Penrith for total metres gained over 80m
- Our Play the Ball speed is comparable.
These metrics are indicators for long term competitiveness I reckon.
There were some worrying signs about our physicality in the first 20 mins last week. Games are won or lost in the middle and for the best part of 20 years we've been soft up front!
Fingers crossed no injuries as well.
