NRL TEAMS - 2024 Round 4
4 days ago | LeagueUnlimited Media
Wests Tigers v Penrith Panthers
Leichhardt Oval - Sunday 4:00pm
Western Sydney rivals battle it out at Leichardt.
The Tigers season of inconsistency continued last Friday, going down to last-placed Manly after knocking off South Sydney with a comprehensive performance a week earlier. Fortunately the Tigers have been boosted by the return of inspirational captain Robbie Farah, while Delouise Hoeter comes into the side for the injured David Nofoaluma. Sauaso Sue also makes his return from injury on the bench at the expense of Brendan Santi. The Tigers have dominated clashes between the two sides, coming away with seven wins from the last eight matches dating back to 2010. Tim Simona will play his 50th game in the NRL after debuting back in 2011.
Just like the Tigers, Penrith have been unable to develop any consistency all season. While injuries have taken their toll, the Panthers have lost the spark that saw them reach the penultimate weekend of the season last year, going down to the Bulldogs last week to sit in 11th place with time running out to make a charge towards the finals. In a boost, Josh Mansour will make his long-awaited comeback from injury after last playing in Round 7, with the Australian international returning Issah Yeo will shift to the second row alongside the in-form Bryce Cartwright. However in a major blow to the Panthers hopes, James Segeyaro has been ruled out with a knee injury, resulting in Apisai Koroisau filling in at hooker.
Last Meeting: Round 16, 2014 - Wests Tigers 10 Penrith Panthers 26
Who to watch: Having last played for his club against Newcastle close to two months ago, the Tigers will be delighted to have Robbie Farah back on deck for the Panthers clash. Averaging over 40 tackles per match, the New South Wales hooker will tighten up the Tigers defence, whilst also offering developing playmakers Luke Brooks and Mitchell Moses an experienced head to work off of.
In a season where the Panthers have struggled to make an impact, Bryce Cartwright has been a standout for coach Ivan Cleary. In recent weeks, Cartwright has stood up in the absence of several injured veterans, providing a creative spark to the Penrith forward pack that has been missing for much of 2015. Elevated to the starting side for only the fourth time in his career, Cartwright will be out to provide an impact from the opening whistle to get the visitors over the line for a much-needed win.
The favourite: With the Tigers returning to their spiritual home of Leichardt Oval, a big crowd is expected to get them over the line.
My tip: Both sides sit outside the top eight heading into the final third of the regular season, if either team has any aspirations of playing in September this is a must-win game. Tigers by 2.
1. James Tedesco 2. Kevin Naiqama 3. Delouise Hoeter 4. Tim Simona 5. Pat Richards 6. Mitchell Moses 7. Luke Brooks 8. Aaron Woods 9. Robbie Farah 10. Keith Galloway 11. Kyle Lovett 12. Chris Lawrence 13. Martin Taupau
Interchange: 14. Dene Halatau 15. Matthew Lodge 16. Ava Seumanufagai 17. Sauaso Sue 18. Brenden Santi
1. Dallin Watene Zelezniak 2. Josh Mansour 3. Dean Whare 4. Waqa Blake 5. David Simmons 6. Jamie Soward 7. Peter Wallace 8. Regan Campbell-Gillard 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Nigel Plum 11. Isaah Yeo 12. Bryce Cartwright 13. Elijah Taylor
Interchange: 14. Lewis Brown 15. Jeremy Latimore 16. Sam McKendry 17. Tyrone Peachey 23. Sika Manu
Referees: Gavin Badger, Alan Shortall; Sideline Officials: Brett Suttor, Lawrence McDonnell; Video Referees: Ashley Klein, Henry Perenara;