Wests Tigers v Panthers preview

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Big cats battle it out in Western Sydney derby

While their trial form may have been indifferent at best, the Tigers stood up and delivered in their season opening win over South Sydney last Friday night. Trouncing the Rabbitohs with an array of attacking marvels, the Tigers will be looking to back up their 34-18 win against an embarrassed Penrith side. Retaining the same squad as last week, returning centre Jamal Idris will once again start from the bench, while Jack Littlejohn retains his place in the 17 after coming in late against the Rabbitohs. Prevailing in just over half their clashes at Campbelltown over the past five seasons, the young Tigers will be hopeful of continuing their development under coach Jason Taylor, but will be wary of a Panthers outfit seething from an uncharacteristically subpar opening round performance.

If ever there were a time for a club to produce their worst performance of a season, the opening round would have to rank among the least objectionable. Coming off a 42-10 loss to the Dragons last week, the Panthers will take solace in the knowledge that their season can only improve after being humbled by a side few expected to possess the attack capable of scoring seven tries. Retaining the bulk of the squad named last Saturday, coach Anthony Griffin will be hoping a chance at immediate redemption brings about a change in fortune, as the Panthers look to secure their first win at Campbelltown since 2008. In the only named change, youngster Dylan Edwards will take the place of the injured Peta Hiku, however New Zealand international Dallin Watene-Zelezniak may make an early return from injury after being included in the extended squad.

Last meeting: Round 24 2016 - Panthers 40 Wests Tigers 10

Who to watch: Consistently among the best performers for the Tigers since his debut four years ago, David Nofoaluma will be out to continue his love affair with Campbelltown on Sunday. Crossing for 11 tries in 14 appearances at the venue, including a feat of athleticism unparalleled to this day in his rookie season, the 23-year-old Samoan representative will be hoping to heap further pain upon the Panthers and will relish the opportunity to face off against inexperienced opposite Dylan Edwards. Running for over 200 metres last Friday, Nofoaluma has shown himself to be a vital, yet underrated figure for the Tigers with his workrate comparable to captain Aaron Woods.

Unable to break into the Tigers first grade team due to the presence of Luke Brooks and Mitchell Moses, Kiwi international Te Maire Martin will make his first appearance against his former club on Sunday. Among the Panthers best performers in the loss to the Dragons, the 21-year-old playmaker showed no signs of discomfort in his first NRL appearance since April last year. Taking the increased defensively workload in his stride, the five-eighth's return should offer the men in black another attacking threat, in an already potent squad featuring the likes of Matt Moylan and Bryce Cartwright. Set to form a fruitful partnership alongside fellow young gun Nathan Cleary, look for Martin to step up and be a potential game breaker for Penrith.

The favourite: Despite a shambolic performance last week, the strong reputation afforded to the Panthers has them installed as favourites to claim the 2 points on Sunday.

My tip: In the past an opening round loss is followed by a near-universal bounce-back, as such look for Penrith to make immediate amends against the Tigers. Panthers by 8.

1. James Tedesco 2. David Nofoaluma 3. Kevin Naiqama 4. Michael Chee-Kam 5. Moses Suli 6. Mitchell Moses 7. Luke Brooks 8. Aaron Woods 9. Matt McIlwrick 10. Ava Seumanufagai 11. Sauaso Sue 12. Chris Lawrence 13. Elijah Taylor 15. Josh Aloiai 16. Jamal Idris 17. Jack Littlejohn 18. Joel Edwards

1. Matt Moylan 2. Dean Whare 3. Waqa Blake 4. Tyrone Peachey 5. Dylan Edwards 6. Te Maire Martin 7. Nathan Cleary 8. James Tamou 9. Peter Wallace 10. Regan Campbell-Gillard 11. Bryce Cartwright 12. Isaah Yeo 13. Trent Merrin 14. James Fisher-Harris 15. Leilani Latu 18. Sitaleki Akauola 21. Viliame Kikau

Referees: Gerard Sutton, Matt Noyen; Sideline Officials: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski, Jeff Younis; Video Referees: Bernard Sutton, Luke Patten;