Wests Tigers teams and trials

As the Wests Tigers prepare for the start of the NRL competition, there was a hint of sadness in the fact we would not have the opportunity to defend the prestigious World 7?s Title we won in 2004. The NRL and certain clubs voted against the competition going ahead, claiming injuries and risking top line players for the start of the NRL competition as the major hurdles. Our players were certainly hoping for a chance to win back to back titles.

Without the World 7?s, the Wests Tigers have three trial games organised.

Sat 5th Feb Mollymook Oval, Ulladulla

6.00pm Wests Tigers (1) vs Italian National Team 3.00pm Wests Tigers (2) vs NSW Southern Division Opening Trial Game Ticketing Info

Tickets for Wests Tigers trial match on Saturday 5 February 2005 can be purchased through Mollymook Oval by contacting Sandra Bishop on 02 4455 1605 or 0400 026 021. Adults: $15 Students/Concessions: $6 Kids under 5 free.

For this trial match, coach Tim Sheens has named a near full strength squad: 1, Brett Hodgson 2, Pat Richards 3, Dean Collis 4, Paul Whatuira 5, Daniel Fitzhenry 6, Benji Marshall 7, Scott Prince 8, Todd Payten 9, Ben Galea 10, John Skandalis 11, Mark O?Neill 12, Anthony Laffranchi 13, John Wilson 14, Liam Fulton 15. Bronson Harrison

Prior to the game, when the Wests Tigers arrive in Ulladulla on the Friday afternoon, they will hold and open training session and coaching clinic for the locals.

In the early trial against NSW Southern Division, Coach Sheens will play all the other Wests Tigers contracted players and also players from both Premier League squads. One play to watch in this early trial will be Tongan back rower Taniela Takiua, he has been signed to the Wests Tigers after some strong performances in the South Pacific Island Cup Championships in New Zealand. He has played for the Tongan National side in 2004 and has really impressed during the off-season with his pace and size.

After the Ulladulla trial, the Wests Tigers then return home to play two ?Official? trials at Leichhardt Oval and Campbelltown.

Sat 19th Feb Leichhardt Oval

6.00pm NRL Wests Tigers vs Manly

4.15pm Premier League Balmain/ Ryde Eastwood vs Manly

2.30pm Jersey Flegg Balmain vs Manly

1.00pm SG Ball Balmain vs Manly

11.45am Matthews Balmain vs Manly Sat 5th March Campbelltown Sports Stadium

6.00pm NRL Wests Tigers vs Raiders

4.15pm Premier League Western Suburbs vs Raiders

2.45pm SG Ball Western Suburbs vs Knights

1.15pm Matthews Western Suburbs vs Knights