Round 10: Wests Tigers v Broncos preview
Tigers look to roar against building Broncos
Returning to their spiritual home for the first time since the season resumption, the Wests Tigers will be hoping to overcome a poor record against the Brisbane Broncos.
Managing just six wins and a draw against their Queensland foes over the past two decades, the Wests Tigers will be eager to amend after failing to rise to the challenge during last Friday's 18-10 loss to South Sydney.
Holding a 50 per cent record at Leichardt Oval during coach Michael Maguire's tenure, the Tigers have underperformed at the venue in recent times managing seven wins from their past 15 visits.
Naming Benji Marshall and Billy Walters in the halves with Luke Brooks relegated to the bench and Josh Reynolds out suspended, Tommy Talau, Russell Packer, Sam McIntyre and Chris McQueen come into the squad.
Breaking a run of six-straight losses with a much-needed 26-8 victory over the Bulldogs last Saturday, the Brisbane Broncos will have their sights set on going back-to-back for the first time since the opening rounds.
Moving within two points of the top eight despite enduring a run of six losses prior to last Saturday, coach Anthony Seibold will be out to break a disappointing run in Sydney that has seen the Broncos lose five of their six visits by a combined score of 222-58.
Handing former Tigers forward Ben Te'o his first start since returning to the NRL in place of Alex Glenn, Queensland and Tongan representative Joe Ofahengaue comes onto the bench. Richie Kennar is in line to make his first appearance of the season with Tesi Niu, Herbie Farnworth and Xavier Coates all under injury clouds.
Friday evening will be the first time the Broncos have played at Leichardt Oval since 2003.
Last meeting: Round 5 2019 - Broncos 16 Wests Tigers 22
Who to watch: Returning to the starting side after coming off the bench last week, Benji Marshall will be raring to go at the Tigers spiritual home ground. Afforded the opportunity to start in the number seven jersey after Luke Brooks missed six tackles against South Sydney seven days earlier, the 35-year-old will have a point to prove with his defence after coming under scrutiny for his efforts without the ball earlier in the season. Producing a host of iconic moments at Leichardt Oval over the years for his beloved Tigers, look for the Kiwi legend to deliver something special on Friday night as time begins to wind down on his legendary career.
Retaining his place in the front row after a strong showing during last week's breakthrough win over Canterbury, Tongan enforcer Tevita Pangai Jr will be keen to make pain a constant for the inconsistent Tigers. Spending a month on the sidelines earlier this season after letting his aggression get the better of him, the 24-year-old has flown largely under the radar at Brisbane following the emergence of Payne Haas and David Fifita. Capable of being just as destructive at his best, look for Pangai Jr to leave the Tigers licking their wounds at the end of 80 minutes.
The favourite: The bookmakers have embraced the romanticism of Benji Marshall returning to Leichardt Oval by installing the Tigers as favourites.
My tip: In a match between two of the league's great underachievers, both teams will be treating Friday night as a must-win if they hope to feature beyond the regular season. Broncos by 6.
