Wests Tigers v Dolphins preview

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Wests Tigers v Dolphins Saturday 3:00pm at CommBank Stadium, Parramatta / Burramattagal

Tiger time. Both teams coming off a loss and have Bali in their sights.

It is absolute carnage in Queensland with concussion protocols ruling out; Lemuelu, the Hammer and Kenny Bromwich. And Ray Stone (big toe) and Jeremy Marshall-King (shoulder) are also out with injury. With Felise Kaufusi racing the clock to be named with a troublesome hamstring. Whilst the Dolphins side has been named, confirmation of how they will take the field will not be known until later in the week.

Jack Bostock and Robert Jennings are the new centre pairing, with cult hero Val Te Whare being dropped. Harrison Graham starts in the number 9 jersey replacing JMK. Whilst Euan Aitken is in the backrow and JJ Collins has been named on the bench.

For the home side, the West Tigers return to Australia after a solid outing in New Zealand last week. In a season full of hope, they have been again disappointing. However, injuries in key positions have not helped their cause. The Tigers will be looking to finish the season with some positive results and performances. They have competed in most games throughout the season, however have struggled to maintain consistency for the full 80 minutes, each week. This weekend I think the Tigers will look to run the big forwards around from the Dolphins and make them work. Daine Laurie has been a brilliant addition at five eighth in recent weeks and will be missed as he returns to the Panthers in season 2024. It has been his running game and ability to utilise numbers on an edge that has impressed in recent weeks. Look for him to do the same again this weekend.

The Tigers lineup remains unchanged from last weekends game against the Warriors.

Last meeting: This is the first time the two sides will line up, in the Dolphins inaugural season.

Who to watch: It's no longer just a dream, it's the NRL, every week. Jahream Bula has been a shining light in what has been another dull season for the Tigers. Bula will no doubt be in contention for the NRL's Rookie of the year. He has burst onto the scene and has not looked back. He is a genuine athlete with a bright future. On a predicted dry track on Saturday, Bula will be looking for some open space to cause havoc for the Dolphins. However, it hasn't just been his work with the ball that has impressed. He has been able to save a number of tries for the Tigers with some of his efforts in defence.

For the opposition, it is Jamayne Isaako. Isaako is the competitions leading point scorer and should he manage to close out the season on top will become only the third person to do so from a new franchise. Joel Caine being the last to do with the West Tigers in the year 2000. He as proved this year that he is among the games best finishes on the wing and has been able to score some brilliant tries.

Favourite: The market has changed due to availability within the Dolphins squad, the Tigers now favourites.

My tip: Tackling has not been high on both sides agendas this year, Tigers by 10 in a high scoring affair.

1. Jahream Bula 2. David Nofoaluma 20. Triston Reilly 4. Asu Kepaoa 5. Junior Tupou 6. Daine Laurie 9. Apisai Koroisau 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 14. Jake Simpkin 16. Alex Twal 11. Isaiah Papali'i 12. John Bateman 13. Fonua Pole 15. David Klemmer 15. Alex Seyfarth 17. Shawn Blore 18. Justin Matamua 21. Josh Feledy

1. Kodi Nikorima 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jack Bostock 4. Robert Jennings 5. Tesi Niu 6. Isaiya Katoa 7. Sean O'Sullivan 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Harrison Graham 10. Herman Ese'ese 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Euan Aitken 13. Mark Nicholls 14. JJ Collins 15. Josh Kerr 17. Jarrod Wallace 18. Trai Fuller 19. Valynce Te Whare

Referees: Ben Cummins; Sideline Officials: Jon Stone, Damian Brady; Video Referees: Matt Noyen;