Robbie Farah v Michael Ennis
Two of the best hookers in the NRL go head-to-head tonight at ANZ Stadium, with the strong rivalry between the two skippers adding to the excitement of the clash.
While 2013 hasnt been the best year so far for the injury-ravelled Wests Tigers; Robbie Farah has been a stand-out performer and will look to get his side back in the winners circle with a victory over the Bulldogs. Racking up 42 tackles in last weekends 20-10 loss to the Broncos, Farah has led by example and will look to break his sides four-game losing streak.
On the other hand, Bulldogs Captain Michael Ennis will be looking to get one over his rival in an attempt to win back the NSW number nine jersey. However, Farah looks likely to hold out Ennis after playing the entire 2012 series. This wont stop Ennis, who will be eager to lead last years Grand Finalists to back-to-back victories for the first time in 2013.
Aaron Woods v Aiden Tolmam
NSW selectors will no doubt be watching tonights game closely, in particular the match-up between front-rowers Aaron Woods and Aiden Tolman.
Woods led from the front last week against the Broncos, with a staggering 156 metres and 46 tackles. The towering prop will be itching to make-up for missing City-Country a fortnight ago due to injury, with this week being the perfect opportunity coming up against Tolman, James Graham and possibly Sam Kasiano.
Tolman has been one of the form props this season, with the Bulldogs enforcer running 147 metres in the City-Country fixture in Coffs Harbour last month. The Kempsey-born prop also had a huge workload in the victory over the Sharks last weekend, gaining 150 metres and making 30 tackles.
Jack Buchanan v Martin Taupau
Whilst most of the focus may be on Woods and Tolman, another front-row battle is also worth noting with two up and coming props locking horns tonight at ANZ Stadium. Jack Buchanan and Martin Taupau have gone relatively under the radar this year despite earning a starting spots in their respective sides.
Buchanan came to the Wests Tigers from the Dragons this year, making his NRL debut in Round 1 against Newcastle. While injuries to Keith Galloway, Matt Groat and James Gavet handed the Culburra junior his jersey, the 21-year-old hasnt looked out of place after making the step up from Under 20s.
Making his debut back in 2010, Taupau has risen into the starting side this year following the lengthy suspension to James Graham and impressive form early in the year. Making 26 tackles and just under 100 metres against the Sharks, Taupau will be looking to continue his run of form and hold onto his starting jersey now that Graham has returned.
Two of the best hookers in the NRL go head-to-head tonight at ANZ Stadium, with the strong rivalry between the two skippers adding to the excitement of the clash.
While 2013 hasnt been the best year so far for the injury-ravelled Wests Tigers; Robbie Farah has been a stand-out performer and will look to get his side back in the winners circle with a victory over the Bulldogs. Racking up 42 tackles in last weekends 20-10 loss to the Broncos, Farah has led by example and will look to break his sides four-game losing streak.
On the other hand, Bulldogs Captain Michael Ennis will be looking to get one over his rival in an attempt to win back the NSW number nine jersey. However, Farah looks likely to hold out Ennis after playing the entire 2012 series. This wont stop Ennis, who will be eager to lead last years Grand Finalists to back-to-back victories for the first time in 2013.
Aaron Woods v Aiden Tolmam
NSW selectors will no doubt be watching tonights game closely, in particular the match-up between front-rowers Aaron Woods and Aiden Tolman.
Woods led from the front last week against the Broncos, with a staggering 156 metres and 46 tackles. The towering prop will be itching to make-up for missing City-Country a fortnight ago due to injury, with this week being the perfect opportunity coming up against Tolman, James Graham and possibly Sam Kasiano.
Tolman has been one of the form props this season, with the Bulldogs enforcer running 147 metres in the City-Country fixture in Coffs Harbour last month. The Kempsey-born prop also had a huge workload in the victory over the Sharks last weekend, gaining 150 metres and making 30 tackles.
Jack Buchanan v Martin Taupau
Whilst most of the focus may be on Woods and Tolman, another front-row battle is also worth noting with two up and coming props locking horns tonight at ANZ Stadium. Jack Buchanan and Martin Taupau have gone relatively under the radar this year despite earning a starting spots in their respective sides.
Buchanan came to the Wests Tigers from the Dragons this year, making his NRL debut in Round 1 against Newcastle. While injuries to Keith Galloway, Matt Groat and James Gavet handed the Culburra junior his jersey, the 21-year-old hasnt looked out of place after making the step up from Under 20s.
Making his debut back in 2010, Taupau has risen into the starting side this year following the lengthy suspension to James Graham and impressive form early in the year. Making 26 tackles and just under 100 metres against the Sharks, Taupau will be looking to continue his run of form and hold onto his starting jersey now that Graham has returned.
