Wests Tigers NRL Coach Mick Potter has named his team to take on the Penrith Panthers in their Round 17 clash this Sunday at Leichhardt Oval.
Kickoff for the match is scheduled for 3:00pm AEST.
With captain Robbie Farah unavailable for selection this week due to Origin commitments, Potter has chosen to bring in Joel Luani once more as his replacement in the No. 9 jersey. Martin Taupau will move from the bench to cover for Aaron Woods, who is also off at Origin, with Jack Buchanan coming on to the bench for his second NRL game of the 2014 season.
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Potter said that while the absence of both players would no doubt affect the way that the team played, their presence wouldn’t affect the total performance.
“We have to play a different way,” said Potter, “but Joel’s a developing young player. Defensively, he’s very solid and he’s still working on developing his running game and his attacking game and he’s improving. I’m really pleased with how he’s going and how he’s developing [as a player] as well.
“Losing Aaron Woods is tough but we have a couple of other guys that can come in…. we’ve got plenty of numbers there who can come in.”
With a strong crowd expected at Leichhardt Oval this weekend, Potter urged all fans to get out to the ground this weekend and support the boys — stating that having a strong crowd there gives the boys a real boost on the field.
“The boys love playing there and at Campbelltown,” he said.
“Being so close is helpful for the players when the going’s tough, but it’s even more pleasing when you’re going all right.
“To have the crowd there behind you is fantastic.”
Hear what Potter had to say in full about this week’s team and opponents above.
