There were a number of impressive performances from Wests Tigers players to kick off the 2017 Rugby League World Cup with six 2018 players taking the field.
Incredibly, all six of those players emerged with wins from the opening round, and will take plenty of confidence from their individual efforts in to their respective matches next week.
Wests Tigers fans had their first sighting of Russell Packer in New Zealand's big win over Samoa on Saturday night, with the prop playing his first game back since picking up a knee injury.
His strong showing was met with an even more impressive performance from Kevin Naiaqma and Taane Milne in Fiji — the duo each recording two tries and two try-assists as the Bati posted more points than any other team in the opening round of the tournament.
Young gun prop Alex Twal continued his superb rookie season as he made his international debut for Lebanon — playing big minutes up front in the Cedars' thrilling win — while Tui Lolohea had a hand in several tries as Tonga piled on the points against Scotland.
Elijah Taylor (New Zealand) and Mahe Fonua (Tonga) both didn't see game time in the opening week, and fans will be hopeful of seeing the duo in action in Gameweek Two.
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2018 WESTS TIGERS PLAYER STATS
Russell Packer, Interchange — New Zealand
36 minutes, 10 runs for 96 metres, 21 tackles, 1 missed tackle
Kevin Naiqama, Fullback — Fiji
80 minutes, 13 runs for 159 metres, 2 tackles, 2 linebreaks, 2 tries
Taane Milne, Centre — Fiji
80 minutes, 11 runs for 141 metres, 13 tackles, 2 linebreaks, 2 tries, 2 try-assists, 2 goals
Alex Twal, Interchange — Lebanon
60 minutes, 17 runs for 151 metres, 34 tackles, 1 missed tackle
Tuimoala Lolohea, Five-Eighth — Tonga
80 minutes, 5 runs for 26 metres, 9 tackles, 1 try-assist, 1 linebreak assist
OTHER WESTS TIGERS IN ACTION
Nathan Milone, Centre — Italy
80 minutes, 11 runs for 94 metres, 6 tackles, 1 try
Andrew Kazzi, Hooker — Lebanon
63 minutes, 3 runs for 16 metres, 34 tackles, 4 missed tackles
Jaleel Seve-Derbas, Back Row — Lebanon
37 metres, 3 runs for 30 minutes, 18 tackles
