Nine Wests Tigers players will be in action across the 2018 Representative Round with a number of fascinating matchups set to take place across the weekend.
From the blockbuster Pacific doubleheader at Campbelltown Sports Stadium to the iconic Test match between New Zealand and England in Denver, there's certainly no shortage of rugby league action to keep an eye out for this weekend — even with no NRL teams in action over the weekend.
See when and where you can catch your Wests Tigers players in action in the Representative Round!
FIJI vs. PAPUA NEW GUINEA
After going further in the 2017 Rugby League World Cup than many expected, both Fiji and PNG will be keen to continue their good international form when they meet this Saturday in Campbelltown. Fiji's backline is certainly the stronger of the two with a host of attacking options out wide, but the Kumuls showed throughout the World Cup that their defence is capable of shutting out even the strongest sides and leading them to victory. PNG perhaps don't have the NRL experience needed to upset the Bati in this one, but don't be surprised if it ends up being a lot closer than many expect come full-time.
Date: Saturday, June 22 at 4:00pm AEST
Venue: Campbelltown Sports Stadium
TV: Live via Fox League (Ch.502)
Watch for: Kevin Naiqama (Fiji)
TONGA vs. SAMOA
Another instalment of this fascinating Pacific rivalry takes centre stage on Saturday night as Tonga look to consolidate on their remarkable World Cup campaign and justify themselves as a genuine contender in international football. Headlined by a host of NRL stars, Mate Ma'a certainly look to be the better of the two sides on paper, but it's hard to see Samoa going down without a fight in this one. Toa Samoa still have a number of quality attacking options and plenty of heart, so look for another close one this weekend.
Date: Saturday, June 22 at 7:10pm AEST
Venue: Campbelltown Sports Stadium
TV: Live via Fox League (Ch.502)
Watch for: Tuimoala Lolohea (Tonga), Michael Chee Kam, Josh Aloiai, Pita Godinet (Samoa)
NEW ZEALAND vs. ENGLAND
The 2018 Representative Round continues with a fascinating clash in Denver between New Zealand and England with both sides fielding different looking squads from the last time they met. Kiwis Coach Michael Maguire will take charge for his first game and has named seven debutants for the game; it'll be fascinating to see whether the new faces can cover for the loss of Shaun Johnson and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and help the Kiwis bounce back from a shock elimination to Fiji in the 2017 Rugby League World Cup.
Date: Sunday, June 23 at 6:00am AEST (2:00pm, Saturday, local time)
Venue: Mile High Authority Stadium, Denver
TV: Live via Fox League (Ch.502)
Watch for: Esan Marsters (New Zealand)
NSW RESIDENTS VS. QLD RESIDENTS
The curtain raiser to State of Origin II on Sunday night will be the annual Residents clash between the best players in the Intrust Super Premiership and Intrust Super Cup competitions. For players featuring in the reserve-grade competitions, this is one of the highlights on the rugby league calendar and they'll certainly be giving their all to try and claim bragging rights for their respective states ahead of Origin Game II.
Date: Sunday, June 23 at 4:00pm AEST
Venue: ANZ Stadium
TV: Live stream via NSWRL.com.au (click here)
Watch for: Luke Garner, Bayley Sironen, JJ Felise (NSW Residents)
