Wests Tigers Head Coach Michael Maguire says both Robbie Farah and Luke Garner could be eligible for selection in this week's team to face the Gold Coast Titans, despite being ruled out with concussion in the team's Round 6 loss to Parramatta.
On a disappointing day overall for Wests Tigers, both Farah and Garner were taken from the field and deemed unable to return to the game — despite both passing the Head Injury Assessment conducted by the club's medical staff off-field.
As both players showed signs of concussion on field, Wests Tigers ruled both players unable to return for the game, as per NRL guidelines. However, having passed their HIA tests off field, the pair could be available for selection this week, and will be closely monitored by the club's medical staff throughout the week.
"No, it wasn't a bad one at all [for Robbie]," Maguire told reporters post-match.
"He was actually right to go back on, but unfortunately due to the stipulations around concussion he was unable to go back out.
"I've got no problems at all [he'll be right for this week].
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"You can pass the test but it's how it looks on video [that rules you out]. Both Robbie and Luke Garner passed the test no worries at all, so it's just unfortunate."
The inclusion of both players for Saturday's game will certainly be a boost for the home side, who came out of the Easter Monday clash with no other injuries to note.
In Canterbury Cup, David Nofoaluma continued his comeback with another 80 minutes under his belt following his return from injury last week, while Jacob Liddle also returned to the field for the first time since Round 1.
Liddle's return sees only Benji Marshall (hamstring) and Chris Lawrence (jaw/face) as the other big names in rehabilitation at the moment, with Maguire saying that the Kiwi international was back running and nearing a potential return this week.
Halfback Luke Brooks was the only other player in doubt for Saturday's game after being charged with a Grade 1 Dangerous Throw on Eels hooker Reed Mahoney, but has taken the early guilty plea and is free to play this week as a result.
For the Gold Coast Titans, Coach Garth Brennan will head in to this week's game with a new-look forward pack as the visitors battle injuries and suspensions.
Having already lost Queensland Origin representative Jarrod Wallace to suspension, the Titans will likely be without captain Ryan James as well after fears he may have suffered a season-ending knee injury against the Newcastle Knights last week.
AJ Brimson (finger) and Nathan Peats (pectoral) are also likely to be unavailable for selection this week, while Keegan Hipgrave and Kevin Proctor — who was ruled out in the warm-up last week — could be right to return for the visitors this weekend.
Wests Tigers and Gold Coast will name 21-man squads for Saturday's game at 4:00pm AEST today, with two players dropping out 24 hours before kickoff.
Final team lists will be confirmed one hour prior to kickoff (4:30pm, Saturday).
Match: Wests Tigers v Titans
Round 7 -
home Team
Wests Tigers
7th Position
away Team
Titans
13th Position
Venue: Scully Park, Tamworth