Wests Tigers Head Coach Michael Maguire says he's looking forward to seeing how his young bench goes against the Penrith Panthers on Friday night as part of the Magic Round weekend.
Debutant Oliver Clark (22 years old) will join Jacob Liddle (22) and Thomas Mikaele (20) on the bench for tonight's clash against the Panthers, with the young forwards all set to play a key role for Maguire's side as they look to bounce back with a win.
"He's been performing really well," Maguire said ahead of Clark's debut game.
"When I first came here he worked really hard through the pre-season and I could see some signs there that he was going to step up. He's been around this sort of level for some time now and he understands what is required.
Match: Wests Tigers v Panthers
Round 9 -
home Team
Wests Tigers
6th Position
away Team
Panthers
15th Position
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
"Last week he went really well in reserve-grade and so it's his opportunity to come out and show what he can do.
"It's always great to debut a young player who works really hard in the background.
"Oliver is a really mature young man so I'm looking forward to how he takes hold of his opportunity. He's done the work, so it's about going out there now and trusting that and I'm sure he will because he's a good young man."
In limited time last week against the Roosters, Jacob Liddle also impressed Maguire with his commitment in defence, with the crafty hooker again set to combine with Robbie Farah around the ruck on Friday night.
"I thought he was really good and really strong," said Maguire.
"He's obviously had some challenges in his career to date but I thought he came on really well [last week] and I'm looking forward to him and Robbie Farah combining.
"He's learning a lot of Robbie. He's lucky that he's got someone like Robbie in front of him to watch and guide him and I'm sure we'll see him be strong again."
