In a series analysing who will line up in each position for all 16 teams in the opening round of the Telstra Premiership in 2020, NRL.com looks at the Wests Tigers.
NRL.com says: Tommy Talau will push for a starting centre spot soon but he may have to bide his time a little longer.
New recruit Joey Leilua will definitely occupy one of the centre berths, with Paul Momirovski likely to partner him after co-captain Moses Mbye suffered a knee injury in the trials.
Mbye had also been training at hooker but Billy Walters started in the No.9 in both trials and looks set to stay there.
Josh Reynolds has been training at dummy half and put his hand up to play a utility role if he doesn't get the starting nod.
Former Dragon Luciano Leilua is in the frame for a starting edge spot but the club has plenty of forwards in every position pushing each other through pre-season.
The signing of Adam Doueihi means Michael Maguire has the option of slotting the former Rabbitoh in at fullback and switching Corey Thompson to the wing.
Jamie Soward says: I had a fit Mbye at hooker and Reynolds on the bench. I like the look of young Jake Simpkin at hooker but they'd have to upgrade him from his development contract to play him before June 30.
Ollie Clark starts at prop so Aloiai and Twal can come off the bench together. Elijah Taylor keeps the starting lock spot because he's important as a link man.
I don't have Luciano Leilua in my 17 for round one – he needs to improve his fitness and prove he wants to be in first grade.
