Wests Tigers return to action against in-form Roosters
Wests Tigers Harvey Norman NSW Women's Premiership side will face the Central Coast Roosters this Sunday for their Round 3 clash of the season at Morry Breen Oval in Wyong.
Following a draw against North Sydney in Round 1 and a bye last weekend, Wests Tigers will be determined to enter the winners' circle for the first time since the competition resumed — facing off against a strong Central Coast Roosters side who have easily claimed victory in their first two matches.
Recognising the home side's strength on paper, Wests Tigers Head Coach Neil Stanley notes that his side will be prepared to put in a fight.
“The CC Roosters are definitely the in-form team of the competition,” said Stanley.
“Before the COVID break they were considered one of the top teams in the competition having a good percentage of the reigning premiership CRL Newcastle team amongst their squad, but they have emerged in blistering form after the break.
“They will be a tough opponent this week and rightly so.
"But in the reduced competition format, these are the games we need to stand up and get excited for the challenge if we are to improve on our finals form from last year.
“As I said previously consistency is the key and belief in ourselves to get the job done. I believe we have the tools to compete and test the Roosters — it won’t be an easy challenge going up there to get the win but nothing worth doing is easy.”
It won’t be an easy challenge going up there to get the win but nothing worth doing is easy.
Coach Neil Stanley
Stanley said he was looking forward to seeing the strong mental discipline and fortitude of the side again on Sunday.
“I’m looking forward to the consistency of approach and effort in areas we have focused on since returning,” said Stanley.
“I was impressed considering all the hurdles faced in the lead up to Round 1 that the team executed the game plan well and maintained a good level of intensity for the full 60 minutes,
“The bye in round two was not ideal; however, I’m looking for the team to come out in Round 3 and improve on the performance from the Bears game and I’m confident they will.”
“I’m most impressed by the enthusiasm and ‘can do’ attitude of the team to get in and work hard with very little complaints,” he added.
“Especially when you consider the major disruption the current global pandemic has had on the competition and their personal lives as well the new way of life under the current restrictions. Our team continues to impress me with their resilience and strength under adversity.”
Central Coast Roosters vs. Wests Tigers
Sunday, August 2 at Morry Breen Oval, 11:30am
1. Botille Vette-Welsh (capt.)
2. Ana Fekeila
21. Tia Cook
4. Simone Karpani
5. Teagan Toa Toa
6. Raecene McGregor
7. Emily Curtain
8. Awhina Akuhata
14. Naomi Kara
10. Kina Hanisi
17. Taylor Osborne
12. Teleah Waitoa
13. Sophie Curtain
Interchange:
9. Tyler Pelligra
11. Lakeisha Tipene
19. Stephanie Wilson
15. Mina Hanisi
Coach: Neil Stanley
*Please note no crowds will be permitted to this week’s game.
