Team List: NRL Round 2 vs Raiders

Campbelltown junior Lachlan Galvin has earned a start at five-eighth and former Queensland Cup star Solomona Faataape will make his first NRL appearance in the centres.

Galvin represented the Australian Schoolboys last year after helping guide Wests Magpies to their first premiership in the Harold Matthews Cup in 2022.

Faataape joined Wests Tigers this season on a one-year development contract following a premiership-winning season with Brisbane Tigers in the 2023 Queensland Cup.

Coach Benji Marshall says Galvin and Faataape have worked hard for this opportunity.

"They have put in the work in pre-season and have earned their chance in the top grade," Marshall said

"It’s a special occasion for them, their families, and our team.”

Jayden Sullivan, Aidan Sezer and Samuela Fainu will also be making their first NRL appearance for Wests Tigers on Saturday.

Sullivan has been handed the No.7 jersey for the season-opener with Sezer and Fainu both named on the bench.

Justin Olam has been left out of the extended squad (knee) but is expected to be available for Wests Tigers first home game of the season in Round 3 against the Sharks at Leichhardt Oval.

Latu Fainu is also unavailable (hamstring) and is expected to return in Round 4.

Team List:

1.  Jahream Bula - sponsored by Exclusive Estate Agents 

2.  Charlie Staines - sponsored by Gavmanak 

3.  Starford To'a - sponsored by Mater Dei on behalf of the Kirk Family

4.  Solomona Faataape - sponsored by Ultra Building Works 

5.  Junior Tupou - sponsored by APN Compounding

6.  Lachlan Galvin - sponsored by Leumeah Shopping Centre

7.  Jayden Sullivan - sponsored by Club Menangle 

8.  Stefano Utoikamanu - sponsored by ZWealth Group

9.  Apisai Koroisau (c) - sponsored by ZRealty Group 

10.   David Klemmer - sponsored by Tidda Workforce

11.  Isaiah Papali'i - sponsored by Murray Kennedy Real Estate 

12.  John Bateman - sponsored by The Meat Man 

13.  Alex Seyfarth - sponsored by LC Wealth 

Interchange:

14. Aidan Sezer - sponsored by Ellis Consolidated 

15. Fonua Pole - sponsorship available 

16.  Alex Twal  - sponsorship available 

17.  Samuela Fainu  - sponsorship available 

Reserves:

18. Asu Kepaoa - sponsored by Wests Tigers Foundation

19.  Tallyn Da Silva - sponsored by Wests Tigers Foundation

20.  Justin Matamua - sponsored by Wests Tigers Foundation 

21.  Alex Lobb - sponsored by Wests Tigers Foundation 

22. Jake Simpkin - sponsored by Wests Tigers Foundation 

Coach: Benji Marshall - sponsored by Pepper Money