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Match Preview: NRL Round 15 vs Titans

Wests Tigers return to Leichhardt Oval for the first time since their epic Round 3 victory over the Sharks when they tackle the Gold Coast Titans on Saturday.

It will be a vastly different and much younger side that faces the Titans given so many players are missing through injury and suspension, but it’s a great opportunity for Benji’s boys after spending the past six weeks playing games outside of Sydney.

After beginning the season with six straights losses the Titans have enjoyed recent victories over the Cowboys and the Broncos, although were heavily beaten by the Bunnies last weekend.

Api to play wherever the team needs him
Api to play wherever the team needs him

In team news Api Koroisau will shift from hooker to halfback replacing Jayden Sullivan (hand) in the No.7 jersey with Aidan Sezer replacing Lachlan Galvin (hand) at five-eighth.

Sezer returns after serving a four-match suspension
Sezer returns after serving a four-match suspension

Campbelltown junior Tallyn Da Silva replaces Koroisau at hooker for his first NRL appearance this season, while Sezer returns to the team after serving a four-match suspension.

Charlie Staines reverts to the wing for Solomon Alaimalo (HIA) with Brent Naden named in the centres and Solomona Faataape added to the bench.

Sami returns from a hamstring injury
Sami returns from a hamstring injury

For the Titans Philip Sami's return from a hamstring injury in the centres allows Beau Fermor to return to the back row and Keenan Palasia goes back to the interchange.

This will be the club’s first game at Leichhardt Oval since the recent passing of the Tigers’ legend Keith Barnes, and the club will be resting the No.1 jersey with Jahream Bula to wear No.21.

Team Lists

Backs

  • Fullback for Wests Tigers is number 21 Jahream Bula
    Fullback for Titans is number 1 Keano Kini
  • Winger for Wests Tigers is number 3 Brent Naden
    Winger for Titans is number 2 Alofiana Khan-Pereira
  • Centre for Wests Tigers is number 4 Justin Olam
    Centre for Titans is number 3 Brian Kelly
  • Centre for Wests Tigers is number 17 Solomona Faataape
    Centre for Titans is number 4 Phillip Sami
  • Winger for Wests Tigers is number 5 Charlie Staines
    Winger for Titans is number 5 Jojo Fifita
  • Five-Eighth for Wests Tigers is number 6 Aidan Sezer
    Five-Eighth for Titans is number 6 Jayden Campbell
  • Halfback for Wests Tigers is number 7 Apisai Koroisau
    Halfback for Titans is number 7 Kieran Foran

Forwards

  • Prop for Wests Tigers is number 8 Stefano Utoikamanu
    Prop for Titans is number 8 Moeaki Fotuaika
  • Hooker for Wests Tigers is number 9 Tallyn Da Silva
    Hooker for Titans is number 9 Chris Randall
  • Prop for Wests Tigers is number 16 Reuben Porter
    Prop for Titans is number 10 Josiah Pahulu
  • 2nd Row for Wests Tigers is number 11 Fonua Pole
    2nd Row for Titans is number 12 Beau Fermor
  • 2nd Row for Wests Tigers is number 12 Samuela Fainu
    2nd Row for Titans is number 13 Klese Haas
  • Lock for Wests Tigers is number 13 Justin Matamua
    Lock for Titans is number 17 Erin Clark

Interchange

  • Interchange for Wests Tigers is number 14 Alex Seyfarth
    Interchange for Titans is number 14 Sam Verrills
  • Interchange for Wests Tigers is number 15 Sione Fainu
    Interchange for Titans is number 15 Isaac Liu
  • Interchange for Wests Tigers is number 20 Heath Mason
    Interchange for Titans is number 16 Keenan Palasia
  • Interchange for Wests Tigers is number 22 Jordan Miller
    Interchange for Titans is number 20 Jacob Alick-Wiencke

Reserves

  • Replacement for Wests Tigers is number 18 Kit Laulilii
    Replacement for Titans is number 19 Tanah Boyd

Match Officials

  • Referee: Ashley Klein
  • Touch Judge: Jon Stone
  • Senior Review Official: Todd Smith

Last updated:

Stat Attack:

  • Wests Tigers have not defeated the Titans at Leichhardt Oval since 2008.
  • The Titans have won their past five games against the Tigers.
  • The Tigers have conceded 98 points in their past two games.
  • Titans winger Alofiana Khan-Pereira has scored nine tries in his past six games.
  • Wests Tigers fullback Jahream Bula has scored three tries in two games at Leichhardt Oval.

Saturday is an opportunity for Wests Tigers members and fans to watch all three grades, with Adam Doueihi making his long-awaited return for the Magpies in the NSW Cup, and our Jersey Flegg Cup team also playing the Warriors in the first match of the day.

Acknowledgement of Country

Wests Tigers respect and honour the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.