Wests Tigers head to Gosford to play South Sydney Rabbitohs on Saturday afternoon, eager to bounce back following a substandard performance last weekend against the Sharks.
Match: Rabbitohs v Wests Tigers
Round 20 -
home Team
Rabbitohs
13th Position
away Team
Wests Tigers
17th Position
Venue: Industree Group Stadium, Gosford
It's been a tough few weeks for Wests Tigers with consecutive losses to the Roosters, Storm and Sharks that has seen 138 points added to the 'against' column.
As David Klemmer and John Bateman both said during the week, big improvements are expected against the Bunnies.
South Sydney, after a poor start to the season, had strung five wins together before last weekend’s narrow loss to the Dolphins in Redcliffe.
In team news a decision on the fitness of Api Koroisau (calf) will be made closer to kick off with Tallyn Da Silva named in the No.9 jersey on Tuesday.
Alex Seyfarth is rested after a heavy knock last weekend, while Alex Twal returns to the side for the first time since a head collision in training about a month ago.
The other change to the Tigers’ lineup sees 18-year-old winger Luke Laulilii return replace Alex Lobb (ankle).
Latu Fainu has been named in the No.14 jersey for what will be his fifth NRL appearance after returning from a hamstring injury in the NSW Cup two weeks ago.
This will be the first time all three of Wests Tigers' Fainu brothers play together in the NRL.
Cameron Murray is looking at a two-game ban following a bust up in Origin III while Jai Arrow will also be missing following shoulder surgery during the week. Tallis Duncan could find himself in the run-on side for the first time in his 19-game NRL career.
This will be the first contest between these two sides on the Central Coast. Wests Tigers most recent visit to Gosford was in 2021, and their last win at this venue was in 2011.
Match: Rabbitohs v Wests Tigers
Round 20 -
home Team
Rabbitohs
away Team
Wests Tigers
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Rabbitohs is number 1 Jye GrayFullback for Wests Tigers is number 1 Jahream Bula
-
Winger for Rabbitohs is number 2 Alex JohnstonWinger for Wests Tigers is number 2 Luke Laulilii
-
Centre for Rabbitohs is number 3 Taane MilneCentre for Wests Tigers is number 3 Adam Doueihi
-
Centre for Rabbitohs is number 4 Richard KennarCentre for Wests Tigers is number 4 Solomona Faataape
-
Winger for Rabbitohs is number 5 Jacob GagaiWinger for Wests Tigers is number 5 Charlie Staines
-
Five-Eighth for Rabbitohs is number 6 Jack WightonFive-Eighth for Wests Tigers is number 6 Lachlan Galvin
-
Halfback for Rabbitohs is number 7 Cody WalkerHalfback for Wests Tigers is number 7 Aidan Sezer
Forwards
-
Prop for Rabbitohs is number 8 Davvy MoaleProp for Wests Tigers is number 8 Stefano Utoikamanu
-
Hooker for Rabbitohs is number 9 Damien CookHooker for Wests Tigers is number 9 Tallyn Da Silva
-
Prop for Rabbitohs is number 10 Sean KeppieProp for Wests Tigers is number 10 David Klemmer
-
2nd Row for Rabbitohs is number 12 Michael Chee Kam2nd Row for Wests Tigers is number 11 John Bateman
-
2nd Row for Rabbitohs is number 15 Tallis Duncan2nd Row for Wests Tigers is number 12 Samuela Fainu
-
Lock for Rabbitohs is number 13 Keaon KoloamatangiLock for Wests Tigers is number 13 Fonua Pole
Interchange
-
Interchange for Rabbitohs is number 14 Peter MamouzelosInterchange for Wests Tigers is number 14 Latu Fainu
-
Interchange for Rabbitohs is number 16 Thomas BurgessInterchange for Wests Tigers is number 15 Alex Twal
-
Interchange for Rabbitohs is number 17 Siliva HaviliInterchange for Wests Tigers is number 16 Sione Fainu
-
Interchange for Rabbitohs is number 20 Liam Le BlancInterchange for Wests Tigers is number 17 Jordan Miller
Reserves
-
Replacement for Rabbitohs is number 18 Dion TeaupaReplacement for Wests Tigers is number 18 Justin Matamua
Match Officials
- Referee: Wyatt Raymond
- Touch Judge: Jon Stone
- Senior Review Official: Matt Noyen
Last updated:
Stat Attack:
- The Rabbitohs have won seven of their past eight games against the Tigers.
- The Tigers have not won in Gosford since 2011.
- Rabbitohs winger Alex Johnston has scored nine tries in his past five games against the Tigers.
- Wests Tigers have conceded 138 points in their past three games.
- Rabbitohs hooker Damien Cook will make his 200th NRL appearance for the club.