3:00pm SATURDAY, JUNE 15th, 2024 LEICHHARDT OVAL,SYDNEY
- Wests Tigers Hope for Turnaround at Leichhardt Oval
- Ultimate Showdown in Round 15
- Struggles and Criticism for the Tigers
- Areas of Concern
- Previous Success at Leichhardt Oval
- Key Return for the Tigers
- Team News for the Tigers
- Titans Looking to Rebound
- David Fifita’s Final Push for Origin Recall
- Key Player Insights: David Fifita
- Historical Matchup Stats
- Team Line-ups
- Prediction.
Wests Tigers Hope for Turnaround at Leichhardt Oval
The Wests Tigers are hoping for a triumphant return to Leichhardt Oval as they aim to end a nine-game losing streak in Saturday’s clash with the Titans.
Ultimate Showdown in Round 15
In a match fitting for the 3pm Saturday timeslot, get ready for the NRL’s ultimate showdown in Round 15 between the Wests Tigers and the Gold Coast Titans at Leichhardt Oval.
Struggles and Criticism for the Tigers
The Wests Tigers are the NRL’s punching bag, the moment something goes wrong, they are widely ridiculed for it. Fresh off a long losing streak and with an injury toll getting longer instead of shorter it’s becoming a real possibility that Benji Marshall’s men are set to collect their third wooden spoon on the trot. They have shown glimpses of promise, their start against the Dragons was so strong, putting together two quick tries and having the better of play.
Areas of Concern
However, it was in the areas where they have frequently struggled that they lost the game. Poor discipline, handling errors, and ineffective tackling allowed the game to slip away from them last week.
Previous Success at Leichhardt Oval
Benji Marshall’s side claimed a dominant 32-6 victory over the Sharks in round three in their most recent match at the inner-west venue.
Following that win, the Wests Tigers secured a golden-point triumph over the Eels. However, it has been a lean run since then, with the team losing nine consecutive matches, including a 56-14 defeat to the Dragons last Friday night.
Key Return for the Tigers
Experienced half Aidan Sezer is set to return after serving a four-match suspension for a dangerous tackle.
His inclusion is crucial amidst a challenging period of injuries and suspensions, especially with young halves Lachlan Galvin and Jayden Sullivan set to miss Saturday’s clash.
LATE MAIL. Alex Lobb and Alex Twal both miss this clash after suffering head knocks at training. In Lobb’s place, Brent Naden moves to the wing and Solomona Faataape moves off the bench into the centres. Fonua Pole will move into the front row to replace Twal, with Alex Seyfarth joining the back row from the bench.
Team News for the Tigers
Speaking of changes, onto team news. Jahreem Bula will line up in jersey 21, the 1 jersey has been retired in the memory of Keith Barnes this week.
Titans Looking to Rebound
Gold Coast appeared to be showing signs of improvement over the past month; however, they endured a tough outing last Saturday.
The Titans suffered a disappointing 46-12 loss to the Rabbitohs in front of their home fans at Cbus Super Stadium.
David Fifita’s Final Push for Origin Recall
This week’s match also shapes as the final opportunity for Gold Coast forward David Fifita to push for a State of Origin recall after he was not selected for the Maroons side for their Game One victory.
Key Player Insights: David Fifita
For the Titans, all eyes are on David Fifita. Despite the season-long headlines about his future, including a backflip on the Roosters and being snubbed from the QLD Origin squad, Fifita is having a terrific season. He has contributed 10 line break assists and 19 offloads, with a tackling efficiency above 93% for the first time since joining the Titans. He is also making significant contributions in attack, consistently running well over 150 meters per game. Expect Fifita to have a standout performance against the Tigers.
LATE MAIL.
The Gold Coast Titans will be without David Fifita for their Round 15 clash with the Wests Tigers.
Rested from the game as a precaution after suffering a minor ankle injury, the move all but rules out the back rower making a late push for an Origin recall.
Historical Matchup Stats
Wests Tigers have not beaten the Titans at Leichhardt Oval since 2008.
The Titans have won their last five games against the Tigers.
The Tigers have conceded 98 points in their last two games.
Titans winger Alofiana Khan-Pereira has scored nine tries in his last six games.
Wests Tigers fullback Jahream Bula has scored three tries in two games at Leichhardt Oval.
Team Line-ups
TIGERS
21. Jahream Bula 2. Alexander Lobb 3. Brent Naden 4. Justin Olam, 5. Charlie Staines 6. Aidan Sezer 7. Apisai Koroisau 8. Stefano Utoikamanu, 9. Tallyn Da Silva 10. Alex Twal 11. Fonua Pole 12. Samuela Fainu 13. Justin Matamua , 14. Alex Seyfarth 15. Sione Fainu 16. Reuben Porter 17. Solomona Faataape 18. Kit Laulilii , 19. Luke Laulilii 20. Heath Mason 22. Jordan Miller 23. Adam Doueihi
TITANS
1. Keano Kini 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 3. Brian Kelly 4. Phillip Sami 5. Jojo Fifita , 6. Jayden Campbell 7. Kieran Foran 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Chris Randall 10. Josiah Pahulu , 11. David Fifita 12. Beau Fermor 13. Klese Haas 14. Sam Verrills 15. Isaac Liu , 16. Keenan Palasia 17. Erin Clark 18. Joe Stimson 19. Tanah Boyd 20. Jacob Alick-Wiencke, 21. Iszac Fa’asumaleaui 22. Jaylan De Groot
Referees. Ashley Klein, Touch Judges. Jon Stone, Clayton Wills, Bunker, Todd Smith.
Prediction.
In the grave yard call Leichhardt Oval where the Tigers seem to grow another leg, in front of their loyal supporters, can they pull off an upset? What about with a 10 point start @$1.55 ?
Comments