SATURDAY, MAY 11th,2024 SCULLY PARK,TAMWORTH,NSW
Wests Tigers Seek Redemption Against Newcastle Knights
After showing some encouraging signs early in the season, the Wests Tigers have experienced a downturn, suffering five consecutive losses as they prepare to travel to Tamworth to take on a Knights team buoyed by a hard-fought victory over the Warriors in challenging conditions in Newcastle.
Tigers’ Rollercoaster Season
The Tigers’ wins over strong teams like the Sharks and Eels in Rounds 2-3 had given their fans hope that they could break free from the curse of the wooden spoon, which they had endured in both 2022 and 2023.
The rise of talented teenage playmaker Lachlan Galvin and the outstanding performance of captain Api Koroisau were reasons for optimism, but Koroisau’s ongoing struggle with hip spasms led to his absence from the Bulldogs match, and his absence was keenly felt.
Galvin’s halves partner, Aidan Sezer, will be sidelined for the next four games after accepting an early guilty plea for a Dangerous Contact offense. Consequently, coach Benji Marshall is tasked with reshuffling his spine as the Tigers aim to reverse their fortunes.
Knights Aim for Consistency
The Knights displayed resilience in their victory over the Warriors on Sunday and may receive a lift from the potential return of forwards Jacob Saifiti (recovering from a leg injury) and Tyson Frizell (dealing with a hamstring issue) as they aim for a third consecutive win.
The team’s ability to secure victories against the Dolphins and Warriors despite the absence of superstar captain Kalyn Ponga will undoubtedly boost morale. Ponga is expected to be sidelined for at least another eight weeks.
Line-ups
Tigers
1. Jahream Bula 2. Charlie Staines 3. Starford To’a 4. Justin Olam 5. Brent Naden 6. Lachlan Galvin 7. Jayden Sullivan 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. David Klemmer 11. Samuela Fainu 12. John Bateman 13. Isaiah Papali’i, 14. Jake Simpkin 15. Alex Twal 16. Alex Seyfarth 17. Fonua Pole , 18. Tallyn Da Silva 19. Solomon Alaimalo 20. Asu Kepaoa 21. Alexander Lobb 22. Solomona Faataape
Knights
1. David Armstrong 2. Greg Marzhew 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Enari Tuala 6. Tyson Gamble 7. Jackson Hastings 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Leo Thompson 11. Tyson Frizell 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Adam Elliott, 14. Phoenix Crossland 15. Jacob Saifiti 16. Dylan Lucas 17. Brodie Jones , 18. Jack Hetherington 19. Jack Cogger 20. Mathew Croker 21. Jed Cartwright 22. Krystian Mapapalangi
Referee. Ziggy Przeklasa-Adasmki, Touch Judges, Chris Sutton Damian Brady, Bunker, Peter Gough
Match Facts
The Wests Tigers have managed to secure just one victory out of the four games they’ve played at Scully Park.
In contrast, the Knights have emerged victorious in their last four encounters against the Tigers.
Tigers winger Charlie Staines has been in fine form, scoring three tries in his last two outings.
However, the Knights have struggled on the road, losing four out of their last five away games.
Prop Alex Twal is the only Tigers player who has experienced a win at Scully Park.
Prediction.
The Tigers took an early lead against the Bulldogs last week but struggled in the second half, resulting in a disappointing performance overall. The Knights were gutsy and determined and managed to beat the Warriors, still without star fullback Kalyn Ponga. The Tigers take this home game to Tamworth, and I can’t see them upsetting the Knights who are really throwing everything they have into their defence.
While the Tigers are a better side than previous years I don’t think they have the players to beat the Knights. Knights for me.
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