Wests Tigers v Knights: Sullivan in for Sezer; Frizell returns
After some promising signs early in the season Wests Tigers have slumped to five losses on the trot as they head to Tamworth to confront a Knights outfit buoyed by a gritty win over the Warriors in torrid conditions in Newcastle.
Wins over heavyweights the Sharks and Eels in Rounds 2-3 had Tigers fans believing they could finally rid themselves of the dreaded wooden spoon they collected in 2022 and 2023.
The emergence of talented teenage playmaker Lachlan Galvin and the brilliant form of skipper Api Koroisau were cause for optimism but the hooker's ongoing battle with hip spasms forced him out of the Bulldogs game and he was sorely missed.
Galvin's halves partner Aidan Sezer will miss the next four games after taking the early guilty plea to a Dangerous Contact offence.
The fact Adam O'Brien's men have found a way to knock off the Dolphins and Warriors without superstar skipper Kalyn Ponga will be a huge shot in the arm as he faces at least another eight weeks on the sideline.
Sportsbet Betting Preview - Wests Tigers v Knights
Team News
Wests Tigers: Jayden Sullivan takes over at halfback from the suspended Aidan Sezer, while skipper Api Koroisau is back on deck after missing Round 9 with hip spasms. Starford To'a will play his first game since Round 2 having returned from an ankle injury in NSW Cup last weekend, with Brent Naden shifting to the wing. No changes in the one-hour update.
Knights: A late switch sees Dylan Lucas join the run-on side and Kai Pearce-Paul revert to the bench. Jacob Saifiti (leg) dropped out of the side on Friday and is replaced by Jack Hetherington on the interchange, while Tyson Frizell (hamstring) will play his first game since Round 4.
Match: Wests Tigers v Knights
Round 10 -
home Team
Wests Tigers
away Team
Knights
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Wests Tigers is number 1 Jahream BulaFullback for Knights is number 1 David Armstrong
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Winger for Wests Tigers is number 2 Charlie StainesWinger for Knights is number 2 Greg Marzhew
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Centre for Wests Tigers is number 3 Starford To'aCentre for Knights is number 3 Dane Gagai
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Centre for Wests Tigers is number 4 Justin OlamCentre for Knights is number 4 Bradman Best
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Winger for Wests Tigers is number 5 Brent NadenWinger for Knights is number 5 Enari Tuala
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Five-Eighth for Wests Tigers is number 6 Lachlan GalvinFive-Eighth for Knights is number 6 Tyson Gamble
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Halfback for Wests Tigers is number 7 Jayden SullivanHalfback for Knights is number 7 Jackson Hastings
Forwards
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Prop for Wests Tigers is number 8 Stefano UtoikamanuProp for Knights is number 8 Daniel Saifiti
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Hooker for Wests Tigers is number 9 Apisai KoroisauHooker for Knights is number 9 Jayden Brailey
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Prop for Wests Tigers is number 10 David KlemmerProp for Knights is number 10 Leo Thompson
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2nd Row for Wests Tigers is number 11 Samuela Fainu2nd Row for Knights is number 11 Tyson Frizell
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2nd Row for Wests Tigers is number 12 John Bateman2nd Row for Knights is number 16 Dylan Lucas
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Lock for Wests Tigers is number 13 Isaiah Papali'iLock for Knights is number 13 Adam Elliott
Interchange
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Interchange for Wests Tigers is number 14 Jake SimpkinInterchange for Knights is number 12 Kai Pearce-Paul
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Interchange for Wests Tigers is number 15 Alex TwalInterchange for Knights is number 14 Phoenix Crossland
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Interchange for Wests Tigers is number 16 Alex SeyfarthInterchange for Knights is number 17 Brodie Jones
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Interchange for Wests Tigers is number 17 Fonua PoleInterchange for Knights is number 18 Jack Hetherington
Reserves
-
Replacement for Wests Tigers is number 18 Tallyn Da SilvaReplacement for Knights is number 19 Jack Cogger
Match Officials
- Referee: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski
- Touch Judge: Chris Sutton
- Senior Review Official: Peter Gough
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- Wests Tigers have won only one of their four games played at Scully Park.
- The Knights have won their last four games against the Tigers.
- Tigers winger Charlie Staines has scored three tries in his past two games.
- The Knights have lost four of their past five away games.
- Prop Alex Twal is the only Tigers player who has experienced a win at Scully Park.
Match: Wests Tigers v Knights
Round 10 -
home Team
Wests Tigers
15th Position
away Team
Knights
11th Position
Venue: Scully Park, Tamworth
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
