Tigers v Warriors: Roberts, Maumalo out; Kodi's half chance
Both sides have shown glimpses of form in the opening two rounds but both find themselves 0-2 and desperate for a victory to boost morale.
The Tigers should relish a return to their heartland at Campbelltown Stadium, having not played there since round nine last year, but they'll need a lot more than just a vocal crowd to get them across the line.
After some promising signs against Melbourne in round one the Tigers reverted to old habits against the Knights and were blown off the park, while the Warriors pushed the Titans all the way in a free-flowing contest at Cbus Super Stadium.
Sportsbet Betting preview: Wests Tigers v Warriors
The Rundown
Team news
Wests Tigers: James Roberts (quad) is a late scratching with a short turnaround this week, replaced by Luke Garner in the centres. Alex Seyfarth comes into the team in the second row to fill Garner's spot.
Former Knight Starford To'a will play on the wing after Ken Maumalo withdrew on game day with an ankle niggle.
Jackson Hastings will not play after he was found guilty of a grade two dangerous throw at the judiciary on Tuesday night, opening the door for Jock Madden to partner Luke Brooks in the halves. James Tamou and Jacob Liddle return to the side this week with Kelma Tuilagi (head knock) out.
Warriors: The Warriors are 1-17 with no late changes. Ben Murdoch-Masila was the last man cut an hour before kick-off and Jack Murchie is 18th man.
More shuffling in the halves with Kodi Nikorima back into the side at halfback after being relegated to 18th man last week. Ash Taylor has a hip complaint which is only expected to sideline him for one week. Skipper Addin Fonua-Blake will play despite being inconvenienced by a hand injury against the Titans.
Match: Wests Tigers v Warriors
Round 3 -
home Team
Wests Tigers
away Team
Warriors
Team Lists
Backs
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Fullback for Wests Tigers is number 1 Daine LaurieFullback for Warriors is number 1 Reece Walsh
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Winger for Wests Tigers is number 2 David NofoalumaWinger for Warriors is number 2 Adam Pompey
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Centre for Wests Tigers is number 4 Oliver GildartCentre for Warriors is number 3 Jesse Arthars
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Centre for Wests Tigers is number 11 Luke GarnerCentre for Warriors is number 4 Rocco Berry
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Winger for Wests Tigers is number 21 Starford To'aWinger for Warriors is number 5 Marcelo Montoya
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Five-Eighth for Wests Tigers is number 19 Jock MaddenFive-Eighth for Warriors is number 6 Chanel Harris-Tavita
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Halfback for Wests Tigers is number 7 Luke BrooksHalfback for Warriors is number 7 Kodi Nikorima
Forwards
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Prop for Wests Tigers is number 8 James TamouProp for Warriors is number 8 Addin Fonua-Blake
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Hooker for Wests Tigers is number 9 Jacob LiddleHooker for Warriors is number 9 Wayde Egan
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Prop for Wests Tigers is number 10 Stefano UtoikamanuProp for Warriors is number 10 Matthew Lodge
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2nd Row for Wests Tigers is number 12 Luciano Leilua2nd Row for Warriors is number 11 Euan Aitken
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2nd Row for Wests Tigers is number 20 Alex Seyfarth2nd Row for Warriors is number 12 Eliesa Katoa
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Lock for Wests Tigers is number 13 Joe OfahengaueLock for Warriors is number 13 Josh Curran
Interchange
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Interchange for Wests Tigers is number 14 Tyrone PeacheyInterchange for Warriors is number 14 Jazz Tevaga
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Interchange for Wests Tigers is number 15 Alex TwalInterchange for Warriors is number 15 Bunty Afoa
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Interchange for Wests Tigers is number 16 Zane MusgroveInterchange for Warriors is number 16 Aaron Pene
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Interchange for Wests Tigers is number 17 Jake SimpkinInterchange for Warriors is number 17 Bayley Sironen
Reserves
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Replacement for Wests Tigers is number 18 Thomas MikaeleReplacement for Warriors is number 18 Jack Murchie
Match Officials
- Referee: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski
- Touch Judge: Jon Stone
- Touch Judge: Darian Furner
- Senior Review Official: Matt Noyen
Last updated:
Key match-up
Stefano Utoikamanu v Matt Lodge: The young bull vs the old bull. At 21, Utoikamanu has a massive future ahead of him and is the man the Tigers turn to for a tough carry but also some creativity close to the line. Has averaged 82 metres per game across the first two games and needs to get that up over the hundred if the Tigers are to win the forward battle. Lodge will be out to make amends for a disappointing day on the Gold Coast where heat exhaustion restricted him to just 20 minutes on the paddock.
Stat attack
The Tigers' lack of discipline and lack of respect for possession has cost them big time in the opening two rounds. Their completion rate of 68 per cent (50 of 74 sets) is the third worst in the NRL, while the Warriors are completing at 73 per cent. The Tigers have racked up 29 errors in the first two games compared to 24 by the Warriors.
