The Wests Tigers are in a world of hurt after losing five-eighth Adam Doueihi for the season and will need to bring something new from their bye round if they hope to dismantle the high-flying Sea Eagles at Campbelltown Stadium.
The Tigers have lost all six of their matches this season and conceded 160 points in the process, so a defensive reset is required if they are to contain a fourth-placed Manly side brimming with confidence.
There were some positives to take from their narrow loss to Parramatta on Easter Monday – including the performance of young winger Junior Tupou and one of Charlie Staines' best games at fullback – but the Tigers still find themselves in the midst of a club record 11-game losing streak that began in Round 21 last season.
The Sea Eagles, meanwhile, will travel to Campbelltown hot off the back of a gutsy 18-8 win over arch-rivals Storm in Round 7.
The Manly forward pack emerged on Friday as a big strength for coach Anthony Seibold, with Taniela Paseka, Haumole Olakau'atu, Josh Aloiai and Toafofoa Sipley all running over 100 metres with the ball while Daly Cherry-Evans and Tom Trbojevic put on a clinic out the back.
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Team News
Wests Tigers: No changes on game day for Tim Sheens' side. Jake Simpkin was added to the bench on Saturday in place of Daine Laurie, who will play five-eighth in NSW Cup on Sunday. Alex Seyfarth and Justin Matamua remain in the squad when it was cut to 19. Adam Doueihi (ACL) is out for the season with Brandon Wakeham taking over at five-eighth. Jahream Bula makes his NRL debut at fullback, Charlie Staines moves to the wing and Asu Kepaoa goes to the centres to replace Brent Naden (collarbone). Tommy Talau returns from a facial injury on the bench.
Sea Eagles: The Sea Eagles are 1-17 with no late changes. Josh Schuster (quad) and Reuben Garrick (concussion) will make their return to the field. Back-rower Kelma Tuilagi will miss the match under concussion protocols, his place taken by Ethan Bullemor. The new faces on the bench are Sean Keppie and Samuela Fainu, who will make his NRL debut.
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Stat Attack
- Wests Tigers have lost their last five games at Campbelltown Stadium.
- The Sea Eagles have scored 150 points in four consecutive wins against Wests Tigers.
- Tigers hooker Api Koroisau has won five from five against the Sea Eagles.
- Sea Eagles fullback Tom Trbojevic has scored five tries in six games this season.
- The Tigers have conceded 98 points in their past three games
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.