After impressive wins in Round 4, Wests Tigers and the Dragons came back to earth last weekend in clunky performances that would have had both coaches tearing their hair out.
The Tigers came up with 11 errors in their 26-16 loss to the Dolphins and will be looking for a return to the composed and committed style of play that carried them to an upset win over Parramatta on Easter Monday.
Shane Flanagan's Dragons, meanwhile, came up with 18 errors in trying conditions at McDonald Jones Stadium as they succumbed 30-10 to the Knights.
Much interest will focus on how Flanagan uses Tyrell Sloan and Zac Lomax after the fullback endured a poor first half with his hands and was moved to the wing so Lomax could go to the back.
Lomax has been one of the Dragons' best in the opening five rounds despite the off-field distractions surrounding his future and he'll need another big game if the Red V are to get back on track.
Wests Tigers have played six games at Campbelltown Stadium across the past two seasons and failed to come up with a victory.
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Team News
Wests Tigers: There are no late changes to the side an hour from kick-off. With John Bateman (concussion) sidelined, Alex Seyfarth moves into the starting side. Samuela Fainu (concussion) and Latu Fainu (hamstring) are out after both suffered injuries against the Dolphins, so Justin Matamua and Asu Kepaoa join the bench along with Jake Simpkin, who comes in for his first game of the season.
Dragons: A change on Saturday saw Luciano Leilua withdrawing due to a calf strain with Raymond Faitala-Mariner to start in the second row and Ben Murdoch-Masila joining the interchange. Hame Sele returns from a calf injury at prop so Jack de Belin shifts to the bench and Michael Molo drops to 18th player. Thomas Eisenhuth has been named to start at lock with Blake Lawrie on the bench. Centre Jack Bird has been named despite suffering a leg injury last week. There are no late changes an hour from kick-off.
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Stat Attack
- Wests Tigers have won only one of their past four games against the Dragons.
- St George Illawarra have won three of their four games at Campbelltown.
- Wests Tigers have lost their past eight games at Campbelltown.
- Dragons hooker Jacob Liddle will make his 100th NRL appearance.
- Tigers winger Junior Tupou scored three tries in two games against the Dragons in 2023.
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Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.