The Wests Tigers are determined to leave their mark on NRLW Magic Round as they chase an upset victory over the Roosters. 

Brett Kimmorley’s side is still looking for their first win of the season, having fallen just short of a victory over the Sharks last Sunday. 

The Tigers boast a mix of youth and experience and there have been promising signs over the past few weeks. 

Halfback Losana Lutu continues to develop into a high-quality playmaker, while Caitlin Turnbull has emerged as one of the best finishers in the game. 

A win over the Roosters would be a major upset, with the defending premiers unbeaten after the opening month of the competition. 

Isabelle Kelly leads the Dally M Medal count and she’s eager to light up McDonald Jones Stadium with another dominant performance on Saturday afternoon. 

The Roosters pack has also rolled through their opponents in recent weeks, with Liv Kernick and Amber Hall looking to outmuscle the Tigers up front. 

Team News

Wests Tigers: The loss of Claudia Nielsen to a leg injury has seen Rebecca Pollard come into the starting side on the wing, while Lily Rogan comes into the centres for Terina Te Tamaki. Prop Christian Pio is also unavailable after suffering a late injury last weekend, triggering a forward pack reshuffle. Amelia Huakau moves from lock to prop, with Pihuka Berryman-Duff shifting from hooker to lock. Salma Nour comes into the starting side at hooker. Chelsea Savill is set to make her return from a quad injury via the interchange, with Lucyannah Luamanu-Leiataua the other new face on the bench.

Roosters: Golden Boot winner Tarryn Aiken is set for her first game of the NRLW season and has been named at halfback after recovering from a shoulder injury suffered during the Origin series. Aiken’s return has seen Jocelyn Kelleher move to five-eighth, with Corban Baxter shifting to fullback and Brydie Parker to the wing. Tavarna Papalii has been named in the extended squad as she pushes to return from a fractured jaw suffered in the Origin series.

Stat Attack

Wests Tigers winger Catilin Turnbull requires one try to break the club’s NRLW tryscoring record of six.
The Roosters will become the first NRLW outfit to play 50 premiership games.
Wests Tigers prop Sarah Togatuki will make her 40th NRLW appearance.
The Roosters are aiming to equal Newcastle’s NRLW record of 11 consecutive wins.

Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.