The Wests Tigers are out to cement their place near the top of the ladder when they host Brisbane in a Saturday-night showdown in Campbelltown. 

Benji Marshall’s men are riding high after winning three on the trot, including a dominant victory over the Knights at the same venue last Sunday. 

They currently sit second on the ladder, equal on points with the first-placed Panthers.

A clash with the defending premiers marks a new challenge, however, and this week’s match is an early test of the Tigers’ title credentials. 

Adam Doueihi has starred since stepping into the No.7 jersey at the start of the season, while fullback Jahream Bula continues to develop as a lethal attacking weapon. 

Brisbane are undermanned as a string of high-profile players battle injuries but showed they will not go down without a fight in a tight loss to North Queensland last week.

While Reece Walsh and Ben Hunt are out, the premiers still boast an exciting backline featuring Ezra Mam, Kotoni Staggs and Jesse Arthars. 

Lock Pat Carrigan will also miss the match due to suspension, with Payne Haas set to take on even greater responsibility up front.

Team News

Wests Tigers: A huge in for the high-flying Tigers with skipper Jarome Luai to return from the knee injury that has sidelined him since Round 3. Jock Madden slides to No.14. Taylan May is back from a shoulder injury and slots into centre with Heamasi Makasini returning to the wing and Jeral Skelton making way. Winger Luke Laulilii is part of the six-man bench having served his suspension.

Broncos: Skipper Adam Reynolds returns from an adductor injury so Thomas Duffy slides to the interchange. The loss of Pat Carrigan to suspension brings Xavier Willison into the starting side at lock. Cory Paix was initially named in the extended squad with his availability subject to further medical assessment from an independent specialist but he was ruled out on Wednesday. Josh Rogers takes over at hooker. The new faces on the six-man bench are Jack Gosiewski, Jaiyden Hunt and rookie hooker Cameron Bukowski.

Stat Attack

Wests Tigers are chasing a 5-1 start for the first time since 2018.
The Broncos have won their last eight games against the Tigers at Campbelltown.
The Tigers are aiming for a fourth straight win for the first time in 14 years.
Broncos second-rower Jordan Riki has scored four tries in four games against the Tigers.
Wests Tigers’ English forward Kai Pearce-Paul will play his 50th NRL game.

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