Wests Tigers are desperate for an immediate rebound when they host the in-form Raiders in a Thursday-night blockbuster at Leichhardt Oval.

Benji Marshall’s men suffered a tense one-point loss to Brisbane last weekend and the coach is calling for a quick response for their home fans. 

Jarome Luai is set to take another step forward in his second game back from a knee injury and will look to develop his partnership with halfback Adam Doueihi. 

Api Koroisau has been one of the form players across the opening seven rounds of the season and has another chance to press his claims for a NSW Origin recall. 

Thursday’s clash is the second at Leichhardt this year, with just a handful of tickets left for a blockbuster between the resurgent Tigers and reigning minor premiers. 

After a slow start to the season, the Raiders have found their stride in recent weeks with back-to-back wins. 

Canberra will be without Hudson Young, who accepted a two-game suspension for a high shot but have been inspired by an impressive form surge from centre Simi Sasagi.

Team News

Wests Tigers: Benji Marshall has shaken up his backline, with centre Starford To’a set for his first NRL appearance of the season and Perth-bound winger Luke Laulilii coming into the side at the expense of Heamasi Makasini and Patrick Herbert, who moves to the interchange. The pair’s inclusion has seen Latu Fainu drop off the six-man bench and back to the reserves. 

Raiders: The loss of Hudson Young to suspension sees Noah Martin join the starting side. Veteran prop Josh Papalii is out with a calf injury so Joe Roddy is the new man on the bench along with Daine Laurie while Chevy Stuart and Savelio Tamale are part of the six-man bench.

Stat Attack

The Tigers have won four of their last five games at Leichhardt Oval.
The Raiders have won 10 of their last 11 games against the Tigers.
The Tigers have not defeated the Raiders at Leichhardt Oval since 2010.
Ricky Stuart has won six from seven at Leichhardt as Raiders coach and player.
Tigers fullback Jahream Bula has scored seven tries in eight games at Leichhardt Oval.

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