Back-to-back losses have taken some of the gloss of Wests Tigers’ promising start to the season and they need to find a response at Magic Round against the in-form Manly side.<\/p>\n
Given that the Tigers have conceded 96 points against the Sharks and Storm there is cause for concern at Concord heading into a clash with a Sea Eagles outfit boasting weapons across the park.<\/p>\n
The Sea Eagles have won five from six under interim coach Kieran Foran, averaging 33 points per game and leaping from 14th on the ladder to fifth in the process.<\/p>\n
In their five previous visits to Magic Round the Sea Eagles squared off against hometown heroes the Broncos for a 1-4 record so they will relish getting a look at a different rival on the big stage.<\/p>\n
Team News<\/p>\n
Wests Tigers: Alex Twal dropped out on Friday due to a knee injury suffered against the Storm. Sione Fainu shifts to lock and Alex Seyfarth joins the starting side in the back row. Bunty Afoa has been added to the bench. Blues Origin hopeful Terrell May returns at prop after missing Round 10 for personal reasons while Latu Fainu has been promoted to start at hooker with Tristan Hope going to the bench. Ethan Roberts has been added to the six-man bench.<\/p>\n
Sea Eagles: The return of halfback Jamal Fogarty after two games out with a groin injury pushes young gun Joey Walsh to the six-man interchange. Clayton Faulalo has been named at fullback and Tolu Koula at centre after they lined up that way against Brisbane. Jake Simpkin comes in at hooker for the suspended Brandon Wakeham. The interchange bench includes Kobe Hetherington in his return from concussion and Zach Dockar-Clay as back-up hooker. Simione Laiafi and Aaron Schoupp came out of the squad in Friday’s 24-hour update.<\/p>\n
Stat Attack<\/p>\n
Wests Tigers have won four from six at Magic Round.
\nThe Sea Eagles have won seven of their last nine games against Wests Tigers.
\nWests Tigers centre Taylan May has scored five tries in his last four games.
\nSea Eagles winger Lehi Hopoate is on a six-game try scoring streak.
\nWests Tigers forward Alex Seyfarth will make his 100th NRL appearance.<\/p>\n