Wests Tigers return to Campbelltown to face the Brisbane Broncos on Saturday, 8847 days after these teams first met at the same venue in the club’s very first game in the NRL.
The 25th Anniversary clash falls in ANZAC Round with the home side desperate to end a three-game losing streak, while the visitors are coming off back-to-back wins over the Dolphins and Raiders.
That said, the Broncos head to Campbelltown chasing their first victory on the road after losing in Las Vegas, Penrith and Melbourne.
Lest We Forget: ANZAC Round last year at Campbelltown
It will be an emotion-charged matchday when the rugby league community honors the ANZACS, and following the sudden passing midweek of Wests Tigers Player #4, Terry Hill.
Wests Tigers Player #4 Terry Hill against the Broncos in the club’s historic first game
Several of Terry’s former teammates who played in that historic 24-24 draw against the Broncos in Round 1, 2000 will be attending the game.
In team news Wests Tigers coach Benji Marshall has handed an NRL debut to former Super Rugby star Solomon Alaimalo, who, at 28 years and 122 days, will become the oldest player to debut for Wests Tigers.
Alaimalo replaces Junior Tupou (foot injury) on the wing, while the other key change sees John Bateman moving from second row to lock, with Samuela Fainu to start as an edge forward.
Fonua Pole will come off the bench and says he’s more than happy to play the impact forward role.
Haas returns for first game since Round 2 vs Rabbitohs
Three key players return to action for Brisbane, with prop Payne Haas back from a five-week absence (knee), captain Adam Reynolds returning from a hamstring issue and back-rower Brendan Piakura (ankle) also back on deck.
Wests Tigers foundation player Josh Skandalis is tipping another nail-biter with Wests Tigers scraping home by one point.
Fast Facts:
- Wests Tigers have won four of their past five games against the Broncos.
- The Broncos have won their past seven games at Campbelltown Sports Stadium.
- Wests Tigers have lost their past nine games at Campbelltown.
- Broncos second-rower Jordan Riki has scored four tries in his past three games against the Tigers.
- Tigers center Justin Olam has won eight from eight against the Broncos.
Source: NRL.com.au
