Debra Sherwood provides an insight and preview for the upcoming round 12 match between the Tigers and the Cowboys.
MATCHDAY NEWS
MATCHDAY SCHEDULE
West Tigers Vs North Queensland Cowboys
Venue: Leichhardt Oval, Lilyfield, NSW
Date: Saturday May 20, 5:30pm
MATCHDAY TEAM NEWS
Tigers: 1. Jahream Bula 2. David Nofoaluma 3. Starford To’a 4. Tommy Talau 5. Junior Tupou 6. Brandon Wakeham 7. Luke Brooks 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. David Klemmer 11. Isaiah Papali’i 12. John Bateman 13. Fonua Pole 14. Jake Simpkin 15. Joe Ofahengaue 16. Alex Twal 17. Asu Kepaoa 18. Alex Seyfarth 19. Shawn Blore 20. Justin Matamua 21. Daine Laurie 22. Aistasi James:
Cowboys: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Valentine Holmes 4. Peta Hiku 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Chad Townsend 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Coen Hess 11. Heilum Luki 12. Jack Gosiewski 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Jake Granville 15. Mitchell Dunn 16. Riley Price 17. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 18. Zac Laybutt 19. Ben Hampton 20. Sylvester Namo 21. Brendan Elliot 22. Sam McIntyre
Referee: Ben Cummins
MATCHDAY PREVIEW
On Saturday, the Tigers take on the Cowboys at Leichhardt Oval in a battle to move up from the bottom of the ladder.
Last Saturday saw the Tigers go up against the well in-form Rabbitohs. Having won their last four games, the Rabbitohs were looking to add their fifth straight win, with the Tigers looking to make it three in a row.
The Tigers put up a strong fight, playing like a winning team, holding the Rabbitohs back from mounting a huge scoreline. The Rabbitohs only coming away 6-0 at the half. In the end the defence from the Tigers strong forward pack was not enough, with the Rabbitohs eventually finding weakness coming through for the win at 20-0.
Coach Tim Sheens is confident with his team after their earlier performances, with no changes to the Tigers line up. They will certainly be ready to test out the strength of the Cowboys with their powerful forward pack, made up of players Apisai Koroisau and David Klemmer as formidable opponents for the Cowboys.
The Tigers exhibit a strong back line with player Luke Brooks will be a force to be reckoned with, coming into his 200th game, being one of just five to reach this milestone in the club’s history, Brooks may just show the Cowboys how fierce this tigers pack can be, teaming up with Brandon Wakeham.
Adding to the combination is standout player for the Tigers and one that the Cowboys will have to keep a close eye on, Jahream Bula. Making his debut only 3 weeks ago, the Tigers youngest player, he has certainly put on an impressive performance so far with a number of try saving tackles and averaging 190 running metres. He is certainly proving his worth for Coach Tim Sheens. Sheens combination of these players will hopefully give the Tigers the momentum they need to bring home a win.
The Tigers will be without Brent Naden due to suspension, seeing Tommy Talau remaining in the centres.
The Cowboys put on an impressive performance against the Dragons in Round 11, with the Dragons going down 42-22.
The Cowboys strong attacking line managed to fend off the Dragons. Will they be no match for the Tigers who are lacking strength in their attack? The Cowboys will go into round 12 hoping to record three wins in a row.
Could the strong backline of Chad Townsend, Kyle Feldt and Scott Drinkwater prove to be a winning combination for the Cowboys, setting up the play coupled with their kicking weapon of Valentine Holmes.
The Cowboys line up will see some changes with Jamayne Taunoa-Brown out from a head knock with his place on the bench taken by Riley Price. Jason Taumalolo is also out with a knee injury.
The tables could just turn for the Cowboys, giving them their third straight win or will the curse continue at Leichhardt Oval?
LAST TEN MATCHES
Tigers 6, Cowboys 4
MATCHDAY PREDICTION
Cowboys by 6
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