Jake Simpkin (Wests Tigers)
With skipper Api Koroisau racing the clock to play in Round 1 after being ruled out of this week's match with a calf injury, all eyes will be on Jake Simpkin to make the most of his opportunity in the number nine jersey.Linking up with Wests Tigers new-look forward pack including the likes of David Klemmer and Isaiah Papali’i, Sunday's clash against the Raiders comes as a good opportunity for Simpkin to cement a place on Tim Sheens’ bench or prove his claim for the starting role should Koroisau fail to be ready for Round 1.
Talented junior Rua Ngatikaura has been omitted from this weekend’s line-up all together – seemingly opening the door for the 21-year-old Toowomba product to likely to be handed the understudy role under Koroisau in 2023.
Your club's player to watch in Pre-season Challenge Week 2
The NRL Pre-Season Challenge returns for the final week with coaches set to test out their marquee signings and new combinations for the final time before the season kicks off in March.
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