NRL teams Round 14: Origin stars rested, Jack Bird out for Dragons, SuperCoach advice
A host of teams will be without their Origin stars this weekend, with several players confirmed to be rested, while a Tigers rookie could be set for his NRL debut. See the full Round 14 teams.Brent Read, Michael Carayannis and Rob Sutherland
May 30, 2023 - 6:47PM
The Wests Tigers are ready to hand a first grade debut to one of their much-hyped teenage prodigies should Api Koroisau struggle to back up from Wednesday night’s State of Origin opener.
Tallyn Da Silva has been a star in the lower grades and he now stands on the verge of a remarkable first grade debut at the age of 18, having been selected on an extended interchange bench by coach Tim Sheens for Friday night’s game against Canberra.
It is understood he has every chance to come into the 17 should Koroisau battle to back up after Origin.
A local product, Da Silva played his junior rugby league at the East Campbelltown Eagles and graduated from famed nursery, Westfields Sports High.
Only last year, he played a game for Easts Campbelltown alongside his father Johnny, a local legend who retired at the end of last season at the age of 43.
A member of the club’s undefeated Harold Matthews side last year, Da Silva has spent this season honing his craft alongside Koroisau. He could yet receive the chance to emulate him depending on whether the Blues star emerges from Origin I unscathed.
The game against the Raiders promises to have an edge to it given it will mark the first time Tigers forward John Bateman has played against Canberra since he walked out on the club with one year remaining on his deal.