Wests Tigers Team v Cowboys Rd 5

[Geo]

All the Round 5 team news!
Author
Wests Tigers
Timestamp
Tue 6 Apr 2021, 04:00 PM

Wests Tigers Coach Michael Maguire has named his side to take on the North Queensland Cowboys for their Round 5 clash at Leichhardt Oval this Sunday.

After a close last-start defeat to the Parramatta Eels, Maguire has confirmed one change to the starting side with Moses Mbye named to start in the centres in place of Asu “AJ” Kepaoa.

His inclusion sees Tommy Talau shift from centre to wing while Michael Chee Kam comes on to the bench after strong back-to-back performances in the Knock-On Effect NSW Cup competition.

Rookie hooker Jake Simpkin and forward Tuki Simpkins — who joined Wests Tigers from North Queensland earlier this year — have been named among the reserves as part of the 21-man squad, alongside Joey Leilua and Alex Seyfarth.

Sunday’s game at Leichhardt Oval is the club’s first home game at the suburban ground this year, with a blockbuster four-game program set to take place. The club’s Harvey Norman NSW Women’s Premiership, Jersey Flegg and Knock-On Effect NSW Cup sides will all feature earlier in the day before the NRL game between Wests Tigers and North Queensland kicks off at 4:05pm.

Wests Tigers have won their last eight games against the Cowboys played at Leichhardt Oval.
WESTS TIGERS
1. Daine Laurie
2. David Nofoaluma
3. Moses Mbye
4. James Roberts
5. Tommy Talau
6. Adam Doueihi
7. Luke Brooks
8. Zane Musgrove
9. Jacob Liddle
10. James Tamou (capt.)
11. Luciano Leilua
12. Luke Garner
13. Alex Twal

Interchange:
14. Michael Chee Kam
15. Thomas Mikaele
16. Stefano Utoikamanu
17. Joe Ofahengaue

Reserves:
18. Alex Seyfarth
19. Joey Leilua
20. Jake Simpkin
21. Tuki Simpkins

Coach: Michael Maguire

 

[jrtiger]

feel like we might see the man in jersey 18 make his debut this week. good selections Madge.

 

[old_man_tiger]

The most necessary change has been made and the second most important is at least a chance now.

 

[JC99]

Good choice dropping AJ. He got given a go and wasn't up to it so off he goes. Good to see Simpkin and Simpkins amongst the reserves

Will the 18th man/concussion Substitute be Seyfarth or can it be anyone in the 21? I think it's the latter but not 100%

 

[Jedi_Tiger]

Finally... see ya kepoa
NEXT

 

[Sabre]

Good stuff. Chee-Kam played well for the Magpies yesterday.
I wouldn't be surprised if we see Jake Simpkin play though, won't be many better opportunities to blood him than vs the Cowboys at Leichhardt.

 

[Jedi_Tiger]

let's hope Jake simpkin replaces MCK on bench

 

[Guest]

A shame Simpkin wasn't in the 17. MCK didn't stand out in Knock On Cup yesterday.

 

[Cultured_Bogan]

Two major changes happened that I wanted: Mbye to centre and Kepaoa dropped.

Twal and Offa need to be swapped.

Simpkin and MCK to swap.

 

[JC99]

MCK will play a bit of lock if brought on, try use his footwork and speed to create something. Hopefully Simpkin gets a run though

 

[Shooter Mcgavin]

“Strong back to back performances from MCK in NSW cup” ... surely a stitch up especially given Liddle may struggle for 80 and would mean Mbye to hooker and MCK to centre most likely. Might be time to get Simpin for Simpkin I reckon

 

[rihannafan1]

Defensively Tommy and AJ weren't getting it done. Mbye stops Ferguson yday imo.

 

[Tigerdave]

Great that AJ was dropped, hopefully Talau will have a better game out on the wing.

 

[JC99]

Two major changes happened that I wanted: Mbye to centre and Kepaoa dropped.

Twal and Offa need to be swapped.

Simpkin and MCK to swap.

Twal isn't someone you want coming off the bench, really good work horse but won't break a game open. Ofahengaue is really suited to coming off the bench with his play style.

 

[avocadoontoast]

MCK will play a bit of lock if brought on, try use his footwork and speed to create something. Hopefully Simpkin gets a run though

MCK is hopeless. He looked ordinary in reserve grade. Simpkin should be there ahead of him (and I think he will be).

 

[hobbo1]

A shame Simpkin wasn't in the 17. MCK didn't stand out in Knock On Cup yesterday.

He was pretty good I thought and with Mbye starting he’s good back up incase a back or forward goes down

Thank god flipper Kepeoa has been punted

 

[Speed2burn]

I’d prefer Simpkin on the bench but I think if Chee Kam gets the nod he’s earnt it, been pretty solid in his 2 games back

 

[tbones10]

No real surprises there, Kepaoa had to go, if your out of form you won't find it in first grade. Hopefully he will find both form and confidence in the reggies.

 

[Jedi_Tiger]

we have had some great recruitment
Laurie
Stefano
Tamou
Ofahengaue

unfortunately Kepoa was one we got wrong

 

[hodgo]

After watching amone last week I think mikaeles days are numbered