Rising Tigers centre to step-up after Joey Leilua banned for four weeks
Fatima Kdouh, The Daily Telegraph
July 6, 2020 2:44pm
Subscriber only
https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/wests-tigers-to-lose-joey-leilua-for-four-weeks-after-taking-the-early-plea/news-story/9ef39bc04eda279648faecc090a96795
The Wests Tigers decision not to challenge Joey Leilua’s four-week ban has opened the door for rising back Reece Hoffman to make his mark in the NRL.
Hoffman, who starred alongside Brisbane's Xavier Coates and Fanitesi Niu for the Queensland Maroons under 18’s in 2019, is in line to make his NRL debut against South Sydney on Friday night.
It’s expected Hoffman, a centre, will get his chance on the left wing with another rising prospect, Tommy Talau, shifting into right centre to replace the suspended Leilua.
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Leilua’s time on the sideline is also likely to give Talau a chance to cement a spot in the centres.
The powerful outside back has scored three tries in three games in 2020. Talau is averaging 142 run metres and has made 12 tackle busts playing on the wing but his preferred position at NRL level remains at centre.
Late last year Tigers legend Benji Marshall not only tipped Talau to replace centre Esan Marsters but said the 20-year old was the brightest prospect at the club since James Tedesco came through the ranks at Concord.
Marshall said Talau’s emergence would help Tigers fans move on from losing Tedesco to the Sydney Roosters.
“This kid [Talau] can play. In my opinion he could be anything,” Marshall said.
Tommy Talau could be named at centre to replace Joey Leilua.
Tommy Talau could be named at centre to replace Joey Leilua.
Talau’s shift to the centres gives Hoffman an opportunity to make his debut on the left wing alongside Moses Mbye at centre.
Hoffman was close to receiving a call-up to replace an injured Talau in round six against the North Queensland Cowboys.
The Wynnum Manly Seagulls junior isn’t Maguire’s only option at centre. Michael Chee Kam, who has been playing off the bench, could also replace Leilua at right centre.
The Match Review Committee charged Leilua with a grade three dangerous contact – head/neck offence on Penrith’s Dylan Edwards. Leilua hit Edwards high off the ball in the 78th minute of the Tigers 19-12 loss to the Panthers on Saturday night.
The incident occurred after Leilua’s younger brother, Luciano, was taken off the field in the 58th minute following an accidental high shot for Penrith’s Api Koroisau.
It left Leilua highly emotional and agitated during the remainder of the game. His emotion finally spilt over with two minutes remaining and he was marched from the field for the off-the-ball tackle on Edwards.
It’s understood the Tigers football department, including coach Michael Maguire, met on Monday morning to discuss the merit in challenging the Match Review Committee’s decision.
The club believed there could be a case mounted to have the charge decreased to a grade two, which would only see Leilua miss two weeks of football. In the end, it was decided the risk was too high given a failed challenge at the judiciary would see Leilua rubbed out for six weeks.
Leilua’s four-week ban takes his tally to 11 game suspensions from 211 first grade appearances.
Tigers skipper Moses Mbye also suffered a knock to his knee against the Panthers but he is expected to take his place at left centre on Friday night.
Luciano Leilua will have to pass all concussion protocol during the week before he is given the all clear to return to the field.
Fellow forward Sam McIntyre was taken to hospital during the match after a head knock left him with a suspected facial fracture. McIntyre was cleared of any serious damage but like Leilua will have pass all HIA protocol before Friday night. Forwards Chris Lawrence and Chris McQueen are the likely replacements if Leilua or McIntyre are not available.
