Bula, Madden, Skelton & Tavana to be named. Laulilii in reserves team. Taylan May going to rehab & return in a few weeks.
Daily Telegraph: Wests Tigers are preparing to roll the dice with Taylan May, refusing to rule the star centre out for the season after he dislocated his shoulder for the second time this year.
There were fears May, who has been one of the club’s best players over the first 11 games, could be sidelined for the rest of the year.
However, the Tigers are optimistic they can get their strike centre back on the field before the end of the year, despite a second dislocation.
He has kicked off rehab and could return within a month.
The risk of May dislocating his shoulder again after suffering the injury in Round 2 was high, another would guarantee instant surgery for the 24-year-old.
Despite the dislocation which occurred less than two-weeks-ago, May trained with the Tigers on Tuesday as they prepare to play the Bulldogs on Saturday.
The Tigers believe May, who recently extended until the end of 2030, is a vital part to the club’s success, and have sought multiple opinions on his return-to-play strategy.
Jahream Bula will be named in the Tigers squad for Saturday’s game against the Bulldogs, with the fullback expected to be given up to kick-off to prove his fitness.
Bula, who left the games against both the Broncos and Raiders with shoulder complaints, hasn’t been seen since the club’s last win against the Raiders in Round 8.
The star fullback has been sidelined for the past four weeks, with the club desperately missing their star No.1.
Bula was back to his best at training on Tuesday getting through sets in the Tigers opposed session against their NSW Cup team.
The Tigers will also welcome back hooker and captain Api Koroisau back after serving a three-match suspension for a hip-drop; the Tigers desperate for his defensive prowess in the middle of the field.
Heamasi Makasini, who recently re-signed, will be available for selection after being ruled out with a foot injury after the Tigers’ Round 7 loss to Brisbane.
Makasini could replace either Patrick Herbert (suspension) or May in the centres with both missing from this week’s teamlist.
The Tigers will also name in-form lock Alex Twal after he missed their Magic Round clash with a hamstring injury.
Jock Madden has overcome the hamstring niggle he picked up at the end of the Tigers game against Manly and is expected to stay in the halves with Jarome Luai, as Adam Doueihi edges closer to his return.
Doueihi picked up a heavy running load at training, while slotting in with the club’s reserves for some ball work in the opposed session.
Both Jeral Skelton and young gun Tito Tavana have been welcomed back into the side, while Bears-bound Luke Laulilii trained with the club’s reserves.
Doueihi is on track for a Round 19 return, while back rower Samuela Fainu is still working towards a Round 22 return.
