The Wests Tigers have set a new club record, completely selling out of tickets to their Leichhardt Oval clash with the South Sydney Rabbitohs this Sunday. According to Wests Tigers officials, its the first time the joint venture club has sold out the Leichhardt venue prior to match day.
The Tigers have certainly put out the ‘House Full’ sign before, but never this early as both NRL teams gear up for one of the clashes of the season. A win for either side can almost assure them of one of the lower Top 8 spots come finals time.
The pressure seems more directed towards South Sydney, the giant killing Bunnies having to now face a hostile Leichhardt crowd and then back up next week with another tough match against the Sydney Roosters in yet another age old rivalry.
The Wests Tigers have now got Liam Fulton back on board after he was cleared late last night at the NRL Judiciary and their only concern would be the defence of Benji Marshall. The superstar pivot / halfback for the Wests Tigers has had some problems in the previous few weeks – with opposition teams peppering his wing with bombs and running large outside backs over the top of him. Coach Tim Sheens is not showing any concern openly, stating he is happy with Benji’s style – one that earned the Tigers the 2005 premiership.
The Bunnies will no doubt be running plenty of traffic at Marshall. The likes of big Paul Mellor, Nigel Vagana and even wide running Dean Widders will be ensuring Benji is fully tested and tired out from defence. This clash is expected to be a physical and firey affair, with both sides having so much at stake – there is sure to be some blow ups. You’d certainly have to like the Tigers chances with a loud Leichhardt full-house standing behind them.