It what is a big blow for the Wests Tigers, they are set to lose punishing winger Taniela Tuiaki due to a hamstring problem as they prepare to face the St George Illawarra Dragons in Round 1 at the Sydney Football Stadium.
A damaging runner that adds plenty to the outside backs at the Tigers, Tuiaki was missing from the Wests Tigers training run at the SFS earlier today, headcoach Tim Sheens confirming that Tuiaki is slated for a Round 2 return against the North Queensland Cowboys. The loss of their powerhouse winger and forward utility will no doubt hurt the Wests Tigers who are still reeling from a poor showing at Skilled Park against the Titans in a recent trial game.
Coming into the team is new boy and former Dragons reserve grader Beau Ryan.
The Tigers will utilize the SFS again on Saturday with Tim Sheens preferring to get extra time on the match surface before the game kicks-off.
Sunday’s match between the Wests Tigers and St George Illawarra Dragons is the first time the two teams have met at the SFS (Formerly Aussie Stadium) since the Tigers outpointed the Dragons in the 2005 preliminary final there – in the year where the Tigers went on to win the big one.