We’re under way in Christchurch
Api Koroisau leads the Tigers out. They’re back to back wooden spooners and will be desperate for a better season in 2024.
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck gets a big ovation as he runs out onto Apollo Projects Stadium. Very well liked across the ditch for obvious reasons.
Warriors hooker Freddy Lussick gets pinned for an attempted strip from the first tackle of the match as the Tigers march up the field.
An obstruction by the Tigers lets the Warriors off the hook. Both sides working into their groove.
Four penalties have been blown in the opening four minutes.
WARRIORS 0-0 TIGERS
Here are the teams
Here’s how the teams line up for today’s clash.
Kick-off in five minutes.
1. Taine Tuaupiki
2. Setu Tu
3. Ali Leiataua
4. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
5. Marcelo Montoya
6. Chanel Harris-Tavita
7. Luke Metcalf
8. Bunty Afoa
9. Freddy Lussick
10. Tom Ale
11. Jackson Ford
12. Jacob Laban
13. Kalani Going
1. Jahream Bula
2. Charlie Staines
3. Solomona Faataape
4. Declan Casey
5. Junior Tupou
6. Jayden Sullivan
7. Aidan Sezer
8. Stefano Utoikamanu
9. Api Koroisau
10. David Klemmer
11. Isaiah Papali’i
12. Asu Kepaoa
13. Alex Seyfarth
How Benji Marshall intends to turn the Tigers around
As Benji Marshall begins his reign as Tigers head coach, this interview with Adrian Proszenko from November is worth a read.
The Tigers finished last in 2023 with just four wins from 24 starts. The old saying “the only way is up” literally applies to them.
“I’m just not really a typical head coach, I don’t reckon,” Marshall said. “I’m away from it. I’m not 24-7 coaching.
“I like people to be themselves. I just want to create an environment where people want to be and they want to play for you and give their best.”
Tigers coach Benji Marshall.Credit: Getty
Who wins today’s trial?
Hello and welcome
Afternoon all. Can you smell that? Rugby league is back, baby.
Well, sort of.
Trial games over the next few weeks will keep teams ticking over before round one, which kicks off with the Sea Eagles and South Sydney locking horns in Las Vegas on March 3. The Roosters take on the Broncos shortly after that game.
Today, we’ve got the Wests Tigers travelling to New Zealand to face the Warriors. There is lots to dissect over the next couple of hours.
Benji Marshall (centre) at Wests Tigers training. Credit: Nick Moir
