Wests Tigers coach Tim Sheens has locked in the side’s spine for Saturday’s trip to Bathurst, confirming debutant Jahream Bula and five-eighth Brandon Wakeham will keep their spots for the game against Penrith.
Not much has gone right for the winless Tigers this year, but there were some encouraging signs from the rookie fullback, with Bula making 125m and busting five tackles in his first NRL appearance.
It was a solid performance from a young man who not many people had heard of. He got the full NRL experience, with Jake Trbojevic whacking him on a kick return, while he also spilt a Daly Cherry-Evans bomb in the pouring rain.
Bula didn’t have any flashy moments in attack, but he did produce an incredible escape act when he evaded three defenders to get out of the in-goal to avoid a line dropout.
It means Charlie Staines will likely stay on the wing for Saturday’s game against his former side, while former fullback Daine Laurie may have to bide his time in NSW Cup.
“He was good, very good,” Sheens said.
“Getting out of the in-goal wasn’t easy to do, to beat the people that he did. He got to every kick, and he put one down which he’ll be disappointed with, but he wasn’t the only one. In the conditions, I thought he was very good for his debut.
“He’ll be there next week, don’t worry about that.”
Wakeham will also keep his spot in the halves, with the former Bulldog set for an extended stay in the starting side after dropping in and out of the team in the opening rounds.
The Tigers need an organising half like Wakeham to allow Luke Brooks to run the ball, with their combination set to blossom now that their positions have been guaranteed.
The backline is still a work in progress, with injuries taking their toll. Brent Naden is the most likely left centre option when he’s fit ahead of Shawn Blore and Tommy Talau, who has been linked with a move to the Sea Eagles.
“Brandon is a smart player and he’s only been in and out of the team. I don’t think he’s even put two games together in a row, so we need to stick solid,” Sheens said.
“I think Brent Naden is the only obvious one (to come back), although Blore played well in state cup and Tommy played well off the bench. With the injuries they’ve had, they haven’t got the leg mileage. They’re just slowly getting back into rhythm.”
