Wests Tigers welcome North Queensland to Leichhardt Oval in Round 12 with Tim Sheens' side eager to get back into the winners' circle after being shut out against the Rabbitohs last week.
Heading into last week's game off the back of consecutive wins, Wests Tigers produced another determined effort against the competition heavyweights to hold South Sydney to just one try through 70 minutes before letting it slip late on, with the 20-0 scoreline in the end perhaps not painting a full picture of the contest.
It did, however, highlight the continued struggles in attack for Wests Tigers, who have now scored just 136 points through 11 rounds and remain bottom of the Telstra Premiership ladder as a result of their shut-out last Saturday.
Halfback Luke Brooks will be hoping his milestone game can spark the home side into form, with the Balmain junior celebrating his 200th NRL game.
There were no such struggles in attack for North Queensland in their clash against the Dragons in Townsville, piling on the points to run out 42-22 victors. Having spoiled Ben Hunt's 300-game milestone in last weekend, Todd Payten's side will also be hoping they can do the same again to Brooks this time around.
After a slow start to the year, the Cowboys head into Round 12 looking to record three wins in a row for the first time all season, courtesy of halves Tom Dearden and Chad Townsend starting to find their groove once again.
With edge back-rower Luciano Leilua returning to the side alongside Heilum Luki who has re-emerged as dangerous a threat on the edge, coach Todd Payten is confident his side can make it three on the trot at Leichhardt.
“He’s (Luciano) has got himself in terrific condition, he’s had a six-month pre-season and if I look at him, this is the best nick I’ve seen him in,"
"It’s going to take him a couple of weeks to find his rhythm in terms of his match fitness but what he offers us is power, size and skill out on the edge. Couple that with Heilum on the other and you’ve got a real threat there."
The Cowboys will fancy their chances at overcoming a Leichhardt Oval hoodoo which has seen them record just one win from their last nine attempts – a thrilling 34-30 victory from their most recent encounter in 2021.
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Team News
Wests Tigers: Joe Ofahengaue will start at lock in what could be his last game for the club after a late switch with Fonua Pole, who shifts to the interchange. Ofahengaue has been linked with a mid-season move to Parramatta. There are no other changes for the Tigers. Brent Naden has one more game to serve on a suspension so Tommy Talau retains his spot in the centres. Daine Laurie, Justin Matamua and Aitasi James were the players to drop out when the squad was trimmed to 19 on Friday.
Cowboys: Luciano Leilua has been rushed into the starting side for his first match of the season after the no-fault stand down condition was removed on Thursday. Leilua replaces Jack Gosiewski in the second-row. The Cowboys have just one other change to last weekend's game, with Jamayne Taunoa-Brown (head knock) replaced on the bench by Riley Price. Jason Taumalolo (knee) is expected to be back on deck next week.
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Stat Attack
- Luke Brooks celebrates his 200th NRL game for Wests Tigers, one of just five players to reach the milestone in club history.
- Only Reed Mahoney has kicked more 40/20's this season than Brooks (3).
- Apisai Koroisau is missing five tackles per game in 2023, the most of any player.
- The Cowboys have made more dummy half runs than any team this year with 161. Wests Tigers currently rank fifth with 108.
- Wests Tigers have won only two of their past nine games at Leichhardt Oval.
- David Nofoaluma has scored seven tries in his past nine games at Leichhardt Oval.
- Cowboys winger Kyle Feldt has scored six tries in his past six games.
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Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the