Team News: With Moses Mbye and David Nofoaluma out, Corey Thompson shifts to fullback, with Mahe Fonua and Robert Jennings on the wings. Former Roosters Ryan Matterson and Paul Momirovski start in their respective positions. Thomas Mikaele debuts off the bench. Brendan Elliot will start at fullback for Manly, with fellow former Titan Kane Elgey partnering Cherry-Evans in the halves. Reuben Garrick debuts on the wing.

Prediction: Saturday afternoon, the sun is shining on Leichhardt Oval, and Benji Marshall leads his side down the tunnel, followed closely behind by Robbie Farah. Goosebumps. Manly’s side looks disappointing on paper, and new signing Kane Elgey is yet to prove himself in the NRL. The sense of occasion will be there for both sides playing under a new coach, but it’ll be the Tigers that get home in front of a packed Leichhardt hill. At least, that’s what 69% of tipsters believe. Tigers by 12.

Previous 5 Games

Wests Tigers

DATE	OPP	RESULT
30/8/18	Rabbitohs	L 51 - 10
23/8/18	Sea Eagles	W 22 - 20
18/8/18	Dragons	L 10 - 20
12/8/18	Raiders	W 20 - 22
3/8/18	Knights	W 16 - 25

Manly

DATE	OPP	RESULT
2/9/18	Broncos	L 48 - 16
23/8/18	Wests Tigers	L 22 - 20
17/8/18	Titans	L 34 - 42
11/8/18	Bulldogs	W 18 - 6
5/8/18	Sharks	W 32 - 33