‘They get on the back of it’: Wests Tigers hoping to extend Leichhardt streak as star recruit gets the green light to face former team

The Wests Tigers will get one of their most important players back from injury as they prepare to return to fortress Leichhardt Oval.

The Wests Tigers have turned Leichhardt Oval into a fortress this season, but rookie coach Benji Marshall insists his side can’t simply rely on a rowdy crowd to get them over the line against a Storm team that leads the league.

Marshall also confirmed that Justin Olam would return to face his former side for the first time at the “eighth wonder of the world” that has received $40m in government funding to improve the facilities.

There were a couple of politicians at the stadium on Friday morning, and there’ll be thousands of fans there on Saturday evening as the Tigers look to make it three from three at the iconic venue.

The Tigers smashed the Sharks at Leichhardt earlier in the season and then snapped a lengthy losing streak with a win over the Titans in the wet last month that showed just how loyal their fans are.

The hill was packed for the Tigers’ win over the Titans last month. Picture: Jason McCawley/Getty Images

“Last time we played here, we’d lost nine in a row,” Marshall said.

“We just talked about the fact that when we walked off after warm-up, the crowd actually gave us a standing ovation. Given what we’d been through, it really lifted the boys, so there’s no doubt that coming here and playing gives us a lift.

“At the same time, you’ve got to choose to play the right way, and we’re looking to do that tomorrow.

“It’s a special place to play, but that doesn’t help you win or lose. You’ve still got to bring the crowd into it by playing tough. If you show enough energy and intent, they’ll come with you, so we have to do that tomorrow because we’re playing a pretty fair side.

“I think it works both ways. You’ve still got to play tough football to bring them into it, and when they see your team doing it, they get on the back of it. You’ve got to choose that, and tomorrow we’re going to need that.”

Justin Olam will take on his former team after he overcame a knee injury. Picture: Jason McCawley/Getty Images

The Tigers are no longer last following Parramatta’s loss to the Rabbitohs on Thursday, but they can drop back to 17th if they lose by seven or more against the ladder leaders.

They will receive a boost with Olam to return from a knee injury. Luke Laulilii will drop out of the 17 and Solomona Faataape shift to the wing.

It’ll be Olam’s first game against the Storm having spent six seasons in Melbourne where he won a title in 2020.

“No point to prove, he’s just got to do his job,” Marshall said.

“I think it’s pretty fair to say that every game he’s played for us, he’s given everything. He brings energy and intent with the way that he plays, and that’s what we love about him.”

Originally published as ‘They get on the back of it’: Wests Tigers hoping to extend Leichhardt streak as star recruit gets the green light to face former team