James Tedesco makes long awaited return for Wests Tigers after injury

PROMISING fullback James Tedesco makes his long awaited return from injury for Wests Tigers against Penrith Panthers.

2013.02.05 Tigers

PROMISING fullback James Tedesco makes his long awaited return from injury for Wests Tigers in the trial against Penrith Panthers in Bathurst on Friday night.

The 20-year-old was tipped to be one of the rookies to watch in the NRL last season, but his season lasted just 29 minutes when he suffered a season ending knee injury.

Tedesco was in tears after suffering the injury in the opening round last season against Cronulla Sharks at Leichhardt Oval.

But he gets his chance in the trial at Carrington Park, which is mainly made up of players from the NSW Cup and under-20s squad.

New recruits in back-rower Bodene Thompson and centre Rory Brien will make their first appearance for Wests Tigers.

Five-eighth Sean Meaney, who captained Balmain in NSW Cup last season, is the only other player in the Wests Tigers side with NRL experience.

Eight players from the 2012 under-20s premiership winning team will play their first senior game in David Nofoaluma, Asipeli Fine, Joel Luani, Mosese Fotuaika, Inno Inosesio, Soni Paasi, Sauaso Sue and Sitaleki Akauola.

Promising half Luke Brooks has been given an opportunity at halfback after impressing new coach Mick Potter during pre-season training.

Brooks is yet to play an under-20s game after playing SG Ball for Balmain Tigers last season.

Wests Tigers: 1 James Tedesco, 2 David Nofoaluma , 3 Rory Brien, 4 Tim Simona, 5 Asipeli Fine, 6 Sean Meaney, 7 Luke Brooks, 8 Jack Buchanan, 9 Joel Luani, 10 Mosese Fotuaika, 11 Taqele Naiyaravoro, 12 Bodene Thompson, 13 Jarred Farlow. Interchange: 14 Sean Spence, 15 Michael Bullock, 16 Josh Davis, 17 Inno Inosesio, 18 Dave Harris, 19 Soni Paasi, 22 Sauaso Sue, 23 Sitaleki Akauola