Local products James Tedesco and Mick Potter glad to be back in Camden with Wests Tigers

A WESTS Tigers trial match at Camden will bring back memories for James Tedesco and Mick Potter.

JAMES Tedesco and Mick Potter will recall fond memories when the Wests Tigers run onto Kirkham Oval for an NRL trial match against Penrith on February 8.

For fullback Tedesco, a Camden Rams junior, Kirkham Oval was where he discovered his love of league.

"I've had a lot of memories and great times at this ground, so I'm glad Mick has told me that I'm playing because my family and friends will be coming down," Tedesco told the Chronicle.

Tedesco had a breakthrough season after recovering from a torn anterior cruciate ligament in 2012 - scoring eight tries for the Tigers last season before representing Italy at the Rugby League World Cup.

James Tedesco during the Wests Tigers v South Sydney Rabbitohs game at Allianz Stadium, Sydney.

"Looking back I can't complain about my season; I played for City origin and represented Italy at the World Cup, which was definitely one of the highlights of my career so far," he said.

"Especially working off guys like (Anthony) Minichiello, who's the most experienced fullback in the game at the moment."

For Wests Tigers coach Potter, the trial represents the full circle of his career.

"Before I was at St Gregory's College I went to Elderslie High School from Years 7 to Year 10 … it's a full circle really," he said.

In his final years at St Gregory's, Potter began his playing career with Cantebury Bulldogs - where he became the first fullback to win the Dally M Player of the Year award - before repeating that feat at St George Dragons.

After his retirement in 1996, Potter turned to coaching and enjoyed stints with Catalans Dragons, St Helens and Bradford Bulls.

Potter was then appointed as coach of the Tigers in October 2012, following the sacking of Tim Sheens.

Wests Tigers head coach Mick Potter with his assistant coaches David Kidwell and Todd Payten at Concord Oval, Concord. Picture Gregg Porteous.

"Some of the experiences I've had have been fantastic and I wouldn't change them for anything. "It's good to be back here (in Camden). I'm hoping to catch up with some people that I know to have a laugh and my family still lives around the region."

Potter said he was excited to bring NRL action to Camden.

"(Kirkham) is a suburban ground that's doing a fantastic job for the region. The fans don't have to travel as it's right in their homeland," he said.

"Penrith have improved their squad dramatically and this will be a competitive match."