Matt Ballin to make Wests Tigers debut after Robbie Farah is ruled out with concussion

THE heavy concussion suffered by Robbie Farah has paved the way for Matt Ballin to make his Wests Tigers debut against the struggling Knights.

Matt Ballin will make his Wests Tigers debut against the Knights. Picture: Peter Lorimer.

THE heavy concussion suffered by Robbie Farah has paved the way for Matt Ballin to make his Wests Tigers debut a week early.

Ballin was named on the interchange for Saturday’s clash with Newcastle, with coach Jason Taylor keen to rotate his new recruit with starting hooker Dene Halatau.

Taylor watched Ballin spend time at lock in his comeback game from a knee injury via reserve grade last weekend, but said he would not spend any time there against the Knights.

Josh Reynolds attends to Robbie Farah after unintentionally knocking the Tigers veteran unconscious.

“He scored a try at lock and that helped him because getting out of dummy-half meant he had to carry the ball up for about 10 to 15 minutes, and that allowed him to get tackled, which was good for his confidence,’’ Taylor said.

“He was really solid. The opportunity has probably come a week early for Matty with Robbie’s unfortunate situation, but Matty was always going to be playing the following week (with Farah away for Origin).’’

The Tigers are still without James Tedesco (shoulder), with stand-in fullback Justin Hunt avoiding suspension for his wayward high shot on Canterbury’s Moses Mbye.

Hunt revealed he feared he could have been sidelined for the Mbye coat-hanger, especially given how damning the replays looked.

Dogs’ fans at ANZ Stadium on Sunday wanted Hunt marched. He was hit with a grade-two careless high tackle, but escaped suspension with an early plea.

Matt Ballin will make his Wests Tigers debut against the Knights. Picture: Peter Lorimer.

“I never go out with an intention to hurt anyone in the game,’’ Hunt said, as he was ridiculed by his teammates.

“When Mbye went down the sideline, he’s such a quick player, I didn’t want to show him the sideline too much knowing how fast he is, and when he stepped it was a reaction thing. Obviously it looked bad, but I made sure he was alright. He was fine with it, Even the Dogs’ boys knew I didn’t mean it.’’