NRL 2022: Mitchell Moses move the real reason for Wests Tigers’ failure

Michael Maguire and Luke Brooks are copping plenty of heat over the Wests Tigers failure to succeed, but one club legend reckons the blame lies elsewhere.

Don’t blame Luke Brooks for what is wrong with Wests Tigers.

Blame the people who forced Mitchell Moses and James Tedesco out the door.

That’s the view of Benny Elias who has again blasted the club’s sliding doors decision from five years ago, declaring it not only cruelled Brooks’ career but cost the Tigers “a dynasty”.

It comes in the countdown to the Easter Monday clash between the Tigers and Parramatta, where the former halves pairing and housemates will go head-to-head once more.

We contacted the Tigers’ great, who is also Moses’ uncle, to get his take on where he thinks the Parramatta playmaker would be if he had of stayed at the club where he was earmarked as a future star.

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Wests Tigers Media Call held at Campbelltown Sports Stadium at Leumeah. Wests Tigers halves pairing Luke Brooks and Mitchell Moses

Of course back then Brooks was always considered the player with the brightest future, but Moses has since left him in his wake.

But it was the decision that forced Moses, Tedesco and Aaron Woods to all leave that Elias got most upset about. “It breaks your heart. It is so frustrating,” Elias said.

“Our biggest issue right now is how do you entice a player to come to our club? But if he (Moses) had stayed there Teddy would have stayed and so would Woodsie. And that is what you build a dynasty on.

“Look at what the Melbourne Storm did. The Roosters. You go through all of them. The backbone is the seven, the six and the one.

“Blind Freddy knew Moses and Tedesco were superstars. And Woods was a great leader. He was a State of Origin player, an Australian Test prop.”

Mitch Moses enjoying bragging rights over Luke Brooks. Art: Boo Bailey

At the time it was a highly emotive and controversial issue, with their agent Isaac Moses accused of holding the club to ransom when the four players all came off contract at the same time.

But while the club ultimately put a deadline on them that resulted in Moses, Tedesco and Woods leaving, the Tigers then went out and spent massive overs recruiting the likes of Josh Reynolds, Moses Mbye and Russell Packer.

If they had their time over you can’t help but wonder if they would have changed their tactics.

“If you ask Madge Maguire to have those players today (Moses, Tedesco and Woods) I know what his thoughts would be,” Elias added. “But unfortunately in one foul afternoon they didn’t agree to terms and they were told they could go to market.

“It changed our club. We would be a dominant side. How could you let those players go?

“They were happy. They lived together, for God’s sake, the three of them (Brooks, Moses and Tedesco).

“And Brooks would not be under any pressure today. “He would be a superstar because he would be surrounded by great players he grew up with.”

MAGUIRE’S GRAND PLAN TO UNLEASH BROOKS

Luke Brooks has conceded ownership of the Wests Tigers side to Jackson Hastings but the underfire five-eighth says his positional switch could help reignite his career.

Brooks also hit out at critics by declaring “why would I listen to what they say?”.

He will this week give up the No. 7 jersey he has largely occupied since his first full season in the top grade in 2014 and switch to five-eighth to accommodate Hastings.

In a wide-ranging interview, Brooks spoke about the move, reacted to the criticism surrounding his form and addressed the prospect of being axed from the side.

Brooks acknowledged that after 177 top grade games it is time to turn over control of the side to Hastings.

Jackson Hastings directs players at Tigers training (Photo by Mark Evans/Getty Images)

“Yeah, he is going to be first receiver and the prominent half,” Brooks said. “I’m going to play off the back of him. I’m looking forward to that new role. He adds a lot to our attack. He is a good talker. He leads the team around well. That takes a fair bit of pressure off me

“Madge (coach Michael Maguire) and I spoke about what works for me and gets me to play my best footy. That’s running the ball. The thought behind it is to get me running the ball.”

Brooks has been largely playing as a second receiver in recent weeks with Hastings suspended. Much of the Tigers winless start has been lumped on the shoulders of Maguire and Brooks.

Brooks said the critics did not bother him.

“I’m off all socials,” Brooks said. “It’s hard this day and age to fully stay away. I just do my best to not listen to any of it. That’s their job, to sell newspapers and get TV ratings. If it’s on me, it’s on me. It’s part of the game.

Wests Tigers coach Michael Maguire during training on Wednesday (Photo by Mark Evans/Getty Images)

“I’ve learnt to not worry about it. A lot of the people writing stuff have never played the game. They are having their two cents. Why would I listen to what they say? The opinions which matter to me are the people which matter at this club.

“I’m confident in my abilities. There are a few things in my game I need to fix. That will help me take opportunities that I’m not taking. I’m still confident in what I can do … I’m blocking out all the outside noise. Over the past few years it’s become the norm. I’m used to it.”

Brooks hopes the positional switch will return him to his 2018 form where he won halfback of the year after Benji Marshall largely took on the running of the side.

Hooker Jake Simpkin backed Hastings to direct the team.

“Jacko is very vocal,” Simpkin said. “It makes my job and the other boys’ job easier when he takes control like he does. It helps.”

Michael Maguire runs the show at Tigers’ training (Photo by Mark Evans/Getty Images)

Injured co-captain Adam Doueihi, whose return is still about two months away, has a mortgage on the No. 6 jersey. But Brooks had a blunt retort when asked if he feared joining the likes Tyrone Peachey, Jacob Liddle, Oliver Gildart and Ken Maumalo in getting dropped.

“I don’t know … not really,” Brooks said. “If it was to happen it’ll happen.”

The conjecture around the 27-year-old has continued since the off-season when he was linked with a move to Newcastle. He denied he had ever requested a release.

“I have this year and next year to go,” Brooks said. “I’m committed. Anyone who knows me, knows if I’m here I’m going to be fully committed.”

MADGE’S DESPERATE DICE THROW

Michael Maguire has made one last-ditch effort to revive under fire half Luke Brooks by switching him out of the No.7 jersey as Tigers bosses defend Justin Pascoe’s decision to take a holiday.

Maguire has thrown his faith behind Jackson Hastings to turn the club’s fortunes around against the Eels on Monday.

Hastings will start at halfback for the first time in the NRL in six years with the struggling Brooks shifted to five-eighth as the club battles a winless start to the year.

While Maguire was trying to work out how to revive his side, chief executive Pascoe is on leave.

It is understood the family holiday was originally planned for the off-season but was cancelled twice because of Covid-19. Pascoe has still been working and has spoken with Maguire and head of football Tim Sheens, despite officially being on holidays.

Wests Tigers CEO Justin Pascoe is still in communication with the club, despite being on holiday with his family. Picture: Brett Costello

Tigers chair Lee Hagipantelis defended Pascoe and refuted comparisons to Prime Minister Scott Morrison taking a holiday during the bushfires.

“It is a holiday that has been delayed a number of times due to Covid,” Hagipantelis said.

“A holiday that he has planned with his family for quite some time.

“He wrote to the board last week. The board said enjoy the holiday with your family. I don’t know how his presence would make much difference.

“I spoke to him numerous times. I know he has spoken to Tim and Madge (Michael Maguire). This is not a SCOMO (Morrison) moment. He is outside the jurisdiction but constantly on the phone. It is a question of perspective. From our perspective, it is not an issue.”

Brooks may have survived the chop but that did not stop Maguire from making widespread changes to his outfit, with co-captains Ken Maumalo and Tyrone Peachey dropped alongside Jacob Liddle and English recruit Oliver Gildart.

Luke Brooks and Jackson Hastings will team-up in the halves for the Tigres on Monday.

Jake Simpkin has earned a reprieve at hooker, with backrower Luke Garner moved to the centres. While Maguire has wielded the axe, the Dragons are staying patient by keeping their youngsters out of the top squad.

St George Illawarra coach Anthony Griffin has resisted recalling Tyrell Sloan and Talatau Amone to his starting side. Instead, veteran Aaron Woods has been axed while Josh McGuire and George Burgess are to play Newcastle from the bench.

Other team news includes;

– Newcastle welcoming back David Klemmer and naming Edrick Lee for his first time since 2020.

– Canberra youngster Xavier Savage named on the bench while Jarrod Croker again misses out on a spot in the top 17.

– Kyle Flanagan retains his spot at halfback for Canterbury.

– Manly centre Morgan Harper missing the match against Gold Coast because of Covid-19.

– Sam Verrills to start at hooker for the first time this year for the Roosters.

– Marata Niukore will play in the centres for an injury ravaged Eels backline.

Raiders young gun Xaviere Savage has been named on the bench this week.

ROUND 6 TEAMS

RAIDERS v COWBOYS

Thursday, 7.50pm, GIO Stadium, Canberra

Raiders

1. Charnze Nicholl-Klokstad, 2. Nick Cotric, 3. Matt Timoko, 4. Semi Valemei, 5. Jordan Rapana, 6. Jack Wighton, 7. Brad Schneider, 8. Josh Papalii, 9. Tom Starling, 10. Joseph Tapine, 11. Corey Harawira-Naera, 12. Elliott Whitehead, 13. Ryan Sutton

Bench: 14. Xavier Savage, 15. Emre Guler, 16. Adam Elliott, 17. Corey Horsburgh

Reserves: 18. Sebastian Kris, 19. Hudson Young, 20. Matt Frawley, 21. Albert Hopoate, 22. Jarrod Croker, 23. Trey Mooney, 24. Peter Hola

TEAM NEWS: Coach Ricky Stuart has dropped utility half/hooker Matt Frawley off his bench in favour of speed machine Xavier Savage. Jarrod Wallace (reserves) has been strong in NSW Cup and is a chance to come into the starting lineup. Ryan Sutton is still preferred to Hudson Young at lock.

Cowboys

1. Scott Drinkwater, 2. Kyle Feldt, 3. Valentine Holmes, 4. Peta Hiku, 5. Murray Taulagi, 6. Tom Dearden, 7. Chad Townsend, 8. Jordan McLean, 9. Reece Robson, 10. Coen Hess, 11. Tom Gilbert, 12. Jeremiah Nanai, 13. Jason Taumalolo

Bench: 14. Jake Granville, 15. Helium Luki, 16. Reuben Cotter, 17. Connely Lemuelu

Reserves: 18. Emry Pere, 19. Brendan Elliot, 20. Riley Price, 21. Daejarn Asi, 22. Ben Condon, 23. Ben Hampton, 24. Tomas Chester

TEAM NEWS: The return of Coen Hess pushes Reuben Cotter to the bench, but it’s not doom and gloom for the popular SuperCoach buy as he is joined on the bench by centre-cum-second-row Connely Leumuelu, hooker Jake Granville and second-rower Heilum Luki. Cotter should still play plenty of minutes with Griffin Neme and Jamayne Taunoa-Brown (both Covid protocols) out.

Blake Taaffe is taking over from Latrell Mitchell at fullback.

RABBITOHS v BULLDOGS

Friday, 4pm, Accor Stadium, Sydney

Rabbitohs

1. Blake Taaffe, 2. Alex Johnston, 3. Taane Milne, 4. Campbell Graham, 5. Josh Mansour, 6. Cody Walker, 7. Lachlan Ilias, 8. Tevita Tatola, 9. Damien Cook, 10. Thomas Burgess, 11. Keaon Koloamatangi, 12. Jai Arrow, 13. Cameron Murray

Bench: 14. Hame Sele, 15. Jacob Host, 16. Davvy Moale, 17. Liam Knight

Reserves: 18. Siliva Havili, 19. Isaiah Tass, 20. Peter Mamouzelos, 21. Richard Kennar, 22. Dean Hawkins, 23. Jaxson Paulo, 24. Terrell Kalo Kalo

TEAM NEWS: Latrell Mitchell (hamstring) is out for approximately eight weeks which sees Blake Taafe slot into fullback in his place. Hame Sele is the man to fill Taaffe’s bench spot despite many thinking Siliva Havili might get the job.

Bulldogs

1. Matt Dufty, 2. Brent Naden, 3. Braidon Burns, 4. Jake Averillo, 5. Josh Addo-Carr, 6. Matt Burton, 7. Kyle Flanagan, 8. Luke Thompson, 9. Jeremy Marshall-King, 10. Paul Vaughan, 11. Corey Waddell, 12. Tevita Pangai Jr, 13. Josh Jackson

Bench: 14. Brandon Wakeham, 15. Chris Patolo, 16. Max King, 17. Joe Stimson

Reserves: 19. Bailey Biondi-Odo, 20. Reece Hoffman, 21. Aaron Schoupp, 22. Jackson Topine, 23. Ava Seumanufagai, 24. Josh Cook, 25. Corey Allen

TEAM NEWS: Coach Barrett has stuck by Kyle Flanagan in the halves and declined to make wholesale changes just swapping Chris Patolo from the reserves to the interchange in place of Ava Seumanufagai.

Corey Jensen has some big shoes to fill.

PANTHERS v BRONCOS

Friday, 7.55pm, BlueBet Stadium, Penrith

Panthers

1. Dylan Edwards, 2. Charlie Staines, 3. Izack Tago, 4. Stephen Crichton, 5. Taylan May, 6. Jarome Luai, 7. Nathan Cleary, 8. Matthew Eisenhuth, 9. Api Koroisau, 10. James Fisher-Harris, 11. Viliame Kikau, 12. Liam Martin, 13. Isaah Yeo. Bench: 14. Mitch Kenny, 15. Scott Sorensen, 16. Spencer Leniu, 17. Jaeman Salmon

Reserves: 18. Robert Jennings, 19. Chris Smith, 20. J’Maine Hopgood, 21. Lindsay Smith, 22. Soni Luke, 23. Christian Chrichton, 24. Sean O’Sullivan

TEAM NEWS: Unchanged in a gift to rugby league journos on TLT.

Broncos

1. Tesi Niu, 2. Corey Oates, 3. Kotoni Staggs, 4. Herbie Farnworth, 5. Selwyn Cobbo, 6. Billy Walters, 7. Adam Reynolds, 8. Keenan Palasia, 9. Jake Turpin, 10. Corey Jensen, 11. Kurt Capewell, 12. Jordan Riki, 13. Kobe Hetherington

Bench: 14. Ryan James, 15. Rhys Kennedy, 16. TC Robati, 17. Cory Paix

Reserves: 18. Tyson Gamble, 19. Delouise Hoeter, 20. Jordan Pereira, 21. Ezra Mam, 22. Te Maire Martin, 23. Ethan Quai-Ward, 24. Logan Bayliss

TEAM NEWS: Corey Jensen has big shoes to fill replacing Payne Haas (suspended) in the starting lineup. Rhys Kennedy joins the interchange.

Manly are ready to unleash Tolutau Koula again.

SEA EAGLES v TITANS

Saturday, 5.30pm, 4 Pines Park, Sydney

Sea Eagles

1. Reuben Garrick, 2. Jason Saab, 3. Brad Parker, 4. Tolatau Koula, 5. Christian Tuipulotu, 6. Kieran Foran, 7. Daly Cherry-Evans, 8.Josh Aloiai, 9. Lachlan Croker, 10. Martin Taupau, 11. Haumole Olakau’atu, 12. Andrew Davey, 13. Jake Trbojevic

Bench: 14. Dylan Walker, 15. Karl Lawton, 16. Sean Keppie, 17. Taniela Paseka

Reserves: 18. Ethan Bullemor, 19. Ben Trbojevic 20. Toafofoa Sipley, 21. Jorge Taufua, 22. Kurt De Luis, 23. Kaeo Weekes, 24. James Roumanos

TEAM NEWS: Is this yet another work of fiction from Des Hasler? Marty Taupau has been named to start at prop but is not expected to play. Elsewhere, Tolu Koula has been named at centre, replacing Morgan Harper (Covid), and Reuben Garrick at fullback a combination that may eventuate unlike when Hasler named Koula at fullback a fortnight ago.

Titans

1. Jamayne Isaako, 2. Phillip Sami, 3.Brian Kelly, 4. Patrick Herbert, 5. Greg Marzhew, 6. AJ Brimson, 7. Toby Sexton, 8. Moeaki Fotuaika, 9. Erin Clark, 10. Isaac Liu, 11. David Fifita, 12. Beau Fermor, 13. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui

Bench: 14. Will Smith, 15. Sam Lisone, 16. Jaimin Jolliffe, 17. Jarrod Wallace

Reserves: 18. Paul Turner, 19. Kevin Proctor 20. Herman Ese’ese, 21. Sam McIntyre 22. Corey Thompson 23. Tanah Boyd 24. Sosefo Fifita

TEAM NEWS: Young fullback Jayden Campbell has not yet recovered gifting Jamayne Isaako another start at fullback for the Titans. Brian Kelly does return though which sees veteran Corey Thompson dropped to the reserves. The Titans have opted to run a three prop bench with Sam Lisone called in to replace Kevin Proctor.

There’s no room for Royce Hunt in the Sharks 17.

STORM v SHARKS

Saturday, 7.35pm, AAMI Park, Melbourne

Storm

1. Ryan Papenhuyzen, 2. Nick Meaney, 3. Reimis Smith, 4. Justin Olam, 5. Xavier Coates, 6. Cameron Munster, 7. Jahrome Hughes, 8. Jesse Bromwich, 9. Harry Grant, 10. Nelson Asofa-Solomona, 11. Felise Kaufusi, 12. Kenny Bromwich, 13. Josh King

Bench: 14. Brandon Smith, 15. Tyran Wishart, 16. Trent Loiero, 17. Tepai Moeroa

Reserves: 18. Chris Lewis, 19. Alec MacDonald, 20. Marion Seve, 21. Jordan Grant, 22. Jayden Nikorima, 23. Will Warbrick, 24. Sualauvi Faalogo

TEAM NEWS: Just one change, the Storm have dropped young prop Alec MacDonald off the bench in place of backup hooker Tyran Wishart indicating Brandon Smith will play though the middle.

Sharks

1. Will Kennedy, 2. Sione Katoa, 3. Jesse Ramien, 4. Siosifa Talakai, 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo, 6. Matt Moylan, 7. Nicho Hynes, 8. Toby Rudolf, 9. Blayke Brailey, 10. Braden Hamlin-Uele, 11. Briton Nikora, 12. Teig Wilton, 13. Dale Finucane

Bench: 14. Aiden Tolman, 15. Cameron McInnes, 16. Jack Williams, 17. Andrew Fifita

Reserves: 18. Braydon Trindall, 19. Mawene Hiroti, 20. Lachlan Miller 21. Royce Hunt 22. Kade Dykes, 23. Jonaiah Lualua, 24. Franklin Pele

TEAM NEWS: He may be the NRL’s strongest man, but Royce Hunt cannot muscle his way onto the Cronulla bench, dropped in favour of Aiden Tolman in the only change.

Sam Verrills is back and comes straight into the Roosters side.

ROOSTERS v WARRIORS

Sunday, 2pm, SCG, Sydney

Roosters

1. James Tedesco, 2. Daniel Tupou, 3. Paul Momirovski, 4. Joey Manu, 5. Billy Smith, 6. Sam Walker, 7. Luke Keary, 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, 9. Sam Verrills, 10. Lindsay Collins, 11. Nat Butcher, 12. Sitili Tupouniua, 13. Victor Radley

Bench: 14. Connor Watson, 15. Fletcher Baker, 16. Angus Crichton, 17. Siosiua Taukeiaho

Reserves: 18. Lachlan Lam, 19. Naufahu Whyte, 20. Adam Keighran, 21. Renouf Atoni, 22. Daniel Suluka-Fifita, 23. Joseph Suaalii 24. Drew Hutchison

TEAM NEWS: Key return for the Roosters with first-choice hooker Sam Verrills to play his first game of the season, coming straight into the starting lineup with Drew Hutchison dropping to the reserves. Veteran Siosiua Taukeiaho returns after missing last week and returns via the bench. Daniel Suluka-Fifita joins Hutchison in the reserves.

Warriors

1. Reece Walsh, 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, 3. Jesse Arthars, 4. Adam Pompey, 5. Edward Kosi, 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita, 7. Shaun Johnson, 8. Addin Fonua-Blake, 9. Wayde Egan, 10. Matt Lodge, 11. Euan Aitken, 12. Bayley Sironen, 13. Josh Curran

Bench: 14. Kodi Nikorima, 15. Bunty Afoa, 16. Aaron Pene 17. Eliesa Katoa

Reserves: 18. Taniela Otukolo, 20. Viliami Vailea, 21. Pride Patterson-Robati, 22. Rocco Berry 23. Otukinekina Kepu, 24. Junior Ratuva, 25. Valingi Kepu

TEAM NEWS: With Marcelo Montoya to face the judiciary (contrary conduct) he has not been named and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak named in his place. Eliesa Katoa comes on to the bench in place of Jack Murchie

Edrick Lee was part of the Queensland Origin success in 2020.

DRAGONS v KNIGHTS

Sunday, 4.05pm, WIN Stadium, Wollongong

Dragons

1. Moses Mbye, 2. Mathew Feagai, 3. Moses Suli, 4. Zac Lomax, 5. Mikaele Ravalawa, 6. Jack Bird, 7. Ben Hunt, 8. Francis Molo, 9. Andrew McCullough, 10. Josh Kerr, 11. Tariq Sims, 12. Jaydn Su’A, 13. Jack De Belin

Bench: 14. Talatau Amone, 15. Blake Lawrie, 16. Josh McGuire, 17. George Burgess

Reserves: 18. Tautau Moga, 19. Jackson Ford, 20. Aaron Woods, 21. Tyrell Sloan, 22. Jack Gosiewski, 23.

TEAM NEWS: Coach Anthony Griffin is shuffling his deckchairs Aaron Woods dropped to the reserves and Josh Kerr named to start. Josh McGuire returns from suspension and is named on the interchange, joined there by George Burgess. Tyrell Sloan is still in the reserves and Talatau Amone on the interchange with the coach not trusting his young playmakers.

Knights

1. Kalyn Ponga, 2. Edrick Lee, 3. Dane Gagai, 4. Bradman Best, 5. Enari Tuala, 6. Jake Clifford, 7. Adam Clune, 8. David Klemmer, 9. Chris Randall, 10. Daniel Saifiti, 11. Tyson Frizell, 12. Brodie Jones, 13. Kurt Mann

Bench: 14. Phoenix Crossland, 15. Jacob Saifiti, 16. Leo Thompson 17. Sauaso Sue

Reserves: 18. Simi Sasagi, 19. Pasami Saulo, 20. Tex Hoy, 21. Jack Johns, 22. Jaron Purcell, 23. Dylan Lucas, 24. Brayden Musgrove

TEAM NEWS: Big Edrick Lee is finally back in the NRL and just in time too replacing the injured Dom Young on the wing. David Klemmer’s return is also fortuitous and he returns to the starting front row which sees Jacob Saifiti slide to the interchange.

EELS v TIGERS

Monday, 4pm, CommBank Stadium, Sydney

Eels

1. Clint Gutherson, 2. Will Penisini, 3. Tom Opacic, 4. Marata Niukore, 5. Bailey Simonsson, 6. Dylan Brown, 7. Mitchell Moses, 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard, 9. Reed Mahoney, 10. Oregon Kaufusi, 11. Shaun Lane, 12. Isaiah Papali’i, 13. Nathan Brown

Bench: 14. Makahesi Makatoa, 15. Ryan Matterson, 16. Hayze Perham, 17. Mitch Rein

Reserves: 18. Bryce Cartwright, 19. Jake Arthur, 20. Wiremu Greig, 21. Ky Rodwell, 22. Samuel Loizou, 23. Elie El-Zakhem, 24. Zac Cini

TEAM NEWS: Speaking of fortuitous returns, Marata Niukore is ready to play his first game of the season and he slots straight into centre allowing Will Penisini to move out to the wing replacing the injured Waqa Blake. Junior Paulo (suspended) is out so Oregon Kaufusi is set to start at prop. Shaun Lane pushed on to an edge, Ryan Matterson to the bench.

Tigers

1. Daine Laurie, 2. Nofoaluma, 3. James Roberts, 4. Luke Garner, 5. Starford To’a, 6. Luke Brooks, 7. Jackson Hastings, 8. James Tamou, 9. Jake Simpkin, 10. Zane Musgrove, 11. Kelma Tuilagi, 12. Luciano Leilua, 13. Joe Ofahengaue.Bench: 14. Jock Madden, 15. Alex Twal, 16. Thomas Mikaele, 17. Alex Seyfarth

Reserves: 18. Tyrone Peachey, 19. Jacob Liddle, 20. Oliver Gildart, 21. Ken Maumalo, 22. Tukimihia Simpkins. 23. Junior Tupou, 24. Austin Dias

TEAM NEWS: Michael Maguire has had enough – and some injured players return. Jackson Hastings (suspension) returns, but he will swap positions with Luke Brooks and is named at seven instead of six. Daine Laurie (Covid) is back and starts at fullback which sees Star To’a move to the wing. James Roberts returns in the centres. Ken Maumalo may be a captain but he is not in the team and he is joined in the reserves by Jacob Liddle and Tyrone Peachey.