Wests Tigers stars’ fitness doubts ahead of opening-round clash with South Sydney

JUST four days out from their explosive opening-round clash with South Sydney, some of the Wests Tigers’ biggest stars are battling niggling injury.

Mitchell Moses watches on from the sidelines during Wests Tigers training session at Concord Oval, Concord. Picture: Gregg Porteous

MITCHELL Moses failed to pull on a pair of boots, Luke Brooks and James Tedesco received running repairs to their hamstrings, Matt Ballin was restricted to light duties while Jamal Idris left the field and returned with his left knee heavily strapped.

Just four days out from their explosive opening-round clash with former club favourite Robbie Farah, some of the Wests Tigers’ biggest stars were battling niggles usually associated with the end of an NRL season.

The biggest concern was Moses whose Concord Oval cameo early on Monday featured him completing a few passing drills, then no more than five minutes taking part in an opposed session.

BURGESS SICK OF FARAH TALK

Mitchell Moses watches on from the sidelines during Wests Tigers training. Photo: Gregg Porteous

While Moses is expected to line up against Souths, he will do so on a limited preparation that featured just 50 minutes in the All Stars game.

A foot injury he picked up in that game robbed Moses of a final pre-season blowout against North Queensland.

Coach Jason Taylor said after that trial Moses had bone bruising and his foot was sore, ‘’but he’ll just have to toughen up and get through it’’.

While Souths are missing halfback Adam Reynolds because of appendicitis, the Tigers will back themselves to continue their decent record against the Redfern club should Moses and Brooks be available. They have won their past three against Souths, and scored more than 30 points in each game.

Luke Brooks gets some attention on his hamstring. Photo: Gregg Porteous

Brooks, who missed the final two trials because of hamstring tightness, received treatment after the warm-up before he joined the main group.

Ballin returns from a second knee reconstruction and remains hopeful of playing on Friday against Farah. Matt McIlwrick spent the majority of the session at dummy half.

Teenage rookie Moses Suli also looks to be the frontrunner for the left wing spot outside Idris judging by Monday’s session.

Farah will need little motivation to impress his new club but also embarrass his former club — and more specifically coach Taylor — for showing him the door after 14 loyal years of service.

The Tigers know the pressure will be on right from the start. Photo: Gregg Porteous

Chris Lawrence spent a decade playing along side Farah, and backed his good mate to come out firing.

“Not only because it is against us, but being his first game for a new club, he’s definitely going to be fired up and want to put in a big performance,’’ Lawrence said.

“For me personally it will be weird. I’ve played all my footy with Robbie, but after the first couple of minutes and tackles and runs, it will be like a regular game.’’

Prop Tim Grant said of Farah: “Robbie will really help their forward pack bringing their big boys on to the ball.

“I only played with Robbie in a couple of games, but with him you know what to expect, you know he’s a competitor, he plays with speed and puts his forwards on to the ball.’’