Rising Tigers centre to step-up after Joey Leilua banned for four weeks
Joey Leilua’s brain snap will see the Tigers centre sidelined for a month but the “dog shot” could have far greater implications for the firebrand centre.
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The Wests Tigers decision not to challenge Joey Leilua’s four-week ban has opened the door for rising back Reece Hoffman to make his mark in the NRL.
Hoffman, who starred alongside Brisbane's Xavier Coates and Fanitesi Niu for the Queensland Maroons under 18’s in 2019, is closing in on a NRL debut in Leilua’s absence.
If Hoffman is called on, it’s expected he will get his chance on the left wing with another rising prospect, Tommy Talau, shifting into right centre to replace the suspended Leilua.
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But experienced campaigner Michael Chee Kam, who has been playing off the bench, is the front runner to replace Leilua.
If coach Michael Maguire does go with Chee Kam then Talau remain on the left wing.
The powerful outside back has scored three tries in three games in 2020. Talau is averaging 142 run metres and has made 12 tackle busts playing on the wing but his preferred position at NRL level remains at centre.
Late last year Tigers legend Benji Marshall not only tipped Talau to replace centre Esan Marsters but said the 20-year old was the brightest prospect at the club since James Tedesco came through the ranks at Concord.
Marshall said Talau’s emergence would help Tigers fans move on from losing Tedesco to the Sydney Roosters.
“This kid [Talau] can play. In my opinion he could be anything,” Marshall said.
But if Maguire goes with Talau at centre, Hoffman comes into contention to make his debut on the left wing alongside Moses Mbye at centre.
Hoffman was close to receiving a call-up to replace an injured Talau in round six against the North Queensland Cowboys.
The Match Review Committee charged Leilua with a grade three dangerous contact – head/neck offence on Penrith’s Dylan Edwards. Leilua hit Edwards high off the ball in the 78th minute of the Tigers 19-12 loss to the Panthers on Saturday night.
The incident occurred after Leilua’s younger brother, Luciano, was taken off the field in the 58th minute following an accidental high shot for Penrith’s Api Koroisau.
It left Leilua highly emotional and agitated during the remainder of the game. His emotion finally spilt over with two minutes remaining and he was marched from the field for the off-the-ball tackle on Edwards.
It’s understood the Tigers football department, including coach Michael Maguire, met on Monday morning to discuss the merit in challenging the Match Review Committee’s decision.
The club believed there could be a case mounted to have the charge decreased to a grade two, which would only see Leilua miss two weeks of football. In the end, it was decided the risk was too high given a failed challenge at the judiciary would see Leilua rubbed out for six weeks.
Leilua’s four-week ban takes his tally to 11 game suspensions from 211 first grade appearances.
Tigers Mbye also suffered a knock to his knee against the Panthers but he is expected to take his place on Friday night.
Luciano Leilua will have to pass all concussion protocol during the week before he is given the all clear to return to the field.
Fellow forward Sam McIntyre was taken to hospital during the match after a head knock left him with a suspected facial fracture. McIntyre was cleared of any serious damage but like Leilua will have pass all HIA protocol before Friday night. Forwards Chris Lawrence and Chris McQueen are the likely replacements if Leilua or McIntyre are not available.