Wests Tigers installed as favourites to beat Melbourne Storm in NRL round 14 clash

RICKY Stuart's decision to snub props Aaron Woods and Keith Galloway from Origin II has benefited the Wests Tigers.

RICKY Stuart's decision to snub Aaron Woods and Keith Galloway from Origin II has benefited the Wests Tigers.

They will remain at almost full strength for their trip to Melbourne - and even start favourites with the bookies.

The availability of powerhouse props Woods and Galloway will see the Tigers posted as short as $1.40 with TAB Sportsbet today.

Competition leaders Melbourne will be without their own Origin stars Cooper Cronk, Billy Slater and Cameron Smith.

Tigers coach Tim Sheens was not prepared to get drawn into the debate about Woods and Galloway missing out on a NSW jumper, but he didn't expect to have the pair available to be selected for Friday's trip south.

Sheens hopes Woods and Galloway will knuckle down and work harder in light of missing out on a NSW jumper, similar to the way Manly back-rower Anthony Watmough earned a Blues recall after sitting out Origin I.

"From my point of view, I'd prefer to see those boys playing State of Origin," Sheens said.

"I wasn't expecting both of them to play (on Friday), but it means bugger all if they don't fire up and play well (against Melbourne). Their role is to go forward and they're doing that. "I'm not getting dragged into the fact that having those guys there, we'll automatically win the game.

"Melbourne have got Ryan Hinchcliffe at nine, and he's not a bad option given he was talked up as a utility for NSW - and was even mentioned in the Australian side.

"They are well-drilled, they know what they have to do, and nine-tenths of their squad is still there.

"So I'm sure they'll be able to handle it."

The Tigers have strung together six wins to move into the top four on the NRL ladder, but are yet to come up against stiff opposition like Melbourne.

Sheens said even if the Tigers triumph - and the club wins its first game on Victorian soil - they still won't receive any accolades.

"When you play against the Storm and they've got their three key players out, you're damned if you do and damned if you don't," Sheens said.

"If you win it's because you're suppose to win. You won't get credit."

Sheens has up to three options as cover for his sole Origin representative, skipper and No.9 Robbie Farah. Tom Humble is one contender.

Sheens hinted he is happy to trial a newcomer in the role, but he will wait until the end of training today before making a decision.

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