Impressive Fiji Bati hooker Apisai Koroisau will shift back to his usual halves position in Wests Tigers Round 26 NRL match against the Sydney Roosters at the refurbished Allianz Stadium on Saturday.
While he was exceptional at halfback, skipper Koroisau will shift back to his usual dummy-half role with experienced utility Will Smith wearing the number seven jersey.
Tim Sheens’ side will be without hooker Jake Simpkin, who was concussed after scoring a crucial try in last week’s one-point win.
Smith will be opposed by Sam Walker, who is set to play his first game in the top flight since Round 7.
Meanwhile Fiji Bati halfback Brandon Wakeham makes his return to the Tigers and starts from the bench after missing out on his selection in the previous three rounds.
The Tigers will need to defy recent history to defeat the Roosters as the tri-colours have emerged victorious in all but two of their 22 previous encounters with the joint venture.
The Tigers will face off against the Roosters 5.30pm.
The teams:
Roosters: Joseph Manu, Daniel Tupou, Billy Smith, Corey Allan, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Luke Keary, Sam Walker, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Brandon Smith, Lindsay Collins, Siua Wong, Nat Butcher.
Subs: Victor Radley, Sandon Smith, Fletcher Baker, Terrell May, Angus Crichton, Drew Hutchison, Egan Butcher, Zach Dockar-Clay, Fetalaiga Pauga, Naufahu Whyte.
Tigers: Jahream Bula, David Nofoaluma, Triston Reilly, Asu Kepaoa, Junior Tupou, Daine Laurie, Will Smith, Stefano Utoikamanu, Apisai Koroisau, David Klemmer, Isaiah Papali’I, John Bateman, Fonua Pole.
Subs: Justin Matamua, Shawn Blore, Alex Twal, Alex Seyfarth, Aitasi James, Brandon Wakeham, Josh Feledy, Kit Laulilii, Tommy Talau.
