Foundation Cup - 100 Years Strong
Foundation clubs the Roosters, and now merged Wests and Balmain will square off this Saturday in a trial to celebrate 100 years of Rugby League.
Tigers coach Tim Sheens announced at the press conference his side would certainly be taking the match seriously and will be looking to fire on all cylinders. "This will be a serious hit-out for our players and the players are eagerly awaiting this match" Sheens said.
The trial kicks off at 7.30pm this Saturday night at Aussie Stadium.
"The guys are looking forward to this and so am I, this will be a good test right across all grades" Sheens added.
Unfortunately for the Tigers, the return of Benji Marshall and Brett Hodgson has been delayed until possibly their next hit out against Canberra.
Chris Andersen has named a young side to represent the Roosters; with noted ommissions: Anasta, Minnichello, Wing or Harrison.
A lot of focus from the Roosters point of view will be on young half back Mitchell Pearce; son of Balmain great Wayne. He has got the nod over Jamie Soward who will play from the bench. Of interest is also the return of Joel Monahagn; who missed all of 2006 with a knee injury and coming from the bench will be new forward signings: Nate Myles and Chris Beattie.
The sides are:
Wests Tigers: S McDonnell, D Fitzhenry, D Collis, P Whatuira, T Tuiaki, L Fulton, J Morris, D Halatau, C Heighington, B Galea, R O'Hara, R Farah, T Payten. Inter: C Lawrence, T Metuisela, K Galloway, S Flanagan, B Gibbs, D Galea, R Trimarchi.
Sydney Roosters: S Foley, V Mellars, J Monaghan, S Perrett, J Williams, M Aubusson, M Pearce, A Schubert, N Plum, L Paea, M Paea, G Ndaira, C Tonga. Inter: F Nuuausala, N Myles, J Soward, C Beattie, J Lewis, H L'Estrange, S Kenny-Dowall.
