It has been big week off the field for the Tigers with the shock news that start five-eight Benji Marshall has request to be released from the final two years of his current contract to pursue a career in Rugby Union in 2014.

It is not the news the struggling outfit, currently fourteenth on the ladder, needed in a season that has already been a testing one.

After two wins against Canberra and Melbourne, the Tigers failed to make it three on the trot when handed a 14 point defeat (36 – 22) from Cronulla in round 17.

A poor completion rate and limited time with ball in the hand saw the Tigers down 24 – 0 nil at the break. They posted three quick tries on resumption of play but the lead established by the Sharks was a bridge too far.

It was only the Tigers’ second lost in the past six weeks and the return to Leichhardt, where they are unbeaten in three games thus far this season, should coincide with an improved effort.

Their opponents, the New Zealand Warriors had won five straight, faced the competition front-runners South Sydney in round 17 and led at the break, 13 – 6.

However, with the game being played in Perth, the unusual and long trip told on the Warriors in the second half and they were unable to add to their score and lost, 30 – 13.

They would’ve appreciated the week off last round to get over that road-trip and, being on 14 competition points, desperately need a win here to keep in touch of a group of four teams on 16 points above them.

The last two encounters between these two sides have resulted in 2 point victories on each occasion – one to each side and, continued a recent history of close matches between the two sides.

Think this game will end in a similar fashion but with New Zealand needing the win more than the Tigers.

Odds comparison by NRL Odds:

Wests Tigers	2.35	2.25	2.32	2.25	2.35	2.35
New Zealand Warriors	1.60	1.65	1.63	1.65	1.60	1.60

Teams:

Wests Tigers:

James Tedesco, David Nofoaluma, Blake Ayshford, Chris Lawrence, Tim Simona, Benji Marshall, Curtis Sironen, Aaron Woods, Robbie Farah (capt), Adam Blair, Liam Fulton, Bodene Thompson, Suaso Sue. Interchange: Ava Seumanufagai, Jack Buchanan, Ben Murdoch-Masila, Braith Anasta, Shaun Spence (one to be omitted).

New Zealand Warriors:

Kevin Locke, Glen Fisiiahi, Dane Nielsen, Konrad Hurrell, Manu Vatuvei, Thomas Leuluai, Shaun Johnson, Sam Rapira, Nathan Friend, Ben Matulino, Feleti Mateo, Simon Mannering (capt), Elijah Taylor. Interchange: Charlie Gubb, Jacob Lillyman, Todd Lowrie, Dominique Peyroux, Ngani Laumape, Russell Packer, Suaia Matagi (three to be omitted).

Referees: Gavin Badger, Luke Phillips.