Friday night’s only NRL Round 19 match is between Wests Tigers and New Zealand Warriors. The opening kick is set to commence at 7:45pm local time with the game to be played at Leichhardt Oval. The away team the New Zealand Warriors are the current favourites in the market. View our preview and teams for the game between Wests Tigers and New Zealand Warriors.

Leichhardt Oval

Friday, 7.45pm

Wests Tigers $2.35 vs New Zealand Warriors $1.60 at Sportsbet Australia get a $250 FREE BET on this match

Wests Tigers $2.32 vs New Zealand Warriors $1.63 at Luxbet Australia get a $500 FREE BET on this match

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

Preview:

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.

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.

Marshall linked to Super Rugby’s Rebels

Wests Tigers’ playmaker Benji Marshall’s management reportedly contacted Super Rugby franchise the Melbourne Rebels six weeks ago to gauge their interest in the NRL star.

According to News Limited, the Rebels insist the Australian Rugby Union (ARU) must make the first move before they can consider signing Marshall.

The 28-year-old is keen to play rugby union and has already been been linked to the NSW Waratahs and New Zealand outfit the Blues.

Marshall wants to quit the Tigers at the end of the season despite having two years left on his contract.

Rebels chief executive Rob Clarke has told the Herald Sun that the ARU has always taken the lead in the first instance in such situations.

“… Just like other big name league players in the past … it appears that that’s where the discussion is at at the moment.

“I’ve obviously said that, depending on the outcome of those discussions, then the Rebels would be open-minded but, really, that’s all that’s been done at this point in time.”

However, Clarke cautioned that with Marshall, the Rebels would not rush into anything.