Dual international Lote Tuqiri will make his long-awaited return from a wrist injury when he starts for Wests Tigers in their NRL clash with South Sydney on Sunday.

Tuqiri will play his first match since undergoing wrist reconstruction surgery in December.

His inclusion is the most notable change to the side that was beaten 30-16 by Canberra on Monday night.

Tigers coach Tim Sheens has reacted sternly to the loss, with halfback Jacob Miller axed and Blake Ayshford and Matt Groat both benched.

Tom Humble has been given the all-important job partnering Benji Marshall in the halves.

Joel Reddy will move to the centres from the wing to replace Ayshford.