Wests Tigers ready to unleash Justin Olam against Storm
Benji Marshall insists Justin Olam has nothing to prove to the Melbourne Storm as the Papua New Guinea centre returns for Wests Tigers to face his former club.
Marshall confirmed Olam, who has been sidelined for the last two weeks with a knee injury, will come back into the Tigers side for Saturday’s meeting with the Storm at Leichhardt Oval.
As AAP revealed last month, Olam has been receiving plasma injections in his knee and has been on limited training duties.
But Marshall says the premiership-winning centre is poised to return against a Storm side who were happy to cut him loose after an injury-affected 2023 campaign.
“Justin will come in for Luke (Laulilii),” Marshall said.
“He’s got no point to prove, he’s just got to do his job.
“It’s pretty fair to say every game he’s given us everything.
“He brings an energy and an intent with how he plays and that’s what we love about him.”
Olam’s return will shift Solomona Faataape to the wing as the Tigers look to continue their winning streak at Leichhardt Oval.
The Tigers have won their last three games at the venue, their longest unbeaten run at the antiquated ground in over a decade.
Earlier this week the club announced from next season Leichhardt would host just three games, with the Tigers playing four games at CommBank Stadium in Parramatta and the same number at Campbelltown.
That’s despite the ground receiving $40million from the Federal and NSW Government to give it a significant upgrade and the boost the hostile ground has given the Tigers this season.
“There’s no doubt coming to play here really gives us a bit of a lift, but at the same time you’ve still got to choose to play the right way,” Marshall said.
“It’s a special place to play, no doubt, but it doesn’t help you win or lose.
“You’ve still got to bring the crowd into it by playing tough with energy and intent and then they come with you.
READ MORE: Manly ready for triple header against Knights
Manly Warringah Sea Eagles are preparing for a feast of Sunday afternoon footy action when the Newcastle Knights roll into the Northern Beaches this weekend.
We take a look at some of the key points for the round 19 match at 4 Pines Park, Brookvale, on Sunday, July 14.
Match Day Schedule
11:45am: Ken Arthurson Gates Open
12pm: Jersey Flegg Cup Kick Off: Sea Eagles v Knights
1.30pm: Pine Avenue and North Gates open
1.45pm NSW Cup Kick Off: Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles v Newcastle Knights
4.05pm NRL Kick Off: Sea Eagles v Knights
7pm: Sea Eagles signing session from 7pm in the Menzies Sports Bar, Manly Leagues Club. All welcome
Purchase tickets here
Team News
Tom Trbojevic slides back to his customary fullback role with Tolu Koula facing a stint on the sideline with a knee injury. Tommy Talau moves to the centres and Lehi Hopoate comes in on the wing while Jamie Humphreys is the new halfback in Daly Cherry-Evans’ absence. Karl Lawton and Nathan Brown join the back row in place of Jake Trbojevic (Origin) and Ben Trbojevic (head knock). Corey Waddell, Gordon Chan Kum Tong and Clayton Faulalo join the bench.
Trbojevic will also captain the Sea Eagles for the first time in his illustrious career.
Form Guide
Ladder Position: Manly 21 points (7th), Newcastle 20 points (9th)
Last Round: Manly 21 d Nth Qld 20 (Golden Point); Newcastle 16 d Canberra 12
Last Five Rounds: Manly 3/5; Newcastle 2/5
Head to Head: Played 59, Manly 35, Newcastle 23, 1 draw
Since 1998 (NRL era) Played 39: Manly 20, Newcastle 18, 1 draw.
