Chris Lawrence has backed the Wests Tigers in-form front-rowers to add North Queensland’s Test props to their list of scalps at Campbelltown on Saturday.
Tipped for a season of struggle, the Tigers have recorded outstanding wins over the heavily-fancied South Sydney and Manly in addition to a 42-12 thumping over surprise early ladder leaders the Gold Coast in their opening five games.
While their young playmakers James Tedesco and Luke Brooks have grabbed the headlines it’s the Tigers’ front-row, that’s been impressed most this year with Aaron Woods, Keith Galloway and Martin Taupau in outstanding form.
However, Lawrence acknowledged that James Tamou and Matt Scott will offer a stiff test for his side, who are looking to record back-to-back wins for the first time this year.
“The forward pack stood up to Souths and then Manly and this is going to be another test against the two Test front-rowers,” Lawrence said on Wednesday.
“But that is what you play footy for to test yourself against the best and I am sure they will be up for the challenge.”
The Tigers will be without Tedesco for up to nine weeks and Braith Anasta is suspended for the visit of the Cowboys.
Former Penrith playmaker Blake Austin will replace Anasta with young fullback Kurtis Rowe coming in for ankle syndesmosis victim Tedesco.
Lawrence admits the changes in such key positions aren’t ideal but hoped the pair will find their feet quickly.
“It’s going to be an adjustment for all of us, but we have trained well,” Lawrence said.
“Blake’s form in NSW Cup has been good and he has plenty of first-grade experience.
“Kurtis is a quiet young kid, but he has been great for us in the U20s for the last two years and he’ll go well.”
Muzz
Guest
Hey mate,if given the chance to represent NSW again.I don't think he was quite ready last year.Woods is performing well under the new rules and increase in tempo where as Tamou looks a little sluggish/lazy and just off the pace.
Dallas
Guest
He played two games for the blues last year Muzz
Muzz
Guest
Aaron Woods excites me and off contract at the end of this season.(Uncle Nick) I think he would go ok, if given the chance to represent NSW.
Dallas
Guest
The cowboys have finally dropped Kyle felt due to the amount of errors he had made, so that will help, I don't think it will help his origin aspirations though?? I think the cowboys forwards are getting a little better every week, but if you were to pick a test side from the opening rounds aaron woods would be miles ahead of Tamou and Scott. Tariq sims is playing out of his skin though.
E-Meter
Guest
The Cowboys forwards are known as the Marshmallow Gang.
The eye
Guest
Agree,the Cowboys are still off the pace..were played into a little bit of form by a Knights side that wouldn't have beaten the warriors..but rookie at fullback and Austin,who just isn't the player he had the potential to be at 5/8 is a worry..attacking options seriously limited
Dave
Guest
The Tigers pack is the in form pack. They tore apart the highly rates and fearsome Souths and Manly not to mention the Titans whose pack is littered with representative players. Newcastle were woeful on Monday, tehe cowboys won't get thay type of lattitude this weekend. Go the Tiger cubs.
llieno
Roar Rookie
North Queensland's test props are struggling. Matt Scott is close to my favourite player but I've never seen him drop so much football that he has of late.