The stage will be much grander for the latest clash of the dummy halves, with McIlwrick named in the Tigers No. The Tigers hooking stocks have been stretched following the departure of Farah and injuries to Matt Ballin and Jacob Liddle that have sidelined them for the opening-round grudge match. McIlwrick, a journeyman who has eked out 28 NRL appearances across three clubs before joining the Tigers in the off-season, is looking forward to again marking up on Farah.
Matt McIlwrick will face Robbie Farah on the big stage. Credit: Getty Images. It was great to see the support Robbie got. It's one of those situations, it's rugby league at the end of the day and that's why we play it, the uncertainty of it.
It keeps you on your toes, it was a bit of a funny situation. He's always professional and will always do his best as well. Souths will do what's best for them and we'll worry about us. Credit: Dominic Lorrimer. While the Tigers named Jordan Rankin on the wing, it's understood Moses Suli will make his anticipated NRL debut after being named on an extended bench.
At Manly, youngster Brian Kelly has been given the first crack at replacing veteran centre Steve Matai. The retirement of skipper Jamie Lyon and the departure of Matai opened up two three-quarter spots, one of which was filled by Dylan Walker's shift from the halves. The other will go to Kelly, who was released from the final year of his Gold Coast contract to join the Sea Eagles. The departures of the Manly stalwarts played no part in Kelly's decision to shift south, although the NSW under 20s representative is keen to meet the pair.
Asked if he should thank them for retiring and opening up an opportunity for him, Kelly chuckled: "I couldn't say that. It's been good watching them growing up and that. I'd love to meet them. However, Field is still in line to make his NRL debut after being named on an extended bench. Cronulla have named Gerard Beale at fullback in their clash with Cronulla, although coach Shane Flanagan has named Valentine Holmes in jersey 21 in a pointer towards him being given every chance to overcome a hamstring strain.
