Wests Tigers v Warriors preview

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Two coaches under immense pressure out for a strong start.

Narrowly avoiding the wooden spoon in 2015, the Tigers will be hoping their brigade of youngsters have developed into quality first-graders heading into the season. Naming ten players who have debuted for the club since 2011, coach Jason Taylor will need immediate results after alienating supporters over his stance on Robbie Farah. With Farah and veteran recruit Matt Ballin out through injury, youngster Manaia Cherington has been named as the sole hooker, while former Manly playmaker Jack Littlejohn will partner Mitchell Moses in the halves as Luke Brooks serves a one-match suspension. New recruits Jordan Rankin and Tim Grant will be looking to reassert themselves as NRL regulars, while former Parramatta lower grader Josh Aloiai will make his first grade debut off the bench. Saturday night marks only the third time in the joint venture's history that Campbelltown Stadium has been used as a season opening venue, with the Tigers coming away with a win and a draw over their opponents. 

After capitulating from a place in the top four only to finish the year with eight straight losses, the Warriors will be out to make amends with a new look roster in 2016. With big name signings Roger Tuivasa-Scheck and Issac Luke garnering the New Zealand club high expectations, coach Andrew McFadden will know the pressure to succeed is on from the opening whistle. Having struggled for game time at Cronulla and Brisbane respectively, Blake Ayshford and James Gavet will play their first matches for the club, while Saturday night also marks Ryan Hoffman's first game as captain since taking over from Simon Mannering. Much of the attention will be on Shaun Johnson as he makes his return to first grade at five-eighth, allowing veteran playmaker Jeff Robson to provide a steady hand to offset the unpredictable flair of the Kiwi superstar. Following an impressive display in the Auckland Nines, former Under 20's premiership winner Nathaniel Roache will make his debut off the bench as a utility. In recent years the Warriors have struggled at Campbelltown Stadium, conceding 50 points in their last two appearances, including Round 25 last year.

Last meeting: Round 25 2015 - Tigers 50 Warriors 16

Who to watch: With a full off-season to prepare for playing in the forwards, Chris Lawrence will be a key figure for the Tigers moving forward. As the youngest player to ever play first grade for the club, the former Australian international will have his sights set firmly on making an impact given the wealth of younger players throughout the side. While he may not have the speed that saw him rival Michael Jennings as the fastest player almost a decade ago, Lawrence has shown he still has something to offer as an edge backrower similar to Ben Creagh in his prime.

Previously touted as a representative star of the future, Blake Ayshford will be out to recapture his early form with an impressive display against his former club. Having beaten out Konrad Hurrell for a starting centre position, the Sharks recruit will need to make an impact or face the cut given the Tongan giant's display for the World All Stars three weeks ago. Set to come up against noted speedster Tim Simona, the Warriors will be counting on Ayshford to keep his former teammate quiet, while also making a mark with the ball in hand.

The favourite: On paper the Warriors are expected to contend for the title in 2016, as a result support is overwhelmingly in their favour to account for the Tigers.

My tip: With either side capable of brilliance and mediocrity within the same game, you would have to favour the Warriors solely on potential. Warriors by 10.

1. James Tedesco 2. David Nofoaluma 3. Tim Simona 4. Kevin Naiqama 5. Jordan Rankin 6. Mitchell Moses 7. Jack Littlejohn 8. Aaron Woods 9. Manaia Cherrington 10. Tim Grant 11. Curtis Sironen 12. Chris Lawrence 13. Sauaso Sue 
Interchange: 14. Kyle Lovett 15. Josh Aloiai 16. Ava Seumanufagai 17. Jack Buchanan 18. Michael Chee-Kam

1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 2. Tuimoala Lolohea 3. Blake Ayshford 4. Solomone Kata 5. Manu Vatuvei 6. Shaun Johnson 7. Jeff Robson 8. Jacob Lillyman 9. Issac Luke 10. Ben Matulino 11. Ben Henry 12. Ryan Hoffman 13. Simon Mannering 
Interchange: 14. Nathaniel Roache 15. Sam Lisone 16. James Gavet 17. Bodene Thompson 18. Jonathan Wright 20. Albert Vete

Referees: Ashley Klein, Chris Sutton; Sideline Officials: Ricky MacFarlane, Russell Turner; Video Referees: Bryan Norrie, Steve Chiddy, Luke Patten;