LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
The Wests Tigers are facing significant challenges amid a six-game losing streak, with key players Api Koroisau and Heath Mason ruled out for their upcoming match against the Roosters.
Koroisau is sidelined due to concussion after colliding with a Manly player, entering the mandatory 11-day stand-down protocol.
Mason faces a suspension for a Grade 2 Contrary Conduct incident with referee Gerard Sutton while attempting to prevent a try, leading to a one-week ban if he pleads guilty.
Adding to their woes, the Tigers were already without Jarome Luai (infection) and Jahream Bula (hamstring) for the match against Manly, which ended in a 28-10 defeat, marking their sixth consecutive loss.
The absence of Koroisau and Mason has significant implications for the team's lineup, as Mason had switched to fullback to cover for Bula.
In a surprising development, the Tigers are unlikely to release young hooker Tallyn Da Silva, who was previously permitted to negotiate with other clubs.
With Koroisau unavailable, the Tigers will need Da Silva to start at No.9, as the club prioritizes retaining Koroisau over allowing Da Silva to move on before the June 30 deadline for mid-season signings.
The current situation compounds the Tigers' struggles as they continue to seek solutions while dealing with player injuries and suspensions.