Wests Tigers coach Mick Potter says he expects Luke Brooks to be targeted by South Sydney’s imposing Burgess brothers in Friday night’s NRL clash but believes the young rookie is more than up to the challenge.
The round-three ANZ Stadium encounter shapes as a true test of the Tigers’ premiership credential after a disappointing loss to St George Illawarra was followed by an impressive 42-12 thrashing of the Gold Coast last Sunday.
Brooks was successfully targeted by the Dragons’ pack in defence in their runaway 44-24 win and Potter said he expects the same treatment from the Rabbitohs led by Sam, George and Luke Burgess.
“I expect Sam at some stage to be out there just wide of the ruck and trying to target him,” Potter said on Thursday.
“I thought Luke did a really good job last week to counter that from (his effort) the week before.
“I’m very confident he can handle it, it is just going to be how often and how many times.
“We don’t want to expose him to 40 tackles in the game.”
The Tigers’ attack has clicked into gear, their 66 points putting them behind only ladder leaders the Dragons (75 points) in terms of points scored.
Potter said he was impressed with how his playmakers Brooks, Braith Anasta and Robbie Farah had combined in attack so far this season.
“They boys have been confident in their attack all pre-season,” Potter said.
“They have worked on their shape, worked on their depth and worked on their options.
“I think their vision is good.”
Souths five-eighth Dylan Walker and back-rower Chris McQueen are both battling ongoing ankle injuries but are expected to play.
Tigers centre Tim Simona will play his first game for the year after recovering from a shoulder injury, while Liam Fulton returns after sitting out the Titans game with concussion.