West Tigers vs. NZ Warriors

The outcome of this clash – vital to both sides’ finals hopes – will almost take a back seat to Benji Marshall’s last stand at Leichhardt.  The 28-year-old has eight matches remaining in Tigers colours before he defects to rugby union but this will almost certainly be his 31st, and last, match at his beloved Leichhardt Oval, the scene of so many wonderful Marshall moments during the past decade. It will be an emotional night for Marshall, his team  and   fans, though his prima donna-like behaviour has alienated some supporters who feel the sooner the club cuts ties with him the better. The Tigers have won 13 of their past 16 matches at Leichhardt and boast  a 4-1 record against the Warriors there.
Phil's tip: Tigers by six.

AAP writes: It’s been a horror week for the Tigers, with Benji Marshall’s announcement he’ll be leaving the club much more than just an unwelcome distraction. Despite just a two day Origin turnaround, the Tigers still expect to have captain Robbie Farah and Aaron Woods backing up, while the Warriors see the return of rampaging winger Manu Vatuvei for Ngani Laumapge. The Warriors have shown great form of late, a noble loss to the table-topping Rabbitohs in round 17 ending a five game winning streak.
Key: All eyes will be on mercurial playmaker Benji Marshall. Will he be able to bounce back from a poor season and how will he react to a possibly unreceptive home crowd?
TIGERS: James Tedesco, David Nofoaluma, Blake Ayshford, Chris Lawrence, Tim Simona, Benji Marshall, Curtis Sironen, Aaron Woods, Robbie Farah (capt), Adam Blair, Liam Fulton, Bodene Thompson, Suaso Sue. Interchange: Ava Seumanufagai, Jack Buchanan, Ben Murdoch-Masila, Braith Anasta, Shaun Spence (one to be omitted).
WARRIORS: Kevin Locke, Glen Fisiiahi, Dane Nielsen, Konrad Hurrell, Manu Vatuvei, Thomas Leuluai, Shaun Johnson, Sam Rapira, Nathan Friend, Ben Matulino, Feleti Mateo, Simon Mannering (capt), Elijah Taylor. Interchange: Charlie Gubb, Jacob Lillyman, Todd Lowrie, Dominique Peyroux, Ngani Laumape, Russell Packer, Suaia Matagi (three to be omitted).