There will be no Wests Tigers' debut for new recruit Josh Reynolds against the Roosters on Saturday afternoon with the former Bulldog struck down by a torn hamstring.
The injury reportedly occurred at training on Friday with the hamstring tear believed to be Grade 2 which could see Reynolds ruled out for around a month.
It's a big blow for the Tigers who will have their work cut out for them against a Roosters team boasting their former star fullback, James Tedesco.
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With Reynolds absent, Benji Marshall will mark his return to Wests with a start in the halves while Matt McIlwrick has been called up from NSW Cup and will fill Marshall's spot on the bench.
On the positive side for @WestsTigers Reynolds injury now gives Benji Marshall the chance to make his club return at starting five eighth. Matt McIlwrick is expected to replace him on the bench. #NRLTigersRoosters @7NewsSydney pic.twitter.com/gSI5tmd2C9
— Josh Massoud (@josh_massoud) March 10, 2018
The Tigers will be desperate to start the season strongly after another underwhelming 2017 saw them finish 14th.
A number of off-season recruits including that of Reynolds and Marshall will no doubt be crucial in ensuring Ivan Cleary's side show signs of improvement this season.
