Update: 9:01AM The dual international has not played rugby league in seven years but Sheens is confident the Fijian speedster has not lost his flair.
BRING it on. Thats the warning the Wests Tigers have issued to Manly Sea Eagles on the eve of the 2010 NRL kick-off.
The Tigers are eager to get the Year of the Tiger officially under way and the Sea Eagles will be the first test in what should be another quality and challenging competition.
Ticket sales have been strong for what is expected to be a blockbuster match at the Sydney Football Stadium from 7pm on Monday.
Coach Tim Sheens already has indicated he has resolved the player position jigsaw and will hit the Sea Eagles with a full barrage of strength and backline skills.
He will propel star signing Lote Tuqiri into the first game and literally the deep end.
The dual international has not played rugby league in seven years but Sheens is confident the Fijian speedster has not lost his flair.
In other moves, former under-20 player Robert Lui will move into the crucial halfback position alongside Benji Marshall at No.6 and rising star Tim Moltzen will take over the fullback role.
Sheens also has more flexibility around the ground with prop Jason Cayless, utility Daniel Fitzhenry, versatile back Mitch Brown and Liam Fulton keen to reclaim the lock position.
Assistant coach Peter Gentle reiterated the buzz in the Tigers camp.
Ive been here five years and this is the most intense off-season weve had; the players have generated that, he said.
He acknowledged Manly would be formidable opponents on Monday and expected a slightly different game from the silvertails without the playmaking skills of Matt Orford. But, he said, they had two very good young halves and coach Des Hasler was astute and competitive.
We cant wait. Its just a shame the game is on Monday and we have to wait through the weekend, Gentle added.