Jason Taylor To Face-Off Against Tigers

Former coach


Article heading image for Jason Taylor To Face-Off Against Tigers

Jason Taylor will coach against the Wests Tigers, for the first time since his dramatic NRL axing earlier this year, when the Sydney Roosters travel to Campbelltown on Sunday.

Just six weeks after being shown the door by the joint venture in March, Taylor was welcomed back to the Tricolours as an assistant coach to Trent Robinson.

He will be in the coaches' box for Sunday's clash against his former side, although both clubs played down the Taylor factor on Saturday.

"Jase has obviously spent a fair bit of time there, but we're happy to have him back at the Roosters. He's a quality man and a quality assistant coach," Robinson said.

"They're playing a different style now with Ivan.

"There hasn't been anything over the top this week.

"They're just focusing on the things that they do and the things they've actioned since he left and us trying to play our best."

Cleary also insisted that the Tigers' playing structures had changed since taking over in early April, when they won two of their first three matches under the former Penrith coach.

However, the honeymoon period has well and truly worn out, with the Tigers losing their past four games and five of seven under Cleary.

"It's changed a little bit. I'm not overly worried about that," Cleary said of the Taylor factor.

"It's one thing to know a side, but it's another thing how they turn up on the day and the players.

"At the end of the day the players play, and the coaches coach."

Tigers star James Tedesco is set to take on the Roosters for the first time since penning a long-term deal to join them next season.

Yet Cleary is adamant it wouldn't affect the NSW fullback's performance on Sunday.

"It's all up to James; it's what's between his ears," Cleary said.

"It's pretty obvious that that's happening, so I'm sure he'll be focused on the job at hand and what he can do."

Roosters winger Daniel Tupou is a confirmed scratching after picking up a groin injury in his team's win over Brisbane last week, and has been replaced by Latrell Mitchell on the flanks.

Mitchell Aubusson will deputise in the centres, with Zane Tetevano moving onto the bench.

A win for the Roosters will extend their winning streak and consolidate their spot in the top four, while the 15th-placed Tigers are six points adrift of the top eight.

- AAP

10 June 2017




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