Nofoaluma in battle to return for Tigers

George Clarke | May 27, 2022

Wests Tigers winger David Nofoaluma will have to fight his way back into the starting side after being absent for three weeks with concussion and testing teammates’ trust during recovery.

Nofoaluma has not played for the Tigers since their round-eight loss to St George Illawarra.

The Samoan international was named in the extended squad to take on South Sydney this Saturday, but is unlikely to play. 

During his time on the sidelines, Nofoaluma was also the subject of internal disciplinary action with members of the senior playing group dissatisfied with his application to get back on the field.

Sources close to the Tigers said Nofoaluma was drinking while subject to concussion protocols, something the club vehemently denied.

“We’ve got standards and the players are aware of that,” coach Michael Maguire said on Friday.

“Dave’s been out for a while and he’s got to get himself up and going again.

“We all know what Dave is capable of and getting Dave back to where he needs to be is what we are all chasing.”

The Tigers say Nofoaluma has seen two concussion specialists with the winger complaining of lingering headaches.

Maguire said the 28-year-old was over the worst of it as his team welcomes back five-eighth Luke Brooks, fullback Dane Laurie and hooker Jake Simpkin to take on the Rabbitohs.

“He (Nofoaluma) is OK now,” Maguire said. “We are pretty aware of what needs to happen with concussion.

“Looking after players is the number one (priority). He’s fine and he’s right to go.”