Wests Tigers players claim Brandon Wakeham can be the key to unlocking Luke Brooks and Adam Doueihi after the club's rapid spine shake-up following three straight losses.
Wakeham will start at five-eighth in Friday night's clash with Melbourne, with Doueihi shifted to fullback and winger David Nofoaluma out of the side completely.
The Tigers' attack has struggled through the opening three rounds, with the team scoring four tries in the 210 minutes Brooks and Doueihi have been in the halves.
Brooks was able to break free late in Sunday's 26-22 loss to Canterbury when Wakeham came on the field, as the halfback finished off one try and broke free to set up another after a horror opening hour.
Wakeham is considered more of a controlling-type half than the free-running Doueihi, and while he will wear No.6 this week he has previously played halfback at Canterbury.
"He's just good at the basics and plays the game in a simple way that is effective," second-rower Isaiah Papali'i said.
"Squaring up certain defenders that open things up for Brooksy.
"I think it will open up Brooksy's game and give Adam that freedom to float around whenever he sees an opportunity and bring out his ball skills and running game."
Tigers fans will be hopeful the situation will be reminiscent of when Jackson Hastings took the controlling No.7 jersey last year, and Brooks played at five-eighth.
The joint-venture won their next two games, and Brooks starred in both.
"I am sure Wakey assists him in being that way. I am really looking forward to him being out there again," Papali'i said.
"I don't think it has affected Adam too much. He is prepared to do what is best for the team. He didn't look out of place at training today."
The one challenge that could loom for the Tigers is on the right edge.
John Bateman's delayed arrival into the country last month meant he was held back from playing until last week, and his limited preparation has been outside Doueihi as his five-eighth.
But the Englishman, who has been a vocal critic of those questioning the Tigers' ability, insisted it would not be a concern.
"I have had more sessions with Wakeham now," Bateman said.
"You just have to pick it up as you go.
"There were a couple of times on the weekend where Adam was doing one thing and I was doing another because you don't know how each other play.
"It's mostly just picking it up and going from there."
Australian Associated Press
