NRL: Fullback welcome in Tigers camp

Former Warriors fullback Wade McKinnon will make his debut for the Wests Tigers against Canberra today - though some of his team are wary of the curse of the bye.

Tigers skipper Robbie Farah believes securing the services of the former Warriors and Parramatta man is a shrewd piece of business.

"You can see the difference he has made at training, he is a natural fullback and pops up at the right places. He will be a big threat for us in attack," he said.

However, Tigers assistant coach Royce Simmons says the in-form side are determined not to lose their momentum. The Tigers have won their last three games but are wary of losing their mojo after a bye - having been thumped 50-10 by South Sydney when they last returned from a break.

"I would rather have played last week, sometimes coming off a bye you can hit the ground running but often you are a bit dusty," Simmons said. "It takes time to build up momentum, you can't get it in one game and we were going nicely."

The Tigers welcome back Keith Galloway and centre Blake Ayshford from injury lay-offs.

The Tigers make their first appearance of the season at Balmain's spiritual home of Leichhardt Oval when they take on the Raiders and Farah cannot wait to run out at the venerable old venue.

"It's the best feeling in the world leading a team out there."

- AAP