NRL: No miracles from Lote, Ellis says Farah

Lote Tuqiri. Photo / Getty Images

Skipper Robbie Farah expects the return of Lote Tuqiri and Gareth Ellis to boost Wests Tigers ahead of Monday night's NRL clash with Newcastle, but warned not to expect miracles from the experienced duo.

Tuqiri hasn't played since breaking his arm against Canberra in round three at Campbelltown, while Ellis has been sidelined with a ankle injury since round seven.

Farah confirmed both would start against the Knights, and would be key figures as the Tigers look to arrest their poor form ahead of a crucial month for the club's finals hopes.

Starting with Monday night's match at Leichhardt Oval, the Tigers have three home games and a trip across the Tasman to face the Warriors in a period that will go a long way towards deciding their top-eight prospects.

"We know it's an important month especially here in the rep season and not having any players in Origin definitely helps us," Farah said at the launch of the Women in League round on Wednesday.

"It's a big game, we're just on the edge of the eight and the Knights are thereabouts as well. It's pretty much a four point game for both clubs.

"We need as many troops as we can to try and put some wins together. we're really struggling with injury and I think that shows with our inconsistency really.

"When you've got so many young players playing, it's hard to keep that level week in, week out."

In the past two seasons, Tuqiri and Ellis have been among the Tigers' most proven performers, but Farah was cautious when asked whether the pair could be called upon as match-winners against a Newcastle outfit reeling from the loss of halfback Jarrod Mullen to a pectoral injury.

"We're not expecting (Tuqiri) to be a match-winner," Farah said.

"Lote's one of those players when he gets an opportunity he's going to finish it off for you.

"We're not expecting miracles from him, he's going to be short of a run and I'm sure he'll be blowing at some stages during the game."

- AAP