Matt Ballin and Jacob Liddle are battling knee and shoulder injuries which will see them sit out their season-opener against Robbie Farah’s South Sydney.  

Liddle is seen as Farah’s long term replacement but has not partaken in contact work since a training mishap earlier this month.

Ballin is returning from a second knee reconstruction and said he would not be rushing back for fear of breaking down again.

“The season is 26 rounds, or 24 games, so for me and the club, they want me there the whole year, not round one or two and then be gone again,’’ Ballin told The Daily Telegraph.

“I’m pretty much doing everything full, including contact, running, tackling and passing.

“I want to play now, I’d love to play in Friday’s trial, but common sense prevails, and they (the Tigers medical staff) say this is our protocol, and they know what they’re doing.’’

Journeyman Matt McIlwrick is set to wear Farah’s old No. 9 jersey.

 “I played against Robbie when he came back to reserve grade. He’ll be up for the challenge and will want to make a statement,” McIlwrick said.