Wests Tigers' No.9 jumper

Ballin eyes off Tigers' No.9 jumper

Ballin said it was only natural for him to vie for the club's top hooker billing after nine NRL seasons at the Sea Eagles but was ultimately happy to do what's best for the Tigers.

With Robbie Farah (concussion) unavailable to face the Knights, Ballin has been named on the bench for the Tigers just one Intrust Super Premiership game back from a knee injury following an almost nine-month lay-off.