The NRL season is only ten rounds old but Wests Tigers coach Tim Sheens says Sunday's clash with South Sydney at the SCG is a must-win game for his team.

The Tigers sit just outside the top eight on the ladder and Sheens is concerned there is a danger of the 2005 premiers being cut adrift from the leading pack should they suffer their fifth loss of the season.

"The table is compacting very quickly and the next two rounds could see a gap emerging if you are not careful and we need to stay in the race," Sheens said.

"This is a crucial round for all clubs this week."

Sheens said he had been impressed with Souths' start to the season and is not surprised Jason Taylor's side is in the top eight after nine rounds.

"Souths are playing very confidently and they have a well-balanced game, strong forwards and are quick out wide," he said.

"They also have a good kicking game, but like us, they've got a couple of injuries to key players. But they are in the eight and we're not.

"It is a point I have made to the players."

Tigers skipper Robbie Farrah will come up against New Zealand hooker Issac Luke at the SCG on Sunday with the opportunity to show he is the best No.9 option for NSW.

Farrah came out on top against State of Origin rival Michael Ennis in last week's City v Country but said he was not concerned about facing Luke.

"I am just looking to play a good game, keep doing what I have been doing," Farah said.

"I don't worry too much about who I am playing against.

"I just worry about myself.

"They have some good dummy-half runners .. so we will have to get tight from around the ruck and make sure they don't come through us.

"We've had a look at them, they are a confident side and like to throw the ball about.

"Issac is a good player and Chris Sandow is playing good footy. We will have to stop them going forward and keep a good look on Sandow."

Souths will hand a debut to new signing Mick Crocker and Farrah conceded the arrival of the former Melbourne and Sydney Roosters backrower was a big boost for the Rabbitohs, despite the fact he hasn't played for six months.

"Crocker is a good player and adds a bit of intensity to their team and I can't see him doing much different for Souths," he said.

"Hopefully he is a bit underdone match-fitness wise but he is one of those players that will get through on adrenalin and experience."

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