Wests Tigers NRL rookie Robert Lui knows he has a tight deadline to work with if he wants to fend off external factors and keep destiny in his own hands.

Lui is expected to get first shot at the No.7 jersey in Tigertown, but only has a few weeks to prove himself before star recruit Lote Tuqiri forces a reshuffle.

Tuqiri is not expected to be back from England and ready to play for the Tigers until at least round four of the competition, and Lui needs to make his mark in the meantime.

Tim Moltzen will most likely start in the No.1 shirt again, however, he could move into the halves once Tuqiri enters the picture to accommodate the dual-international at the back.

This scenario can be stopped if Lui impresses so much in the opening weeks of the competition, that coach, Tim Sheens has no choice but to leave him at halfback.

Lui, who made his debut against the Sharks late last year, wants first crack at the playmaking duties and believes he can make it permanent.

"I would like to get first shot," Lui told AAP.

"I'll give it all I've got in the trials, and hopefully in round one, come up with the prize and try and play consistent footy and stay there.

"If I play good, I can hopefully play in round one, so see what happens.

"I've been training in the halves with Timmy in at fullback, and just looking forward to the trials and round one and see where we go after that."

Lui said self-assurance is the key to him forming a lasting combination with All Star five-eighth Benji Marshall.

"I think we can, I'd love to form a connection there through the season," he said.

"But Benji Marshall is Benji Marshall, he's a freak. He's one of the best players in the league and I'd love to play alongside him.

"I want to improve my confidence and tell Benji and the other boys what to do.

"As long as everything I do is right hopefully the team goes well too."

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