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Chris McQueen finally claimed his first win for the Wests Tigers last week, more than a year after joining the NRL club.

Wests Tigers second-rower Chris McQueen admits re-uniting with Michael Maguire was exactly what he needed to re-invigorate his NRL career.

McQueen made his season debut on Saturday when he started for the Tigers in their comeback win over former club Gold Coast in Tamworth.

The game also marked McQueen's fourth appearance for the Tigers, having joined the club from the Wests Tigers last year.

"It was my first win in a Tigers jersey, and to do it against one of my old clubs, it was a special one," McQueen said.

It has been a long wait for the 32-year-old, who joined the club on a three-year deal last year but managed just three games under coach Ivan Cleary.

However the former South Sydney forward, who was part of the Rabbitohs' famous 2014 premiership, has found a new lease of life under his former coach.

Having deputised for the rested Luke Garner last week, McQueen has kept his starting spot ahead of the second-year forward this week.

"Obviously I've got a lot of respect for Madge. I've worked with him a lot. I know the type of coach that he (is)," he said.

"So particularly for me personally, off the back of the disappointing year I had last year, when I saw him coming on board, I knew the pre-season we were going to have, and what he was bringing to the club.

"I was really excited and really looking forward to it. It was exactly what I needed individually and I think it was certainly what this club needed."

Garner has been named on the bench for Saturday's daunting clash with the Sydney Roosters, while Benji Marshall is also set for a return from injury.

The veteran five-eighth comes in for the injured Josh Reynolds.

"All the boys feel for Grub (Reynolds)," teammate Elijah Taylor said.

"He's one of the hardest trainers you'll ever meet. Last year (he had) a lot of shoulder injuries but he always turned up with enthusiasm.

"It's just disappointing. It's part of the game we play and some players have real bad luck with injuries. He's going through a tough spot now.

"But all the boys are supporting him and he'll be back in four weeks.

"That's not as bad as we all thought. But with Benji coming back into the side, he brings a lot of leadership and experience."