LEICESTER TIGERS 2019/20 SQUAD/TRANSFERS/CONTRACT THREAD PART 3

[sam16111986]

Lavanini, Batley?, Martin
Alemanno?, Green, Jordan
Liebenberg, Wells, Lewis, Gough
Taufua, Reffell, Lavin
Brink, Coghlan, Smith

Are we 1 light? Either another 7 with Taufua flexible all across the back row, or a genuine 8 as Brink is equally at home on the flank.

Gough's a 7 so we should be pretty well stocked there. Maybe we'll back the development players with the option to loan Boladau from Notts should we need some more muscle in the backrow.

[jaguar]

..don't really want to repeat my self ,but Kalamafoni will be a massive loss.We only tend to appreciate what we have when it is gone
Would want a quality direct replacement together with another high class lock (imho).

good point but Kalamafoni Thompson and Spencer not wanted by Leicester so move on they will

[sam16111986]

..don't really want to repeat my self ,but Kalamafoni will be a massive loss.We only tend to appreciate what we have when it is gone
Would want a quality direct replacement together with another high class lock (imho).

good point but Kalamafoni Thompson and Spencer not wanted by Leicester so move on they will

Not wanted or not wanted on their current salary?

Spencer and Kalamafoni joined at times we were desperate to recruit in their positions so will have been given substantial salaries that won't be available now.

Guy Thompson has missed a large chunk of the season with a neck injury. That's not good for a flanker who plays the way he does and who is in their mid 30s.

[strawclearer]

It's not likely to have an immediate impact but there's good news on the horizon for a new loosehead!

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-M8UO6B9Ru/

[JP14]

Maybe he'll be at No8 and we'll have the Mulipola twins at props. Plus fingers crossed they will be a Tigress team for Manu's daughter to play in too.

[RagingBull]

From a squad POV I think we have so far for next season
1. Genge, Bateman,
2. Youngs, Mamukashvili, Kerr,
3. Cole, Heyes, Leatigaga
4. Lavanini,
5. Wells, Green
6. Liebenberg, Lewis, Lavin
7. Taufua, Reffell, Gough
8. Brink, Smith
9. Youngs, White, Simmons
10. Ford, Henry, Hardwick
11. Holmes, Olowofela,
12. Eastmond, Reid,
13. Manu, Taute, Viljeon
14. Nadolo, Aspland-Robinson
15. Veainu, Worth,

Not sure on Coghlan, Gigena or McPhillips

Really we need
1 Loosehead maybe 2 (Depending on Gigena and if Tigers trust Lines)
2 locks (Could do with keeping Batley)
2 Back Rowers (1 if Coghlan is staying)
1 Winger (Hopefully thats May)
1 Utility back Centre/Back 3 player.

Development wise we would be having
1. Lines, Whitcombe
2.
3. Dimen
4. Jordan,
5. Martin, Manz
6. Ashworth
7. Eveleigh
8.
9. Law, JVP
10.
11. Browning
12.
13.
14. Gilliland
15. Bungaroo, Steward

Now apparently Tigers are bringing up 7 players from the academy.
Looking at the positions we need.
Vanes (Hooker), Rowntree (Tighthead), Ollie Smith (Centre)
Are players we should be bringing up
The other 4 spots Muncaster apparently has a contract.
Which leaves 3 players.
Would have to assume Ilione is nailed on unless something has happened.

[JP14]

I hope Gigena comes back and that Batley extends his stay!

[kk20gb30]

I hope Gigena comes back and that Batley extends his stay!

concur on both ; Batley has masive scope in terms of age and size to be a great asset in a revamped Tigers pack, whilst Gigena has now to be on the fringe of international recognition.

[sam16111986]

If we can keep Batley then we have two locks who can slot into the backrow. Some sort of dual registration deals for Boladau and Coghlan could be a good idea for both us and Nottingham. Give us access to two experienced backrows when we need them but they can stay match fit at Notts and Notts who will have reduced RFU money will have two starting quality backrowers.

That would be a cheap option for the club, keep us well covered but also not block the young talent coming through. Allow us to spend more money on areas of greater concern like another high quality lock. We can pick up a backup prop easily enough ideally one who can play both sides though we do need Gigena back.

Not sure we need another utility back if May stays on. We might lose Viljoen but he's barely played and both Worth and Steward can play at fullback at centre. Nadolo can play wing and centre as can Owolfela and Aspland-Robinson. Henry can play 10 and 15, Hardwick can play 10 and 12. If May goes then we do need another back three player but might be able to take a punt on a Championship player as Holmes, Nadolo and TV would still be a very good starting back three.

[JP14]

Maybe a return for a certain Clayton Blommitijies? Especially if May leaves.

[DingDong]

I still think we have a huge void at 12, Eastmond and Reid are decent benchers but not the physical playmaker we need to compete at the top level to either go themselves or cleverly distribute or to shore up the defence in that channel. The pack are looking very good!

[Cardiff Tig]

I still think we have a huge void at 12, Eastmond and Reid are decent benchers but not the physical playmaker we need to compete at the top level to either go themselves or cleverly distribute or to shore up the defence in that channel. The pack are looking very good!

Totally agree. Historically we've always had some class at the 12 position - Howard, Gibson, Mauger, Allen. I think it's more important than signing high profile wingers. Someone has to get the ball out to them and organise the defence...

[MurphysLaw]

[quote="Cardiff Tig" post_id=739128 time=1585560218 user_id=9259]
[quote=DingDong post_id=739126 time=1585557510 user_id=15639]
I still think we have a huge void at 12, Eastmond and Reid are decent benchers but not the physical playmaker we need to compete at the top level to either go themselves or cleverly distribute or to shore up the defence in that channel. The pack are looking very good!
[/quote]

Totally agree. Historically we've always had some class at the 12 position - Howard, Gibson, Mauger, Allen. I think it's more important than signing high profile wingers. Someone has to get the ball out to them and organise the defence...
[/quote]

+1 - Absolutely agree!
Also, takes a bit of pressure off the 10.
It's a key position and one we have been lacking in recent seasons.

[sam16111986]

I still think we have a huge void at 12, Eastmond and Reid are decent benchers but not the physical playmaker we need to compete at the top level to either go themselves or cleverly distribute or to shore up the defence in that channel. The pack are looking very good!

Totally agree. Historically we've always had some class at the 12 position - Howard, Gibson, Mauger, Allen. I think it's more important than signing high profile wingers. Someone has to get the ball out to them and organise the defence...

+1 - Absolutely agree!
Also, takes a bit of pressure off the 10.
It's a key position and one we have been lacking in recent seasons.

It's how much cap we want to allocate to each area in the squad. Whilst we'd all like to see an upgrade at 12 all of Reid, Eastmond, Taute and Hardwick are under contract for next season. There's also the option of deploying Nadolo there. I would have liked to see us nip in and grab Ryan Mills but Wasps have a tendency to spend all their money on their backs and we don't want to fall into that trap again.

[JP14]

I honestly believe next season could be a great season for Eastmond.