LEICESTER TIGERS 2020/21 SQUAD/TRANSFERS/CONTRACT THREAD Episode 3 The revenge of the Contracts.

Forum to discuss everything that is Tigers related

Moderators: Tigerbeat, Rizzo, Tigers Press Office, Tigers Webmaster

Locked
Mark62
Super User
Super User
Posts: 4168
Joined: Mon Jan 02, 2017 4:16 pm

Re: LEICESTER TIGERS 2020/21 SQUAD/TRANSFERS/CONTRACT THREAD Episode 3 The revenge of the Contracts.

Post by Mark62 »

RagingBull wrote: Thu Jul 09, 2020 12:42 pm Don't think we need a Viljeon replacement.
Certainly doesn’t need to be external, he did next to nothing while he was here
ABClub
Gold Member
Gold Member
Posts: 1683
Joined: Tue Dec 13, 2016 4:58 pm

Re: LEICESTER TIGERS 2020/21 SQUAD/TRANSFERS/CONTRACT THREAD Episode 3 The revenge of the Contracts.

Post by ABClub »

FrontRowUnionMember wrote: Thu Jul 09, 2020 12:37 pm Understanding we need to shave numbers off the squad, and ultimately some of the younger players have a great opportunity (with no relegation looming), to put themselves into contention during the remainder of this season with reduced pressure.

Here’s my take on what we are losing from the squad, and where we need to add or make do.

Bateman - new player required
Cortes - do not replace (promote)
Polota-Nau - Mamukashvili
Stevens - do not replace (promote or loan if needed)
Spencer - Enever
Kalamafoni - Brink
Thompson - promote or add (loan?)
Taufua - new player required (potentially)
Harrison - do not replace (promote)
Reid - Scott
Eastmond - Henry (Hardwick)
Tuilagi - new player required
Viljoen - new player required
Thomas - Kelly
May - Nadolo
Holmes - new player required (or Williams loan?)
Thompstone - Potter
Veianu - new player required

You could argue we are 3-4 players lighter depending on whether we replace Thompson externally or place faith in Lavin/Gough/Smith. I’ve come to the conclusion that whilst I thought we needed another lock, could get by with Henderson/Martin etc. Equally could try for a utility wing/fullback to cover Veianu and Holmes departure maybe?
5-6 new players required, based on Taufua and Manu leaving.
Bateman - Agree a replacement is needed. Logo would fit well IMO though some fans are wary of re-signing departed players.

Spencer - I really hope that Enever has effectively replaced Thompson's place in the squad with versatile back rowers covering 7 and Wells covering 6. That would free up room for a top quality lock to replace Spencer.

Veainu, Manu and potentially Taufua - Agree we need replacements, though hopefully not for Taufua.

Viljeon and Holmes - Replace Viljeon from within (Worth and Kelly) or a Championship signing to replace Jonah. David Williams could be that. I'm not saying that Jonah wasn't a valuable player but if reducing spending in the backs makes room for an improvement at lock then it's worth the trade off IMO.

Other than the 6th senior prop I feel those signings can wait till next season if it gives time to find higher quality and longer term signings. I'm happy with Steward/Simmons/Henry/Olowofela/Potter/Williams getting chances in the back three and Lewis/Smith/Gough/Lavin in the back row whilst finishing this season.

Having seen Cam Henderson play a fair bit up in Scotland I think he could surprise a few people if he gets a chance of the bench. Very much still a project but he's a strong and physical player. As a 5th choice lock he can hold his own IMO.
sam16111986
Super User
Super User
Posts: 7056
Joined: Thu Sep 11, 2008 6:27 pm
Location: Shepshed

Re: LEICESTER TIGERS 2020/21 SQUAD/TRANSFERS/CONTRACT THREAD Episode 3 The revenge of the Contracts.

Post by sam16111986 »

ABClub wrote: Thu Jul 09, 2020 3:08 pm
FrontRowUnionMember wrote: Thu Jul 09, 2020 12:37 pm Understanding we need to shave numbers off the squad, and ultimately some of the younger players have a great opportunity (with no relegation looming), to put themselves into contention during the remainder of this season with reduced pressure.

Here’s my take on what we are losing from the squad, and where we need to add or make do.

Bateman - new player required
Cortes - do not replace (promote)
Polota-Nau - Mamukashvili
Stevens - do not replace (promote or loan if needed)
Spencer - Enever
Kalamafoni - Brink
Thompson - promote or add (loan?)
Taufua - new player required (potentially)
Harrison - do not replace (promote)
Reid - Scott
Eastmond - Henry (Hardwick)
Tuilagi - new player required
Viljoen - new player required
Thomas - Kelly
May - Nadolo
Holmes - new player required (or Williams loan?)
Thompstone - Potter
Veianu - new player required

You could argue we are 3-4 players lighter depending on whether we replace Thompson externally or place faith in Lavin/Gough/Smith. I’ve come to the conclusion that whilst I thought we needed another lock, could get by with Henderson/Martin etc. Equally could try for a utility wing/fullback to cover Veianu and Holmes departure maybe?
5-6 new players required, based on Taufua and Manu leaving.
Bateman - Agree a replacement is needed. Logo would fit well IMO though some fans are wary of re-signing departed players.

Spencer - I really hope that Enever has effectively replaced Thompson's place in the squad with versatile back rowers covering 7 and Wells covering 6. That would free up room for a top quality lock to replace Spencer.

Veainu, Manu and potentially Taufua - Agree we need replacements, though hopefully not for Taufua.

Viljeon and Holmes - Replace Viljeon from within (Worth and Kelly) or a Championship signing to replace Jonah. David Williams could be that. I'm not saying that Jonah wasn't a valuable player but if reducing spending in the backs makes room for an improvement at lock then it's worth the trade off IMO.

Other than the 6th senior prop I feel those signings can wait till next season if it gives time to find higher quality and longer term signings. I'm happy with Steward/Simmons/Henry/Olowofela/Potter/Williams getting chances in the back three and Lewis/Smith/Gough/Lavin in the back row whilst finishing this season.

Having seen Cam Henderson play a fair bit up in Scotland I think he could surprise a few people if he gets a chance of the bench. Very much still a project but he's a strong and physical player. As a 5th choice lock he can hold his own IMO.
I largely agree ABC but fear we won't see the big name lock we are hoping for. Four senior locks, four development locks and with the backrow duo of Lewis and Liebenburg able to cover I think that's all we'll have to work with.

If Taufua opts to leave we may re-enter the market but I think we'll be after a backrow which might be a short term loan like Boladau unless there's a dual citizenship Puma going.
Hot_Charlie
Super User
Super User
Posts: 4041
Joined: Thu Apr 07, 2005 9:30 pm
Location: Lincoln

Re: LEICESTER TIGERS 2020/21 SQUAD/TRANSFERS/CONTRACT THREAD Episode 3 The revenge of the Contracts.

Post by Hot_Charlie »

Mark62 wrote: Thu Jul 09, 2020 1:44 pm
RagingBull wrote: Thu Jul 09, 2020 12:42 pm Don't think we need a Viljeon replacement.
Certainly doesn’t need to be external, he did next to nothing while he was here
He missed touch.

Twice.
Mark62
Super User
Super User
Posts: 4168
Joined: Mon Jan 02, 2017 4:16 pm

Re: LEICESTER TIGERS 2020/21 SQUAD/TRANSFERS/CONTRACT THREAD Episode 3 The revenge of the Contracts.

Post by Mark62 »

I remember when Exeter signed those 2 South African back 5 players, names escape me sorry, everyone thought they would just be squad players, but both pushed through to be 1st team regulars.
That is the sort of signing we should be looking to make, left field players looking to make a big impact.
Do agree about Henderson though, and think Lewis could really start pushing, only as a specialist 6 though.
Hot_Charlie
Super User
Super User
Posts: 4041
Joined: Thu Apr 07, 2005 9:30 pm
Location: Lincoln

Re: LEICESTER TIGERS 2020/21 SQUAD/TRANSFERS/CONTRACT THREAD Episode 3 The revenge of the Contracts.

Post by Hot_Charlie »

Mark62 wrote: Thu Jul 09, 2020 4:44 pm I remember when Exeter signed those 2 South African back 5 players, names escape me sorry, everyone thought they would just be squad players, but both pushed through to be 1st team regulars.
That is the sort of signing we should be looking to make, left field players looking to make a big impact.
Do agree about Henderson though, and think Lewis could really start pushing, only as a specialist 6 though.
I had high hopes for Viljoen, but the game against Saracens seemed to define his time here. A long penalty from outside our 22; he was greedy, missed touch, they scored. He then compounded it with an appalling penalty to touch in their 22 that seemed to lose more ground than it gained.

Never got near the 1st XV in a big game again.
ABClub
Gold Member
Gold Member
Posts: 1683
Joined: Tue Dec 13, 2016 4:58 pm

Re: LEICESTER TIGERS 2020/21 SQUAD/TRANSFERS/CONTRACT THREAD Episode 3 The revenge of the Contracts.

Post by ABClub »

Hot_Charlie wrote: Thu Jul 09, 2020 4:47 pm
Mark62 wrote: Thu Jul 09, 2020 4:44 pm I remember when Exeter signed those 2 South African back 5 players, names escape me sorry, everyone thought they would just be squad players, but both pushed through to be 1st team regulars.
That is the sort of signing we should be looking to make, left field players looking to make a big impact.
Do agree about Henderson though, and think Lewis could really start pushing, only as a specialist 6 though.
I had high hopes for Viljoen, but the game against Saracens seemed to define his time here. A long penalty from outside our 22; he was greedy, missed touch, they scored. He then compounded it with an appalling penalty to touch in their 22 that seemed to lose more ground than it gained.

Never got near the 1st XV in a big game again.
The sort of player who needed to work his way in, probably starting on the wing, in a settled back line. Instead he was playing in a scratch back line with no structure and little platform. I feel in a way for a young player like Viljeon in the circumstances.

I think I'm a pretty positive fan all in all but our attacking structure and our defensive alignment in the outside backs has still been dire this season. The fringe defence has improved this season with additions like Lavanini, Liebenberg and Taufua helping. Also the emergence of Reffell who is excellent in fringe defence. The wider defence is still non-existent at times though.

As for attacking structure. Our forwards are carrying better from 9 to produce momentum close to rucks but we rarely convert that into pressure out wide. When Ford is playing he adds hugely in that regard but without him back play has been really poor.

Given Viljeon is a 13 it's not an ideal side to come into for the young man. Particularly when our lack of back play meant he had to run crash ball which he isn't suited to. Being a young 13 in a side with poor defence outwide he ended up being a target for opposition in defence.

Missing touch twice is astoundingly frustrating but that boot is an absolute weapon if a coach can get him to use it better.
trendylfj
Super User
Super User
Posts: 2386
Joined: Sun Sep 24, 2006 5:16 am
Location: MARKET HARBOROUGH

Re: LEICESTER TIGERS 2020/21 SQUAD/TRANSFERS/CONTRACT THREAD Episode 3 The revenge of the Contracts.

Post by trendylfj »

Bateman has confirmed on Instagram he has left the club but no info on where he has gone to
Hehehehehehehehe
Mark62
Super User
Super User
Posts: 4168
Joined: Mon Jan 02, 2017 4:16 pm

Re: LEICESTER TIGERS 2020/21 SQUAD/TRANSFERS/CONTRACT THREAD Episode 3 The revenge of the Contracts.

Post by Mark62 »

Huw Jones definitely on his way apparently
Scuttle
Gold Member
Gold Member
Posts: 887
Joined: Tue Jul 11, 2017 7:13 pm

Re: LEICESTER TIGERS 2020/21 SQUAD/TRANSFERS/CONTRACT THREAD Episode 3 The revenge of the Contracts.

Post by Scuttle »

JP14 wrote: Thu Jul 09, 2020 11:47 am With the loan signing of David Williams, and the impressive Steward & Browning coming up the ranks I would leave the backs until the beginning of the 2020/21 season.

With the safety of no relegation we can bed players like the ones mentioned above (as well as Kelly & Potter) without a larger emphasis on results. However, in saying that Champions Cup qualification would be nice.
I also think it would be good to finish 10th just to stop any thoughts of "if it wasnt for Sarries....."
As Good As It Gets
ay2oh
Super User
Super User
Posts: 2144
Joined: Thu Nov 01, 2007 10:53 am
Location: leicester

Re: LEICESTER TIGERS 2020/21 SQUAD/TRANSFERS/CONTRACT THREAD Episode 3 The revenge of the Contracts.

Post by ay2oh »

Mark62 wrote: Thu Jul 09, 2020 6:18 pm Huw Jones definitely on his way apparently
Do you mean on his way to Tigers or on his way from Edinburg/Glasgow ? :smt017
A2O
Scuttle
Gold Member
Gold Member
Posts: 887
Joined: Tue Jul 11, 2017 7:13 pm

Re: LEICESTER TIGERS 2020/21 SQUAD/TRANSFERS/CONTRACT THREAD Episode 3 The revenge of the Contracts.

Post by Scuttle »

trendylfj wrote: Thu Jul 09, 2020 6:10 pm Bateman has confirmed on Instagram he has left the club but no info on where he has gone to
He seemed to be implying he was going to do an MBA at De Montfort
As Good As It Gets
RagingBull
Super User
Super User
Posts: 13211
Joined: Sun Nov 03, 2013 12:54 pm

Re: LEICESTER TIGERS 2020/21 SQUAD/TRANSFERS/CONTRACT THREAD Episode 3 The revenge of the Contracts.

Post by RagingBull »

10th time Huw Jones has been on his way.
Mark62
Super User
Super User
Posts: 4168
Joined: Mon Jan 02, 2017 4:16 pm

Re: LEICESTER TIGERS 2020/21 SQUAD/TRANSFERS/CONTRACT THREAD Episode 3 The revenge of the Contracts.

Post by Mark62 »

ay2oh wrote: Thu Jul 09, 2020 6:25 pm
Mark62 wrote: Thu Jul 09, 2020 6:18 pm Huw Jones definitely on his way apparently
Do you mean on his way to Tigers or on his way from Edinburg/Glasgow ? :smt017
To Tigers
Mark62
Super User
Super User
Posts: 4168
Joined: Mon Jan 02, 2017 4:16 pm

Re: LEICESTER TIGERS 2020/21 SQUAD/TRANSFERS/CONTRACT THREAD Episode 3 The revenge of the Contracts.

Post by Mark62 »

RagingBull wrote: Thu Jul 09, 2020 6:31 pm 10th time Huw Jones has been on his way.
3rd hand info but original source is usually reliable
Locked