LEICESTER TIGERS 2023/24 - Crocodile McKeller: Men at Work

[TigerFeetSteve]

15 Steward, Shillcock, Brown
14 Hassell-Collins, Bassett, Ramage/Browning
13 Porter, Scott, Cusick
12 Kelly, Cokanasiga, Woodward
11 Watson, Kata, Simmons
10 Pollard, Atkinson Wilkinson
9 Van Poortvliet, Youngs, Powell, Whiteley, Edwards
1 Cronin, Whitcombe, Van Wyk, (+International LH)
2 Montoya, Dolly, Clare, Vanes, Theobald-Thomas
3 Cole, Heyes, Hurd, Richardson
4 Martin, O.Chessum, Wells
5 Henderson, Carter, L.Chessum, T.Manz
6 Liebenberg, Carduff, Williams
7 Reffell, Illione, Cracknell
8 Wiese, Hatherall, Rogerson

Looking at our squad depth based on this we now have 3 players in each position who I think could perform at Premiership level.

Specialist positions e.g. front row and 9 where you know there are 2 players who can play there in each 23 we have 4 (5 at scrum half because of doubled internationals).

We just need the LH signing now...

[mol2]

Bewildered by the Mike Williams signing.
He is tried, tested and found wanting when with us previously.
Now older and even less dynamic an ineffective.

Might as well as spend the money on ice creams for the squad.

[tigerburnie]

Do we have a list of those who were injured last term, is Cronin on that list? I really hope Whitcombe kicks on too this coming season, he showed huge potential for a young prop.

[Leicestertinytiger]

Bewildered by the Mike Williams signing.
He is tried, tested and found wanting when with us previously.
Now older and even less dynamic an ineffective.

Might as well as spend the money on ice creams for the squad.

Oh that’s a ridiculous statement. Everyone fit he wouldn’t make the 23. But he’s a solid player who can cover lock and blindside and gives some much needed depth. Especially with injuries to Wells etc.

You’ve no idea how he’ll perform under the new coaching setup. Give the player a chance first before writing him off.

[Chobbsy]

Bewildered by the Mike Williams signing.
He is tried, tested and found wanting when with us previously.
Now older and even less dynamic an ineffective.

Might as well as spend the money on ice creams for the squad.

Didn't people say that about Mike Brown when he signed?

[Tiglon]

Bewildered by the Mike Williams signing.
He is tried, tested and found wanting when with us previously.
Now older and even less dynamic an ineffective.

Might as well as spend the money on ice creams for the squad.

Didn't people say that about Mike Brown when he signed?

Yes, I did, which is why I'm being so cautious about expressing how unenthusiastic I am about Williams

[Rugbygramps]

Bewildered by the Mike Williams signing.
He is tried, tested and found wanting when with us previously.
Now older and even less dynamic an ineffective.

Might as well as spend the money on ice creams for the squad.

Didn't people say that about Mike Brown when he signed?

Yes, I did, which is why I'm being so cautious about expressing how unenthusiastic I am about Williams

I do agree about Williams but would suggest that we need a little more information. Firstly I would hope it’s no more than a short term contract until the end of the World Cup. Secondly who else was available on a certain budget to fulfill a specific role.
Finally we do need another body at lock presently, would add we have plenty of options at 6. Of the 5 snr locks Martin, Chessum, and Henderson are all at World Cup camps, and Wells is injured. Add to that Lewis Chessum and Carnduff are away with the u20s and there is a shortage of bodies to carry out any set piece drills.

[TigerXV]

Going into the World Cup without a contract already signed for next season would be a very hard nosed, not to say risky, negotiating position. A bad injury and he could easily find himself unemployed and funding his rehab and recovery himself.

he signed months ago

[Rugbygramps]

Going into the World Cup without a contract already signed for next season would be a very hard nosed, not to say risky, negotiating position. A bad injury and he could easily find himself unemployed and funding his rehab and recovery himself.

he signed months ago

Can I ask what your source is for this and if so why hasn’t it been announced

[TigerXV]

Didn't people say that about Mike Brown when he signed?

Yes, I did, which is why I'm being so cautious about expressing how unenthusiastic I am about Williams

I do agree about Williams but would suggest that we need a little more information. Firstly I would hope it’s no more than a short term contract until the end of the World Cup. Secondly who else was available on a certain budget to fulfill a specific role.
Finally we do need another body at lock presently, would add we have plenty of options at 6. Of the 5 snr locks Martin, Chessum, and Henderson are all at World Cup camps, and Wells is injured. Add to that Lewis Chessum and Carnduff are away with the u20s and there is a shortage of bodies to carry out any set piece drills.

I'm sure he would have been a cheap pick up for injury cover for Wells (so not under cap) and will have got a promise of an extension if, and only if, young players don't hit the straps when they get a chance to step up or there are further injuries to 2nd/Back row stocks before Christmas. I'd assume if the young lads step up (I think they will) and there are no serious injuries he will be off by January with thanks for his efforts

[mol2]

Bewildered by the Mike Williams signing.
He is tried, tested and found wanting when with us previously.
Now older and even less dynamic an ineffective.

Might as well as spend the money on ice creams for the squad.

Oh that’s a ridiculous statement. Everyone fit he wouldn’t make the 23. But he’s a solid player who can cover lock and blindside and gives some much needed depth. Especially with injuries to Wells etc.

You’ve no idea how he’ll perform under the new coaching setup. Give the player a chance first before writing him off.

He’s hardly set the world alight since he left Tigers!
Brown is not a great comparator - he had been a top level player in the past.

[TigerXV]

Going into the World Cup without a contract already signed for next season would be a very hard nosed, not to say risky, negotiating position. A bad injury and he could easily find himself unemployed and funding his rehab and recovery himself.

he signed months ago

Can I ask what your source is for this and if so why hasn’t it been announced

you can ask but unfortunately I am unable to give source (not least as it would make most on here have an attack of the vapours) other than to say I am very confident

[Leicestertinytiger]

Bewildered by the Mike Williams signing.
He is tried, tested and found wanting when with us previously.
Now older and even less dynamic an ineffective.

Might as well as spend the money on ice creams for the squad.

Oh that’s a ridiculous statement. Everyone fit he wouldn’t make the 23. But he’s a solid player who can cover lock and blindside and gives some much needed depth. Especially with injuries to Wells etc.

You’ve no idea how he’ll perform under the new coaching setup. Give the player a chance first before writing him off.

He’s hardly set the world alight since he left Tigers!
Brown is not a great comparator - he had been a top level player in the past.

Not performing in a rubbish Bath team is hardly a good barometer for a player’s ability. Given he’s sixth choice lock or backrower think he’ll fit in nicely.

[Rugbygramps]

Bewildered by the Mike Williams signing.
He is tried, tested and found wanting when with us previously.
Now older and even less dynamic an ineffective.

Might as well as spend the money on ice creams for the squad.

Are you suggesting we could have got Mr. Whippy on a similar deal

[RunTigerRun]

Well our new LH is not Fischetti… heading back to Zebre

https://twitter.com/zebreparma/status/1 ... 05888?s=46

That leaves Sutherland (Biarritz?), Morozov (released by Bath), ? any other capped, NH LHs available?