Looking at the roster breakdown (27/30 confirmed) the Tigers are really going to have to shift 2-3 players.
Charlie Staines, Sezar & Sullivan, if signed, fill the roster.
As far as I think, most of us, believe...we lack any impact in the centres if this fills out the roster.
What I see as the 'immediate' problem is that we have a bunch of youngsters that play backrow only, but are clearly not ready to play 1st grade, in Tumeth, Mansfield, Sione Fainu on the roster. That's 3 spots allocated for future options. Matamua can be added to that, but seems 'close' to at least being in the top 17.
Additionally, our centres are To'a, Tupou, Naden , Feledy & Reilly. It could be argued that there really isn't a #1 centre in that group. Yet, 5 spots allocated to it.
Wing- Nofa, Staines (if), Kepaoa gives us a very limited selection of wingers, with Tupou able to also play wing.
That is 8 spots allocated & really....2-3 guys are 'locked in'- Tupou, Staines & To'a (and only if Staines signs, of course). The others can all have arguments made for & against.
2-3 of our outside backs either need to become locked in starter types, or moved on. Otherwise we are too heavily invested in 'almost 1st graders'. Naden, Reilly, Kepaoa & Nofa are the obvious names. Feledy isn't going anywhere & could almost be in the conversation to be in the top 17 at some point next year.
One of the back row guys probably needs to make way for either Aitasi James or Seyfarth. Or Fa'agutu if they move him into the top 30 (I feel like he would contribute quickly if top 30).
If the club can't move on a large selection of players, we are likely looking at losing guys better than them simply through lack of roster spots.
The 2 back-up hookers have to be in consideration as well- Simpkin & Rua. Particularly if Connor Watson is actually being discussed. Da Silva is already the #2 hooker at the club.
There's not a lot of great available talent, but we still need to find spots on the roster & move some guys on in order to strengthen the overall roster.
