Tigerbuck63
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The Mole's NRL season previews:
Rebuilding Wests Tigers not yet finals material
By The Mole
2501/2021
Wests Tigers fans are getting used to their team underachieving in recent years - will a raft of changes see things improve?
RECRUITMENT: Coach Michael Maguire has seen the need for a cleanout, getting rid of 11 experienced players. But will the new recruits be any better? Only Joe Ofahengaue (Broncos), James Roberts (Souths) and James Tamou (Panthers) have had much top-grade experience and 2021 shapes as a rebuilding year.
Former Panthers captain James Tamou.
STRENGTHS: After blooding plenty of young talent over the past 18 months and adding some good up-and-comers, Maguire has plenty of depth in his squad that should see the Tigers through a long campaign.
WEAKNESSES: Attack was a problem last year and losing boom hooker Harry Grant won't help in this department. The Tigers averaged the third-fewest metres per carry in the NRL and will need to find more penetration - especially up the middle.
MAN UNDER PRESSURE: There's no doubting the ability of Joseph Leilua as a dynamic ball runner, but he can also be a boofhead and rival coaches have identified him as a weak link because of his ability to be baited. Needs to cut the crap out of his game and play football - and he'll shine if he does.
ONE TO WATCH: Leilua's 'little' brother Luciano was one of the most improved players in the comp last year. A giant of a man with good leg speed, he's a genuine game-breaker who should only improve in 2021.
Joey Leilua. (Getty)
WHAT THE BOOKIES SAY: To win comp $41, to make finals $3.68 (via Sportsbet)
WHAT MOLEY SAYS: On their day, the Tigers have the ability to match and beat any team in the game. Sadly in recent seasons, their day has only come once a month or so - and that pattern looks like repeating this year. Not quite finals ready.
Reply - The Pattern emerges again we hear nothing about the WT for weeks now this assumption and the reports on Momo wanting out, runs in 3's what next this week?
Rebuilding Wests Tigers not yet finals material
By The Mole
2501/2021
Wests Tigers fans are getting used to their team underachieving in recent years - will a raft of changes see things improve?
RECRUITMENT: Coach Michael Maguire has seen the need for a cleanout, getting rid of 11 experienced players. But will the new recruits be any better? Only Joe Ofahengaue (Broncos), James Roberts (Souths) and James Tamou (Panthers) have had much top-grade experience and 2021 shapes as a rebuilding year.
Former Panthers captain James Tamou.
STRENGTHS: After blooding plenty of young talent over the past 18 months and adding some good up-and-comers, Maguire has plenty of depth in his squad that should see the Tigers through a long campaign.
WEAKNESSES: Attack was a problem last year and losing boom hooker Harry Grant won't help in this department. The Tigers averaged the third-fewest metres per carry in the NRL and will need to find more penetration - especially up the middle.
MAN UNDER PRESSURE: There's no doubting the ability of Joseph Leilua as a dynamic ball runner, but he can also be a boofhead and rival coaches have identified him as a weak link because of his ability to be baited. Needs to cut the crap out of his game and play football - and he'll shine if he does.
ONE TO WATCH: Leilua's 'little' brother Luciano was one of the most improved players in the comp last year. A giant of a man with good leg speed, he's a genuine game-breaker who should only improve in 2021.
Joey Leilua. (Getty)
WHAT THE BOOKIES SAY: To win comp $41, to make finals $3.68 (via Sportsbet)
WHAT MOLEY SAYS: On their day, the Tigers have the ability to match and beat any team in the game. Sadly in recent seasons, their day has only come once a month or so - and that pattern looks like repeating this year. Not quite finals ready.
Reply - The Pattern emerges again we hear nothing about the WT for weeks now this assumption and the reports on Momo wanting out, runs in 3's what next this week?
