@Fletch said in [Wests Tigers sign James Roberts till 2022](/post/1269242) said:
The signing of Roberts increases the pressure on BJ Leilua to perform next season.
It’s effectively a contract year for BJ with the club having the option for 2022. He turns 30 end of next year so his next contract will likely be his last - he’ll need a big season if he wants to maximize his earning capacity.
If the Jet is fit and ready to go then he’s going play right centre (BJ’s spot) where he’s most effective. BJ spent time early in his career on the left at Roosters and Knights, and there’s every chance that’s where he’ll train in preseason. He’s spent years though playing down that right channel, and has adapted to its nuances. BJ struggled last season with the move to Sydney, it impacted his preparation, and most the year he looked under done, was down on form, and this all ultimately culminated in him being dropped from the top 17.
Rugby League is his livelihood and best opportunity to make some money for him and his family, but the challenge may have got that much harder with The Jet landing in Tiger Town. Can he make the adjustment and be effective, or will his game continue to drift in the wrong direction.
Will be interesting to see if they both train at right centre or if they move one of them to the left. So hard to know whether Roberts will make our top 17, maybe he won’t in round 1 but can force his way in. I feel like Roberts would be better on the left partnered with Brooksy
The Jet has a right arm carry and left hand fend though, that’s far more effective when he’s playing right centre and steps inside and uses the fend on the sliding defender.