Re: Player Retention : Wed Jun 01, 2022 9:36 pm  

I would like to see Leigh at least try to sign James McDonnell from Wigan & Dan Norman from St Helens, impressed by both when they have played for Leigh.

Re: Player Retention : Wed Jun 01, 2022 9:38 pm  

Celebrating retentions is fine, but Bongser is unsure as to how helpful get shut/shot posts are. He is of the opinion that the players' first point of reference after a game will not be the thoughts of we few, we band of brothers but should one of the players stumble across negative comments, it won't give them a confidence boost.

Furthermore, pretty certain that Lam knows a few things more than we do.

Bongser supports at LSV, occasionally elsewhere, at work when trapped there and on here. That's his MO but everyone is different and will be respected by this quarter too.

Re: Player Retention : Thu Jun 02, 2022 3:07 am  

I would be very surprised if McDonnell is not a Leigh player next season.

Lam clearly rates him and says as much every time he mentions him. He is back again with the club and likely to play over the next couple of games. I could be wrong, but i also thought that i saw him with the team (Leigh) in the warm-up at White Hart Lane last Saturday.

McDonnell, in interview, has spoken of the need for him to be playing regularly to continue his development which he is not getting at Wigan. He also speaks well of his time with Leigh and of his good player coach relationship with Lam.

I think that the stars are aligned on this one and would be more surprised if he is not announced over the next few months as a new signing for next season

Re: Player Retention : Thu Jun 02, 2022 10:15 am  

McDonnell (the Wigan one) is a player we definitely need to tie up on a 3 year deal, Wigans young players aren’t on big money.

I think we will release Hitchcox, Hingano and Inu even though I really rate Inu he has completely solidified that left edge defensively.

I’d be keeping

Ipape
Asiata
McDonald
Amone
Stone
Ferguson

I believe Aekins & McDonnell have British passports so keep them and we have one spot left, could we re-attempt for Lachlan Lam if we go up?

Charnley is a good pick up if we go for him and I’d like to retain-

Brand
Mellor
Chamberlain
Sidlow
Wardle
Smith
Reynolds
Nisbett (utility)
Roberts (young still)

Mark Ioane is a great player and I would love to keep him, does he count on the quota still? Samisoni Langi now qualifies for France on residency rules had Ioane been here the same amount of time?

Re: Player Retention : Thu Jun 02, 2022 11:02 am  

Bent&Bongser wrote:

Celebrating retentions is fine, but Bongser is unsure as to how helpful get shut/shot posts are. He is of the opinion that the players' first point of reference after a game will not be the thoughts of we few, we band of brothers but should one of the players stumble across negative comments, it won't give them a confidence boost.

Bongser, I appreciate what you are saying, but sport is a rough old business. I have been disheartened by Leigh's buy and discard policy of recent years. Players like McNally and Brierley have re-signed and left again, without the club saying a word. The fans buy into these players and need closure and send-off. We need to appreciate the good times and wish them well, but the club have robbed us in the past of such opportunities.

Lammy has been very open about the current situation, injury situations and squad improvements. Players often sign a one year contract and with Promotion and Relegation always on the horizon at Leigh, it is very much a reality. Everybody knows we have too many overseas players if promoted and we all have a wish-list of players we want to see again next year. It is nothing personal just about year-on-year improvements at the LSV.

Re: Player Retention : Wed Jun 22, 2022 4:18 pm  

https://twitter.com/LeighCenturions/sta ... 5211259904 Ipape signs till 2025

https://twitter.com/LeighCenturions/sta ... 5211259904 Ipape signs till 2025

Re: Player Retention : Wed Jun 22, 2022 4:38 pm  

Deeeekos wrote:

https://twitter.com/LeighCenturions/status/1539639355211259904

Ipape signs till 2025

MASSIVE signing!

Great news for the future of our club and a statement of intention. Buzzing

Re: Player Retention : Wed Jun 22, 2022 5:39 pm  

Absolutely great news. He is good now but i think that there is more in the tank and that he will only get better.

Also great news were the comments of DB that accompanied the announcement of Edwin's contract extension. Long term financial commitment to the club reiterated. This is crucial news for the club and for us supporters. There's plenty to smile about right now. Could be a hell of a lot worse - could be a Fev fan!

Re: Player Retention : Wed Jun 22, 2022 5:53 pm  

Blummin' 'Eck! Great news. 'Er indoors is trying to drag Bongser out for an even lengthier walk than the one last night that left him footsore. Now walking on air!!! COYL!

Re: Player Retention : Wed Jun 22, 2022 9:22 pm  

Absolutely brilliant news about Ipape. He's the best hooker we've had since a young Mickey Higham. I'm confident we will retain Amone and Asiata and a few others, including Fergie. I am also confident with Lam and Chester we will get to SL at the end of the season. I am also confident that this time, we will challenge in SL and when the leagues are restructured that we will be in SL1. Credit has to go to DB. He's learned from his past mistakes and recruited a top coaching set up to attract the top players. We'll done DB. Good Times are back at Leigh and even more successful years are ahead of us. A Challenge Cup final could be ours in a few years time. Congratulations to everyone at Leigh. Oh, Edwin Ipape!!!