Very pleased about Chambo, he's been really reliable this year and Leigh's commitment to him and vice versa is the loudest statement yet that his injury is summat 'n' neauwt.

The interesting thing in your post Deeeekos, is the mention of a straight swap. Is someone going to Saints or do you just mean that it's like for like(ish) for Asiata's "feet-up time"?

Another signing that signals any eye on the future, with recognition of the effort and improvement shown this season. Young players looking to make their mark, will again take note of this signing, as they will of the Keanan Brand signing.
We are building the foundations of next year and beyond nicely.

Building very nicely indeed, seems to be a completely different approach to previous seasons.

DB continues to fund the club where necessary but he seems to be leaving Chester and Lam to it in terms of this season and the future on the pitch - which is what a good owner should do.

Feels in the past he’s always been the decision maker, no doubt he still is to some extent but now appears to be listening as well.

If we go up with the players we are retaining, and will no doubt add to, very confident we won’t be easy meat for the rest of em

I have just listened to the last of three interviews of Derek on the Dock House Rugby Show on YouTube. All three were very interesting but the last talks more about our club specifically, how we built this season, and what the next 3-5 year aims are. Derek talks about player retention and us looking to resign our best players (Ferguson and Amone are mentioned), and how the right environment is equally as important as the money. He has a long term goal for the club that sees us at the top end of the top flight, and seems very committed to making it happen in the next 3-5 years. The immediate goal is promotion followed next season, by not just top flight survival but being in the upper half of the league. This squad has been assembled as a foundation for a SL squad, and he recognises that retention of as many of our better current squad is essential, with the addition of more quality players also.
All three interviews are a great listen, but the third gives a real insight into what this thread is all about. Player acquisition and retention.

VL thanks for the heads up. Interesting to hear about wooing Ferguson, and looking after his welfare/ego/needs. All credit to the club for providing support services. The players are the assets and yes they should be made to feel good, which in turn should lead to better performances. It is obvious that DB would like to keep Fergy, but he is also very much in the NRL/SL shop window.

Interesting that York nearly signed Asiata, and Ipape came to the UK on a very basic contract.

Sounds like the club is being run properly for the first time.

You are bang-on mate


Derek says exactly as you describe, but says he does occasionally talk with players to ensure them that he also has their backs, and has big, long term plans for the club.

Nothing is for sure, but I do know that Ive not felt this confident about our future for a long time.

A team/squad is now starting to really show an eye on having the right blend of quality, experience, youth, defensive metal, and flair. Lachlan Lam is an amazing addition to the team now and for next season. He has that x factor that can turn a game, but is fearless in defence also. He is also quite able to play in several positions. His addition for this seasons push to the end goal is a huge boost.
The reports of other possible additions for next season are also hugely positive for the club.
One very happy Canadian Leyther today.

How are Leigh fixed for the quota assuming you go up? Lots of non-fed players in the squad already and rumours of a couple of English lads in the first team having signed elsewhere for next year.

Just seen on the Wigan rumour thread that McDonnell will be at Leeds next season. If true, that's one that got away.

We’ve apparently signed Mulhern from Warrington for 2023 according to Love Rugby League

2023 Season
3. Brand
4. McDonald
6. Reynolds
7. Mellor
11. Wardle
16. Chamberlain
18. Asiata
21. Ipape
27. Charnley
28. Lam
29. Mulhern
30. Davis (Matt)

Signed up for next season - 4 Overseas - McDonald, Ipape, Asiata, Lam
3 from the following - Amone, Aekins, O'Donnell, Stone are the likely candidates.

Lam is a superb signing which would be impossible without Lammy snr in the Coaching hotspot. The rumour that never went away.

Sign me up for the PNG games in the World Cup.

Not seen anything official on Mulhern yet, Sep.

Leigh are always officially weeks behind

mat davis

More info about the Overseas quota in a Yorkshire Live post - https://www.msn.com/en-gb/sport/america ... ar-AAZR0bJ States 3 ex-Warrington players Hughes, Davis and Mulhern have signed and Tom Amone is already signed up for next season.

More info about the Overseas quota in a Yorkshire Live post - https://www.msn.com/en-gb/sport/america ... ar-AAZR0bJ States 3 ex-Warrington players Hughes, Davis and Mulhern have signed and Tom Amone is already signed up for next season.

Quote ="Septimius Severus"More info about the Overseas quota in a Yorkshire Live post - https://www.msn.com/en-gb/sport/america ... ar-AAZR0bJ States 3 ex-Warrington players Hughes, Davis and Mulhern have signed and Tom Amone is already signed up for next season.'" Not sure how correct the Amone statement is, as we know Asiata is signed for next season in SL but they don't list him. Can't find anything public about Amone signing for next season.

Quote ="Septimius Severus"More info about the Overseas quota in a Yorkshire Live post - https://www.msn.com/en-gb/sport/america ... ar-AAZR0bJ States 3 ex-Warrington players Hughes, Davis and Mulhern have signed and Tom Amone is already signed up for next season.'" Not sure how correct the Amone statement is, as we know Asiata is signed for next season in SL but they don't list him. Can't find anything public about Amone signing for next season.

Ferguson will be staying if we are in SL

Amone
Ipape
Lam
Asiata
Macdonald
French
AN other Non fed

French appears to be another rumour that is not going away. O'Donnell appears to be going back to Oz.

Also heard Aekins is going back to Oz.(homesick)

I hope we can hold on to both Aekins and O’Donnell. They have both been very hard working and line breaking. Both look SL quality.

Kai O’Donnell has been one of the best overseas signings Leigh have ever made.

Agree that Kai has been a standout and Aekins gives me confidence at full back, so would very happily want both to sign for next season but if they are to return back home, I'd rather that than go to any other rival team.

Blake Ferguson has been confirmed as signed for 2 more years !!!!

Adam Sidlow has confirmed in a Leigh Journal article that he wishes to stay at Leyth next season. He has been a real lead by example captain this year. Big minutes, barn storming runs, offloads near the line causing mayhem, and huge in defence. Could not have asked for more and very happy he wants to stay.