https://www.loverugbyleague.com/post/le ... macdonald/ Looking positive - but they must retain Tom Amone, he is the standout forward this season. Obviously SL clubs will be sniffing for such a hard working prop.

https://www.loverugbyleague.com/post/le ... macdonald/ Looking positive - but they must retain Tom Amone, he is the standout forward this season. Obviously SL clubs will be sniffing for such a hard working prop.

Great news and agreed re Amone.
Nice thing is that A Lam says that we have more than just Nene locked up for next season also. this kind of forward thinking and commitment will ensure that we have a strong second half to the season, with players seeing that the club has big ambition, long term plans and effort will be rewarded.

For my money Adrian Lam is one of the shrewdest signings the club has made and for this reason I hope DB is making every effort to keep him tied to the club as well.

I like what he is doing on the back of DB's funding of the player signings. Whilst the attack is a steadily improving work in progress he has certainly fixed our traditionally flaky defence. I also sense that he is the reason why some of the impressive signings have come to the club. After all, and as we all know, he is a PNG legend! Enough said to any perspective signing.

The good thing for me is that when interviewed, particularly on TV, he comes across as being quite happy. I think that in itself is a good sign and perhaps a small indicator that all is well, both at the club and with him personally. Let's hope that he has a really big smile on his face come the final whistle next Saturday and, most importantly, at the end of the season.

Yes, agreed, that Amone must be retained at all costs. What on earth are we doing with a prop of this calibre. Whoever at the club is responsible for his signing must be complimented. What a find.

I know that this thread is about player retentions but i am still going to say it here that, having gone to Batley on Monday night, that I still have one of the smugest smiles on my face 4 days later. I liked very much what i witnessed. What a win against traditionally tricky opponents on their sloping backyard. What a statement of intent. For the first time this season i am prepared to say, bring on Fev, we are now ready for them. Things are building nicely. Now let's win DB his Cup back!

Completely agree with your full post, it's a shame we have to cut some of the overseas players if we go up and I'm glad I don't have to do that job as there will be some difficult conversations. Lam looks happy, Chester looks happy and the players looked very happy at Batley. That performance the other night made me dip into my pocket and pay the £100 for next week, as finances are short at the minute.

Regarding Amone I do believe that was Chesters find as he wanted him for Wakey but they missed out. He's a top 4 prop forward so I hope he is one of the players that are already signed up. I'd be surprised if players were signing if Lam wasn't staying but I'd get Lam signed up on a 2 year deal. He's a model professional and he knows how to build a squad.

Overseas Players

McDonald - Keep
Ipape - freedom of the town of Leigh
Amone - Pay what him what he wants just keep him
Fergyferg4 - Top class entertainment
Asiata - Keep
Stone - Keep
Inu - now aged 35 might be his swansong
Ioane - not sure
Hingano - release
Nakubuwei - Too early to tell
Hitchcox - The forgotten man

O'Donnell - British family - so keep
Aekins - Welsh mother - a keeper

6 overseas positions tied up - leaving 1 slots with a little wriggle room for a half back to come over at the back end of the season and for next year.

Tough to argue against your calls.
I would keep Aekins regardless (or despite

) him being of Welsh origin.
O’Donnell is a personal favourite of mine, but would be likely a strong squad player at SL level. If not a Brit background, that may have cost him but for me he is a keeper for next season.

Stone?

Stone is a keeper- Apologies for missing off (still room for a half back)

Who do we keep of English origin?

I'd keep:
Brand
Mellor
Wardle (if he's not on much as he would be a squad player)
Chamberlain (squad player)
Green (I think he will be great when back fit and he's reliable with the ball)
Smith.

If we were to go up then we will need to sign quite a few to compete but I understand the club are already doing this.

May as well join in with my personal take so far ....
McDonald =#FF0000Already signed ✅️
Ipape =#FF0000An absolute must sign
Amone =#FF0000Again must sign
Asiata - Yes
Ferguson - Yes, (if he really wants it) like what I've seen.
Stone - Yes, solid, no nonesense.
Ioane - Also a maybe (done nothing wrong though)
O'Donnell - Yes, keep. He's solid & gets through a mountain of work, very good.
Aekins =#FF0000I don't think the British passport thing is relevant anymore , so far it's a Yes - keep.
Hingano - not seen enough from him (yet) so release
Inu - Release based on age
Nakubuwei - plenty better - Release

Edit.

I think that's 7 I've picked with Ioane so maybe 1 gets cut. Also assuming all those that Chester & Lam approach actually want to sign or are not hunted with much bigger money from Super League or NRL Club's (in the case of Ipape & Ferguson maybe)

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.

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.

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

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?

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.

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

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

MASSIVE signing!

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

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!

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!

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!!!

WYSIWYG, dissing your own post takes sarcasm to a whole new level and for that you should be rightly lauded & applauded. Please allow us lesser mortals our moment of Ipappiness though.



Btw is anyone else getting "Bad request" error messages when attempting to move between threads (or trying anything else for that matter)?

im not getting too carried away. Lots of work still to do but I feel that we are looking to retain our players now which tells me we are in a good place.

DB is actually being a Chairman and proof in the pudding that leaving it to the 'professionals' rather than 'best mates' is the best policy all round. The 2 PNG players confirmed, I believe Asiata is optional, Amone is a must and if Ferguson wants to stay, why not? I think Aekins doesn't count on the quota and I am not too sure if Sam Stone does too (could be wrong) but one good quality Half back could solidify one of the best Leigh team we have seen for many,many years.

One thing is for sure, It is certainly the best pack I have seen and to be fair, thats all you need in the Championship really.

This news brought a huge smile to my face, which is how I react many times per game when Edwin has the ball in hand or someone is crazy enough to run at him.
He is a dynamic player, who must be a nightmare to play against.
Well done to the whole club and DB.
This season continues to get better and better and my outlook for the future is very positive.

1. Aekins – Keep – Hopefully qualifies as British
2. Hitchcox – Let go - Limited opportunities and is Australian
3. Brand – Keep – Most improved player this season (don’t let him play Fullback)
4. McDonald – Retained – Top try scorer- unorthodox Centre
5. Nisbet – Let go – Played Wing and pack - a trier put lacking the pizzaz of Inu, Ferguson and Charnley
6. Reynolds – Keep - Solid in defence – kicking game improved but does not offer enough threat in attack (especially at SL level)
7. Mellor – Retained – Dominated games at times
8. Sidlow – Keep – Solid all round has improved discipline having been made Captain
9. Smith – Sign – Smith has spent several seasons at Leigh and needs to make the move permanent.
10. Ioane –Keep - Qualifies under residency 6 years in UK – season plagued by injuries – always gives 100%
11. Wardle - Keep
12. Stone – Keep – Malta International
13. Amone – Keep – Star Prop
14. Green – Keep – Unfortunate injury – Plenty of SL experience
15. Hingano – Let go – unpredictable player with some good touches and occasionally reckless in the tackle – provided cover at 6,7 and 9 incredibly important squad player
16. Chamberlain – Keep – talented Centre still learning his craft
17. Jones – Let go – Young lad not quite SL standard yet
18. Asiata – Keep – Gets better every game – fills in deficiencies in the half backs – attacks the line and pushes Mellor and Reynolds wider
19. Roberts – Keep - Young local lad with potential. Fills a squad position
20. Dixon – Let Go – The age of the small speedster, might be coming to an end. Inu, Ferguson and now Charnley have more of a Lam feel about them.
21. Ipape – Retained – Oh Edwin Ipape (I love that man)
22. McDonnell – Sign – Highly rated by Lam but still a Wigan loanee.
23. Inu – Keep – I would like another season from this top performer (At 35 he might hang up his Blue and Red Boots)
24. O’Donnell - Keep – Hopefully qualifies as British
25. Nakubuwai – Undecided – Getting better with every game
26. Ferguson – Keep – A little bit of stardust at the LSV
27. Charnley – Signed

I agree with most but not all of this.

My picks are ....

1. Aekins - Keep/Release (undecided) depends on Quota & who we manage to retain. Very good season but not irreplaceable, doesn't like taking bombs but in most areas good.
2. Hitchcox - Release. Not in Lams plans it seems & hasn't done enough to be retained + he's an Aussie so takes a Quota spot.
3. Brand - Keep - Brand has done plenty very well & gets better. He's one to get signed & could have a bright future.
4. McDonald - Retained. Excellent, hard to handle Centre with plenty to worry defenses.
5. Nisbet. Release. Has been a hard working squad player & of course we need squad player's (not everyone can be superstars) Not done much wrong but we have plenty quality in his position.
6. Reynolds - Keep - as already said, very solid defensively & much improved in play kicking, strong squad player (though I would like an NRL/SL quality 6)
7. Mellor - Retained Nothing to add, good signing
8. Sidlow - Keep - Nothing to add.
9. Smith - Keep/Sign - still developing but doing it very well, a solid performer, needs to be a Leigh player & part of our first choice 2 Hooker game.
10. Ione - Keep - Nothing to add.
11.Wardle - Keep/Release (undecided) decent/solid squad player
12. Stone - Keep/Release - Depends again on Quota spots & who does or doesn't sign again. Very good but not irreplaceable.
13. Amone - Keep - Absolutely must attempt to get Amone for at least 2 - 3 seasons. Might come down to a fight between Leigh & bigger name Super League clubs.
14. Green - Keep - Been unlucky to lose him for most of the season so far but again, SL quality
15. Hingano - Release. Hasn't done enough & takes a Quota spot
16. Chamberlain - Keep - Very good & will improve further.
17. Jones - Release/? Don't know enough about him.
18. Asiata - Keep - Very good, an attacking threat, good defender, has been a good signing
19. Roberts - Keep - a good squad player will need game time to develop.
20 . Dixon - Release. Not in plans & we have & can attract much better (Plenty of quality wingers)
21. Ipape - Retained - What a player. This signing alone shows where we are & where we want to be. An inspired signing & he will attract others to Leigh.
22. McDonnell - Sign (If we can) has been very good for Leigh when played. Does he want to be a first choice Leigh player or squad Wigan player ?
23. Inu - Release - Yes I know he's been excellent this season but he is 35 & will he retire ? Being 35 in Championship is not the same as being 36 in Super League !
24. O'Donnell - Keep - Very, very good, much better than most realise. Kai is an excellent all rounder, massive defence & massive workhorse.
25. Nakubuwai - Release - Better out there & takes a Quota spot.
26. Ferguson - Keep *If we can* Will he sign again ? Will he get bigger offers from bigger name clubs in Super League or NRL ?
27. Charnley - Signed - still has quality & a proven try scorer.

*The name Lachlan Lam is still being mentioned in the media*