Re: Player Retention : Sat Jul 16, 2022 9:27 am  

Vancouver Leyther wrote:

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

Re: Player Retention : Sat Jul 16, 2022 11:39 pm  

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.

Re: Player Retention : Sun Jul 17, 2022 7:12 pm  

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.

Re: Player Retention : Sun Jul 17, 2022 9:54 pm  

ColD wrote:

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

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.

Re: Player Retention : Fri Jul 22, 2022 2:11 am  

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.

Re: Player Retention : Fri Jul 22, 2022 6:58 am  

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.

Re: Player Retention : Fri Jul 22, 2022 9:13 am  

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

Re: Player Retention : Fri Jul 22, 2022 12:53 pm  

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

Re: Player Retention : Fri Jul 22, 2022 3:46 pm  

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.

Re: Player Retention : Fri Jul 22, 2022 4:47 pm  

Not seen anything official on Mulhern yet, Sep.