Reward for some very solid displays from Keanan this season despite playing out of position on the wing for most of the time.

He always gives a lot of effort and has benefitted this season from playing with confidence in a winning team.

For my money, he struggled last season but then again he was in a team that was struggling every week. I am expecting much better from him next year and I am confident that he will be far more solid for us when we step up. Although playing at a lower level this season he has visibly improved in his play, probably due to our exceptional coaching team and to playing with obvious confidence.

As VL has observed, he has not been a first choice in the team once better players were added to the squad but he has been and will continue to be a very useful squad player and in that respect the contract extension is fair and just reward..

One other positive to this is that it may be a positive for the signing of other young quality players, who may be looking for a team environment that they can develop in. If we are to be what DB is aiming for, a sustainable and long term SL team, we need top quality now, and future young stars who can be solid squad players next season and develop into SL first choice in the near future. Keanan's signing and word of mouth amongst his peers, is exactly what may bring those players on board.

Chamberlain has resigned too which is also good news.

Bell in on dual-reg, looks like a straight swap to give Asiata a well deserved rest (not heard anything else more negative).

Head of Rugby Chris Chester said: “Ed (Chamberlain) has been arguably one of our most consistent players this season.

“His performances this season have warranted this new deal and we are well aware we can’t carry everyone into 2023. But it’s important to get our best British talent signed up and Ed is definitely one of them.

Totally agree Chezzy.

Update

1. Aekins – Keep – Hopefully can obtain a British passport (Dual nationality)
2. Hitchcox – Let go - Limited opportunities and is Australian (Out on loan - unlikely to return)
3. Brand – Retained
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 – Retained
7. Mellor – Retained
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 – Let go- Residency is only applicable to International choices - If he was British a definite keep
11. Wardle - Retained
12. Stone – Keep
13. Amone – Keep – Star Prop
14. Green – Keep – Unfortunate injury – Plenty of SL experience
15. Hingano – Let go
16. Chamberlain – Retained
17. Jones – Let go
18. Asiata – Keep – SL Contract if promoted - option of retailing if in the championship
19. Roberts – Keep - (Out on season loan)
20. Dixon – Let Go – (Out on season loan) unlikely to return
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 can obtain a British passport (Dual nationality)
25. Nakubuwai – Undecided – Getting better with every game
26. Ferguson – Keep – A little bit of stardust at the LSV
27. Charnley – Signed

Rumours of a long extension for a key member of the Squad - Aekins, O'Donnell, Stone or Amone (With Amone the likely target)

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