Hi All

I know technically the season is not yet over, but I think like most of us we are already in the process of trying to forget it ever happened (I might even start buying mustard again), however does anybody know how many players have contracts for next year, so we at least have some idea of what "talent" we have signed up.

We will need to hit the ground running next year, so knowing who is signed on at least gives us an idea of how much work to be done

Of the ones I know, the following are all half way through two-year deals
- Will Lovell
- Rian Horsman
- Lewis Bienek
- Iliess Macani
- Dean Parata
- Oli Leyland
- Will Blakemore-

and Dan Coates and Declan O'Donnell !

I can start us off with these signing 2 year deals:
Blakemore
Leyland O
Parata
Macani
Bienek
Horsman
Lovell

There are more I'm sure but just don't remember.

Snap. We agree DC which is a good start!

There are players like Rob Tuliati on definitive one year deals and others where it isn't clear.

Perhaps we could give that part of the 2 year contracts that Blakemore, Coates and ODonnell won’t need to Walker and Davis.

looks like we do have some of our better players around next year which should give the new coach a spine to start withicon_smile.gif Its actually better than I hoped (still not great though). Getting Walker and Davis signed on for next year should be something as a priority I would think

I certainly hope Alex Walker is currently (or soon to be) signed up for next year. Thoroughly enjoy watching him; and he's good too!

I believe Sam Davis is on loan from York, but a former player. In the win against Batley he was subbed out late on; and Batley promptly scored two late tries. Ok the game was over, Batley had nothing to lose and London were going through the motions; but I did point out it happened with him off the pitch.

I'm also delighted Lewis Bienek should return, those ball carrying surges when he just moves players are awesome. Could do with a few more minutes on the pitch although I can see that Prop is probably the most demanding position physically and the interchanges by all teams look quite high in that position.

Bienek has the X factor and when he is on his game really raises the tempo and makes the game exciting. I’m in no position to judge the big fella positions on the pitch but for a fairly young guy I’ve tended to feel longer minutes was what was needed but perhaps that would dilute the impact he makes when on field. Either way good we have him wrapped up. Of the overseas players most now seem to have hit form but I wouldn’t be surprised if they were all on one year deals. My main fear about them going is how long it takes for new players to bed in. This year very few, IMHO, started well except Parata and Bienek in spells. We really can’t go another start of the season with the squad not having any cohesion. So although the squad is a bit undercoooked I can see Eccles argument for retention as a priority. (I’d also not go fishing in L1 for the majority of my team but that’s another matter.)

From the other forum (not my post)
"
[iBeen told by a fairly reliable source.Club has signed Eccles as head coach for 2023,along with re-signing some of the better performers in Moceidreke,Parata,Palumbo,Albert,Ulberg and Williams.
Lovell,Walker,Macani,Leyland,Bienek,Davis,Horseman all under contract for 2023[/i"

If true this is great news, I'm almost starting to feel optimistic for next year now.

I would welcome this although, to be clear, as a press release it would be difficult to sell it as anything other than ‘after an iffy season that has improved somewhat towards the end we have decided to stick with what we’ve got’. It’s not really in the same league as Leigh’s antics and unlikely to have Toulouse break out in a cold sweat.

Also, knowing what we know from previous (in) action by the club, Cowboy’s statement would be equally plausible with the addition of the word ‘not’ before ‘signed Eccles’. So let’s see.

That'll all go t1t's up eventually if true. Bring back Danny Ward (even without Langers) and retain Mike as Strength & Conditioning/assistant coach otherwise it will all ends in tears.

I agree in terms of it not challenging the top clubs, but it would be the difference between being in the middle of the pack, and contenders for relegation. If we finish 6th next year that would be a huge improvement

Yes it would. There are a few in this league that are beatable but we need a stronger squad and a better start (it goes without saying) Not sure we’ll get top 6 but mid table obscurity should be possible.

2023 will see us win maybe the same number of games as this year.....question is, without Town or Dewsbury there to save us, will it be enough?
Momentum will be key.....if we have to wait 2 or 3 months for a win then I suspect another flirtation with the trap door will be in the offing.

Rugby League Daily reporting on Facebook that Cake has signed a 2 year deal with Neil Thorman as assistant.