An update from the club as we enter October…
We started work on recruitment and retention earlier in the year and our squad for 2023 is virtually complete. There are still a number of announcements to come, some of which have been deliberately delayed out of respect for other clubs’ involvement in the end of season play-offs.
So far, we have announced the arrivals of experienced Super League forward Kyle Amor and the return of Jordan Johnstone from Hull FC. There have also been new deals recently announced for Joe Edge and Shane Grady, with more to follow.
2023 Season Tickets will be released later this month, which will provide further flexible options for fans to purchase given the current climate. Keep an eye out on the club’s official website and social media channels for when these go on sale.
Furthermore, as we look ahead to 2023, there will be a return of our “Members’ Monday” nights from November, giving fans the chance to find out more about what’s going on behind the scenes at the club and ask questions of club officials.
Following our final game of the season at Bradford, both Steve Tyrer and Matty Smith announced their retirements from rugby league. I’m sure you would like to join us in congratulating both players on fine careers and service to both the club and the sport. The club will be holding a retirement dinner for both players on Friday October 28 as a benefit to both players for their services. Tickets will be available for the event at the DCBL Stadium shortly.
Last week, you will have seen the news that IMG have presented the results of their “re-imagining rugby league” consultation. In the short-term, that means there are no changes to the Championship and one promotion place to Super League will remain for the 2023 season. As a club, we will await further, more detailed information on the overall proposals before making any comment.
Finally, everyone at the club would like to congratulate Matty Fozard for his selection in the Wales World Cup squad, and wish both he and Vikings head coach John Kear all the best for the tournament.
A lot of words and not much said.
Kieron Dixon is the first of the signings
However bland it might be, I’m glad they’ve made a statement. More is to follow - I hope.
Pleased too that Members’ Monday is being restarted.
Dixon is a decent signing.Good finisher and still has a bit of pace about him.
Happy with this. Thought he had some very good performances for us on loan. Makes a lot of yardage as well as getting over the try line regularly.
The signing of Kerion Dixon is a positive one in my opinion. Plenty of experience plus a good finisher and goal kicker. He seems to interact with the crowd well and is an improvement on the wingers we already have. Interested to see who else we secure over the coming weeks.
⚫️🏁⚪️WTID
I echo the above about Dixon has pace which we don’t have holds his line well to score walk ins on opponents lines, really good out of yardage and an improvement than what we have with a proven record at this level
Fair statement and for me need to sign a few decent centres, prop and 2 big Second Rowers. Think it seems like Gilmore is the half back unless we find a gem. 🥖🥖👍
With a hint that Leigh are about to enter the transfer market again there could well be some beef moving on from their pack. Could depend on just how ready we are to look at paying FT or how ready the player(s) may be on getting a job!
Interesting also that Mike Ward is a teacher and has packed in his job in for the World Cup!!! Plenty of teaching jobs in our area!!!
There will be a load of games being played to secure players and clubs - interesting times.
It's very hard to make an informative statement when it's the start of the off season and not a lot is going on! Recruitment all but done, and I'm sure those deals that are yet to be done will be loan deals close to the season starting from fringe SL players.
With a hint that Leigh are about to enter the transfer market again there could well be some beef moving on from their pack. Could depend on just how ready we are to look at paying FT or how ready the player(s) may be on getting a job!
Interesting also that Mike Ward is a teacher and has packed in his job in for the World Cup!!! Plenty of teaching jobs in our area!!!
There will be a load of games being played to secure players and clubs - interesting times.
I think players near 30 years of age could be looking at a job career, and playing part time mate. If you think about Chris Atkin for an example who is 29, and will be 30 come the new season. It is about working out how much earn full time compared to part time and a job earnings. Players who are early 20s are more than likely go full-time, so possibly food for thought on the type of player we sign? It is okay loan signings from Super league, but annoying when they call them back. Anyway I trust Kear and at last got a decent coach. 👍🥖🥖
Maybe Atkin in a couple more years as he can still play full time. I am hoping we can bring the best out of our squad next season under kear as that is what we have been lacking
Well certainly Gilmore manipulated his pack etc and his kicks did cause problems, but it all depended on the discipline of the team as a whole. I think that JK certainly knows the way to get success using his troops, we just need the right troops!!!
Size is important but the character also matters. Thinking back and Ste O'Neill was never the biggest prop, neither was Relf but they never let that stop them! In the great days it was a matter of how the opposition wanted to play skilful or tough we could accommodate them.