Connacht Team Talk Thread VI - Some like it TOH

Nice not of business. Quality player

its just unusual

The last time we renewed Prendergast's contract he still had over a year remaining on his current deal. He's probably our most important player, when looking at quality of performance and minutes played, as well as being club captain. Tying him down early on a long term deal is just good management.

Once the deal is done, why not announce it? Our captain sigming on for 3 years is a positive news item and projects stability. I know he had resigned the captaincy but a public contract tussle with a leader like O'Mahony last season was not a positive for Munster.

I think getting the club captain signed on a long term deal shows continuity and stability as you head into negotiations with other players especially in times of change.

Last weeks speculation around bundi may just have pushed them to announce early.

If we were losing a few senior ish lads it might be very important to give other lads a vision of the future.

Joyce Boyle and SHL are probably the next ones that need to be tied up. Also with the new Prop rules on niqs we better do our business in the front row ASAP. Cos Munster will be in the market for a rake of lads.

Would be really keen to see Fiachna Barrett too and how he's progressing - looks to be going very well for Corinthians.

Having a crack at picking a 23

1. Jordan Duggan
2. De Buitler or McBurney
3. Illo
4. Dowling
5. O'Connor
6. McCormack
7. Flynn
8. SHL
9. Reilly
10. Carty
11. Smith
12. John Devine or Daniel Hawkshaw
13. Ralston
14. Porch
15. Jennings
16. McBurney or Victory
17. Lasisi
18. Barrett
19. AN Other
20. Flynn
21. Farthing
22. Naughton
23. Mullins

Gavin is injured not sure if he'll be back for the games

I would like to see:

15-9, 1-8: Jennings, Mullins, Ralston, J. Devine, Smith, Dav. Hawkshaw, M. Devine; Lasisi, de Buitléar, Illo, Dowling, O'Connor, N. Murray, McCormack, Jansen

16-13: McBurney, Bohan, Barrett, D. Murray, Flynn, Reilly, Naughton, Treacy

Smith played in the first few rounds of the AIL for Clontarf, but not since October 5th. Can't recall him being mentioned in any injury updates, seems like he just hasn't been selected. He showed a lot of promise last year but we seem determined to play Cordero into form currently.

Murray played 6 in at least one u20 warm up game but don't recall it happening since. I don't think there's a pressing need for another option at blindside with Prendergast and Murphy there, but it could be the best use of Murray's talents and his only hope of pushing on another level or two. He's plateaued a bit outside of being an excellent defensive lineout operator.

Naughton looks very good at that level and seems to be a very important part of the ambitious shape they're playing. Just hard to know how he stacks up as a prospect as he didn't get many minutes for the u20s. Looks to have good fundamentals and especially an ability to straighten and fix defenders, without having any obvious weaknesses to his game. The A games could be a good opportunity for him, but would pick Blade to start with him.

No clue on West, other than I believe he has been more focused on fullback. Hasn't played for Buccs yet this season.

Sligo rovers getting 16 million to redevelop the showgrounds. Part of their submission is to increase the pitch size to accommodate the rugby games in the off season. Would be great if connacht played maybe a zebra or dragon game there. Potential to attract new fans.

Be a great location for a Connacht vrs Ulster Interpro once a year and Ireland A game.

All for this idea, give the people from Sligo and Donegal a chance to see games. Sligo schools have produced so many academy players over the last few years.

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