Longbottom is keeping it tight

Versatile Force prop Kieran Longbottom will operate exclusively on the tighthead side of the scrum next season.

Having started his career at loosehead before being used on both sides of the scrum, the experienced prop has now made the complete transition to tighthead.

He told the West Australian that he is relishing his new role in the front row.

"I've been told to focus on tighthead, to lock that position down, own that position," he said.

"I want to become the rock that our scrum can be built around and take the scrum forward."

The 27-year-old was the first player to come through the Force's junior ranks and into the senior squad, and now needs just nine caps to reach his half-century.

"That will be a milestone I'll be happy with but it is a small thing in the bigger scheme of things here at Force.

"Pre-season has been tough, real tough but all the boys are prescribing to it. They are hitting records and personal bests every which way. They are smashing records every other day," he said.