Dons Season 2014 To Date: : Mon Jul 07, 2014 4:54 pm  

Tuesday 7th July 2014:

We're solidly placed in 4th in the league and probably higher up than most of us imagined we'd be. A great achievement by the lads - well done.

Whilst winning games, there have been some worrying aspects to our performances. They can be highlighted by a couple of stats:

In the 18 league games played this season, we have won 12 but we have only denied the opposition a bonus point in 3 of those matches. Compare this to the other top teams in the league:

Denying teams a Bonus Point when winning the match:

Leigh = 13 times out of 18 wins (72%)
Featherstone = 8 out of 12 wins (67%)
Halifax = 7 out of 11 (64%)
Dewsbury = 5 out of 10 (50%)
Dons = 3 out of 12 (25%)

Another decent measure of performance is points difference.

The points difference of the top sides:

Leigh +418
Fev +232
Fax +168
Dews +65
Sheff +42
Batley +26
Dons +21
Keighley +13

We're only 7th in the points difference table.

I believe the results suggest we have a team with superb spirit who are probably fitter than most of their opponents. This is allowing us to grind out results in close games. This is a great credit to the players and coaching staff.

But when it comes to imposing ourselves on a game, we're coming up short.

The two questions I am asking myself are:

1) Have we reached the peak of what we can achieve with the budget and playing squad we've presently got?

2) Would we have been able to grind out some of these results without the help of that extra bit of class the Hull lads have provided us with throughout the season?

To move forward further, I believe we're going to need the continued support and goodwill from Hull, along with adding two or three better quality players to our own squad. I think Steve Snitch has been a great addition to the squad and adding a few players of similar class for next season is what is needed.

I'm sure PC has in mind what he wants to do for next season and has targets in mind.

This season to date has far exceeded my hopes and these observations are not meant to be a criticism of anyone - just an appraisal of where I feel we're at along with a few things we need to bear in mind for the future.

A big well done to all at the club and a big thank you to Hull for helping us out too.

Re: Dons Season 2014 To Date: : Mon Jul 07, 2014 6:04 pm  

I donot think there will be Dual reg next season , well not between Super League 1 & Super league 2 clubs anyway.
The bonus point may have to be looked at also !

I agree we need a few new players , the higher we finish this season the more £ we get for 2015.

Leigh & may be Fev will be full time next season so its going to be tough again.

Re: Dons Season 2014 To Date: : Mon Jul 07, 2014 6:10 pm  

Whiting would be top of the shopping list if HFC decide no longer required.

Re: Dons Season 2014 To Date: : Mon Jul 07, 2014 7:00 pm  

Good post DM, those are the questions that Cookey needs to address, we could just as easily be were Sheffield are without that extra try a game.
Worrying about relegation.
An extra ten points a game would be my target while keeping tight at the back.
Easier said than done.
A bit more invention, I am sure Cooke has the necessary expertise to sparkle up the lads in attack.

Re: Dons Season 2014 To Date: : Mon Jul 07, 2014 7:57 pm  

Some good points. As for dual reg I agree with weighman, not sure how it would work next season with the splits. If Hull finished in the bottom four and we finish in the top four, we would be competing in the same division, wouldn't have thought they would offer much help in those circumstances, and you wouldn't really expect them too. Been a great season so far.

Re: Dons Season 2014 To Date: : Tue Jul 08, 2014 9:59 am  

The bonus pt system has benefited near enough everyone apart from ourselves.

If there was no bonus system and 3pt for a win and 2 for a draw, the only change to the table would be us 3rd above Halifax on joint 38 pts with fev.

And Leigh on 54 pts even further ahead and only requiring 1 win in last 8 matches to deservedly secure top spot.

If it was as super league 2pts win and 1pt draw the same would apply us on joint 2nd with Fev.

So does the bonus pts system serve any purpose, not really IMO.

Anyway probably won't have it next year, we would all be on the 2pt system as S/L now i guess.

Re: Dons Season 2014 To Date: : Tue Jul 08, 2014 10:37 am  

Some good points raised by everyone.

It is hard to see how Dual Reg could work next season with the leagues splitting as they're going to do. I presume the loan system will stay in place.

Quite a few Super League teams are prepared to loan players out to other Super League sides. I suspect this is primarily part of reducing salaries and their salary cap rather than developing players.

Dual Reg seems a more friendly way of clubs helping each other out. The loan system seems to be based more around finances with the highest bidder usually securing a player's service. There are rumours at the moment that Kyle Briggs is going to go on loan to Sheffield, instead of Dewsbury, where he's presently on loan - presumably because Sheffield are prepared to pay more for his services?

With regards to improving our squad, Richard Whiting would be an awesome signing for us but I suspect he'll get some very good offers from other Super League teams should Hull make the mistake of letting him go.

A decision with regards to the bonus point system is definitely going to have to be made for next season. Introduce it to Super League or scrap it from all leagues?

I've never been a great fan of it, nor greatly against it. On balance, I think it does keep matches interesting for longer. It would be interesting to see if it spiced up Super league games more but my guess is that it won't be introduced to Super League, which perhaps suggests it will be kicked into touch at our level. Although knowing the RFL they may leave things as they are ... and then have a dilemma which way to move with regards to the middle group of eight!

Let's hope we can press on and finish as high up the league as possible to increase the cash coming our way from the RFL, and that PC gets us a few more players like Steve Snitch.

Next season is going to be even tougher than this with some teams going full-time and the two sides dropping out of Super League.

Re: Dons Season 2014 To Date: : Tue Jul 08, 2014 11:45 am  

Tougher, but on this seasons results so far.
Next season is one to look forward to.

Re: Dons Season 2014 To Date: : Tue Jul 08, 2014 2:32 pm  

If you would have said we would be in this position in mid July at the start of the season we would all have taken it.

Cookey and the coaching staff have done a great job and the players have all stood up and done a good job apart from just a couple of little setbacks. The lads seem to have a battling attitude this year that we haven't had in the last couple of years.

As for this season does any one know how the prize money is shared out for the top 8 teams? I think Fev are banking on 2nd place to bankroll going full time next year but its not over yet this season. If you look at our remaining fixtures I feel we should be winning them all bar 2 (Leigh and maybe Fax) . Fev also have Leigh and Fax to play but both away from home. If Fax win their key games then they could clinch 2nd but we are not out of it yet. Its going to be a great finish to the season!
COYD

Re: Dons Season 2014 To Date: : Tue Jul 08, 2014 4:35 pm  

The two teams relegated from the Super League this season will receive £780,000 in parachute payments from the RFL its thought that this seasons top two Championship teams will receive £500.000 & £450,000 respectively with the pay out dropping to £200,000 for the third & fourth placed teams,£175,000 for the fifth & sixth placed & £150.000 for the remainder of the teams.

This seasons Championship prize money
League Leaders £25.000
Grand Final Winners £40,000
Grand Final Runners Up £20,000
3rd Place After Play Offs £12,000
4th Place After Play Offs £10,000
5th Place After Play Offs £6,000
6th Place After Play Offs £4,000
7th Place After Play Offs £2,000
8th Place After Play Offs £1,000