Miller hails Doncaster’s ‘best ever season’

Doncaster head coach Tony Miller has described this season as the best in the clubs history.

The Dons secured the double, winning the Championship One Grand Final last month with a 16-13 victory over Barrow Raiders which added to their league title.

“This season was probably the best in the club’s history,” said Miller. “It is testament to the clubs work over the last few years. Before we were taken over three years ago the club was on its knees, since then we have gradually been climbing the table.

With the second tier of rugby league expanding to 14 teams, the south Yorkshire side thought that their season was done after their win over London Skolars on the final day of the season in the regular season.

But they were caught unawares that there was the playoffs to be completed.

He said, “We thought had won it when we beat London Skolars on the last day of the season, but we were told that we had to do the playoffs as well. Bit of an anti-climax really.

“We’d scored more points, had more wins and had the best point’s difference over the course of the year and had to start all over again. 

“Fantastic togetherness in the team though, it made us more determined. We lost Paul Cooke early on in the playoff which was a setback but credit to the players for coming through it.”

Doncaster’s head coach identified a number of key figures in the team during the season but ultimately praised his squad throughout for their successful season.

Miller said, “Paul Cooke on and off the field has been brilliant all year. Mark Castle, Lee Waterman, and Kyle Kazak in particular as well. Kesik I think has played in every position on the pitch, he is so versatile. Every player at the club has been outstanding this season.”

Doncaster along with Barrow, Workington Town and Whitehaven were all promoted into the Championship for next season.