DEWSBURY RAMS coach Paul March is looking forward to having another crack at the big teams with what he hopes will be one of the fittest squads in the second tier.
The FLAIR Stadium boss reckons he’s working to one of the lowest budgets in the new-look merged division, but says there’s no reason why the West Yorkshire side can’t be competitive in his second full season at the helm.
March, a former player-coach of York, Hunslet and Keighley and assistant at Featherstone, first joined the staff at hometown club Dewsbury in March 2024, stepping into the hot seat that May after Dale Ferguson stood down.
He couldn’t stave off relegation from the old-style Championship, but last season led the Rams to fourth place in League One, and was disappointed when the play-offs were dropped following the decision to join the two lower sections.
“I know there would have been nothing at stake in terms of promotion, but you want to test yourselves, and it would have been a chance to do that,” said the 46-year-old former Super League halfback or hooker.
“With the new set-up, there are going to be some difficult games against some good sides, so we will get the chance to test ourselves, and it’s more important than ever that we are fit and able to defend our line.
“We want to be competitive week in, week out, and if we can do that, I’ll be happy and I think the supporters will be happy.”
March says pre-season has been encouraging, explaining: “It’s about laying foundations without breaking the players.
“We have done various fitness routines and tests and been pleased with the outcome. It’s been a bit brutal in the wrestle room, but it’s important to get that work done.
“Out on the field, we’ve been working hard on combinations, structures and plays, and that will continue.”