DEWSBURY RAMS coach Paul March says tighter defence is crucial to progression next year after seeing an initially encouraging campaign peter out.
The FLAIR Stadium side, who will have a player link-up with new Super League groundshare partners Huddersfield in 2027, had hopes of making the top-ten play-offs around the midpoint of this campaign.
But having won seven out of their first 13 matches in the league, they picked up just one victory in their following eleven, culminating in Saturday’s 56-6 home defeat against Newcastle.
The departure of key players like the McShane brothers, Craig and Jack, has been a factor.
So too has having to twice play in midweek, with the recent 48-26 FLAIR Stadium defeat by neighbours Batley coming four days after a 34-22 home loss to Rochdale and seven after a 34-12 setback at Whitehaven.
However, March still cut a frustrated figure as he surveyed the Heavy Woollen derby disappointment for fans of his hometown club.
“We don’t have problems scoring points, but it’s the other side of the game which is a worry,” he said.
“We tend to let in a few soft tries, heads start to go, and things are compounded by then making errors and giving away penalties.
“It’s been the story of the second half of the season really, and while we have had a tough schedule, you have to get up for any match, never mind a derby.
“Unfortunately we looked like we just wanted to attack, not do the hard stuff by defending properly, which was disappointing.”
Dewsbury have agreed a 2027 contract extension with hooker Jacob Parkinson.