Welcome to the final piece in my 2019 season review series. So far I have reviewed Warrington's players, the team's performances, the best tries, made a Super League dream team and counted down the league's best 60 players. Now though, it's time to look at the coaches.
There may have only been 12 teams in Super League 2019, but 14 men coached a team, due to two coaches starting but not finishing the year. I'm ranking the coaches based on what they achieved with the resources at their disposal, also factoring in circumstances that may have affected their seasons, and how they performed against expectations.
There may have only been 12 teams in Super League 2019, but 14 men coached a team, due to two coaches starting but not finishing the year. I'm ranking the coaches based on what they achieved with the resources at their disposal, also factoring in circumstances that may have affected their seasons, and how they performed against expectations.
14) SIMON WOOLFORD
Super League Position: 10th
Win/Loss Record: 11-18 (37.9%)
Challenge Cup: Sixth Round (beaten by St Helens)
Pulling up the rear of my countdown is Huddersfield Giants coach Simon Woolford, who presided over his side finishing 10th in his first season in charge. For me, Huddersfield have been extremely poor for most of the season, both in terms of playing style and results. The former Canberra and St George player has failed to improve a team who finished 6th last season, with the Giants battling relegation for most of the year. Eleven wins really isn't good enough, particularly when only they only got three wins against the top five all season and were on the end of some rough scorelines, including an ugly 44-0 drubbing at home to Leeds and another home nilling, this time by 22 points, in the following fixture at the John Smith's against Castleford. Nowhere near good enough this year and arguably fortunate not to be relegated.
Pulling up the rear of my countdown is Huddersfield Giants coach Simon Woolford, who presided over his side finishing 10th in his first season in charge. For me, Huddersfield have been extremely poor for most of the season, both in terms of playing style and results. The former Canberra and St George player has failed to improve a team who finished 6th last season, with the Giants battling relegation for most of the year. Eleven wins really isn't good enough, particularly when only they only got three wins against the top five all season and were on the end of some rough scorelines, including an ugly 44-0 drubbing at home to Leeds and another home nilling, this time by 22 points, in the following fixture at the John Smith's against Castleford. Nowhere near good enough this year and arguably fortunate not to be relegated.
13) DAVE FURNER
Super League Position: 10th (upon departure)
Super League Position: 10th (upon departure)
Win/Loss Record: 4-10 (28.5%)
Challenge Cup: Furner exited before Challenge Cup began
Was Dave Furner harshly dismissed by Leeds? Probably. Were the players giving everything for him? Questionable. Did the change have to be made? Definitely. Unfortunately, Leeds were going nowhere under Furner, losing ten of their opening 14 games - including home losses to London and Wakefield and embarrassing thrashings at Salford, Hull FC and Hull KR. Furner was not getting the best out of his players at all - though the attitude of the squad is a factor - and struggled to unlock the potential of the likes of Tui Lolohea. Brad Dwyer's winning drop-goal in golden point against Castleford should've been a turning point, but it was merely a false dawn. By the time Furner was dismissed in May, it was no surprise.
Was Dave Furner harshly dismissed by Leeds? Probably. Were the players giving everything for him? Questionable. Did the change have to be made? Definitely. Unfortunately, Leeds were going nowhere under Furner, losing ten of their opening 14 games - including home losses to London and Wakefield and embarrassing thrashings at Salford, Hull FC and Hull KR. Furner was not getting the best out of his players at all - though the attitude of the squad is a factor - and struggled to unlock the potential of the likes of Tui Lolohea. Brad Dwyer's winning drop-goal in golden point against Castleford should've been a turning point, but it was merely a false dawn. By the time Furner was dismissed in May, it was no surprise.
12) TIM SHEENS
Super League Position: 11th (upon departure)
Super League Position: 11th (upon departure)
Win/Loss Record: 5-11 (31.3%)
Challenge Cup: Quarter Finals (beaten by Warrington)
Often referred to as the Tony Pulis of rugby league, Tim Sheens was sacked by Hull KR in early June after winning just five of the first 16 games of 2019 and being dumped out of the Challenge Cup too. Sheens had started the season excellently, with a last-gasp victory over bitter rivals Hull FC in the opening game of the season, but that was as good as it got for the Aussie, with just four wins to follow - London, Wakefield, Leeds and Salford. The Salford win at Magic Weekend proved to be Sheens' last Super League game in charge, though he did have one final assignment - a Challenge Cup quarter final at home to Warrington, in which they were beaten 28-22 by the eventual winners. Hull KR fans had grown tired of the dull, lifeless and boring rugby that Sheens was serving up, which people can forgive when results are going for you, but with such a high rate of losses, there was no doubt that it was time to go, and he was replaced by a man also with initials of TS: Tony Smith. Sheens moves on in 2020 to take charge of Widnes Vikings who will be hoping his experience can guide them to a Super League return.
Often referred to as the Tony Pulis of rugby league, Tim Sheens was sacked by Hull KR in early June after winning just five of the first 16 games of 2019 and being dumped out of the Challenge Cup too. Sheens had started the season excellently, with a last-gasp victory over bitter rivals Hull FC in the opening game of the season, but that was as good as it got for the Aussie, with just four wins to follow - London, Wakefield, Leeds and Salford. The Salford win at Magic Weekend proved to be Sheens' last Super League game in charge, though he did have one final assignment - a Challenge Cup quarter final at home to Warrington, in which they were beaten 28-22 by the eventual winners. Hull KR fans had grown tired of the dull, lifeless and boring rugby that Sheens was serving up, which people can forgive when results are going for you, but with such a high rate of losses, there was no doubt that it was time to go, and he was replaced by a man also with initials of TS: Tony Smith. Sheens moves on in 2020 to take charge of Widnes Vikings who will be hoping his experience can guide them to a Super League return.
11) STEVE MCNAMARA
Super League Position: 7th
Super League Position: 7th
Win/Loss Record: 13-16 (44.8%)
Challenge Cup: Quarter Finals (beaten by Hull FC)
Sam Tomkins. Brayden Williame. David Mead. Greg Bird. Julian Bousquet. Remi Casty. Tony Gigiot. Samisoni Langi. Fouad Yaha. Michael McIlorum. That's a very talented group of players. For me, Steve McNamara has badly underperformed this season, and his side should've been right up there in the playoffs, but were four points away - and had a disgraceful points difference of -192, only the bottom three had worse. McNamara should be getting far more out of his squad. Motivation is clearly an issue as so many of their performances were disinterested, particularly in the second half of the year. Away form continues to be a huge issue, with some truly pathetic performances on the road as their season petered out. They had some decent wins at home over St Helens, twice against Warrington, Castleford and Leeds, but their defeat at home to Hull FC, a nilling at the hands of Salford and a Headingley debacle were shambolic displays from the Dragons. A better coach would motivate such a talented group of players to compete for the top positions in Super League, both in France and on the road. No Challenge Cup heroics to save their season this year either, being battered by Hull FC in the quarters after a rancid 51-8 loss.
Sam Tomkins. Brayden Williame. David Mead. Greg Bird. Julian Bousquet. Remi Casty. Tony Gigiot. Samisoni Langi. Fouad Yaha. Michael McIlorum. That's a very talented group of players. For me, Steve McNamara has badly underperformed this season, and his side should've been right up there in the playoffs, but were four points away - and had a disgraceful points difference of -192, only the bottom three had worse. McNamara should be getting far more out of his squad. Motivation is clearly an issue as so many of their performances were disinterested, particularly in the second half of the year. Away form continues to be a huge issue, with some truly pathetic performances on the road as their season petered out. They had some decent wins at home over St Helens, twice against Warrington, Castleford and Leeds, but their defeat at home to Hull FC, a nilling at the hands of Salford and a Headingley debacle were shambolic displays from the Dragons. A better coach would motivate such a talented group of players to compete for the top positions in Super League, both in France and on the road. No Challenge Cup heroics to save their season this year either, being battered by Hull FC in the quarters after a rancid 51-8 loss.
10) TONY SMITH
Super League Position: 11th
Win/Loss Record: 5-8 (38.5%)
Challenge Cup: Knocked out before Smith's arrival
Tony Smith had an instant impact upon taking over at Hull KR in June. His first two fixtures were daunting home assignments - Wigan and Warrington - but he came painfully close to a win on debut against Wigan, taking the Warriors to golden point, before somewhat inevitably beating his old club Warrington the following week in his first meeting with Wire since leaving in 2017. KR got some good wins over Castleford and Catalans, as well as a superb win at Headingley, and defeated their derby rivals Hull FC 18-10. There were two poor losses to London as well as a battering at the hands of Wigan and a heavy home reverse against Wakefield. The Robins were very unlucky in their final game - which they could've been relegated if results had gone against them - taking Grand Finalists Salford to golden point and losing out to a Krisnan Inu drop-goal. Smith certainly improved the competitiveness of the KR squad in his 13 games in charge, though he has a job on his hands next year with a very average squad in my opinion.
Tony Smith had an instant impact upon taking over at Hull KR in June. His first two fixtures were daunting home assignments - Wigan and Warrington - but he came painfully close to a win on debut against Wigan, taking the Warriors to golden point, before somewhat inevitably beating his old club Warrington the following week in his first meeting with Wire since leaving in 2017. KR got some good wins over Castleford and Catalans, as well as a superb win at Headingley, and defeated their derby rivals Hull FC 18-10. There were two poor losses to London as well as a battering at the hands of Wigan and a heavy home reverse against Wakefield. The Robins were very unlucky in their final game - which they could've been relegated if results had gone against them - taking Grand Finalists Salford to golden point and losing out to a Krisnan Inu drop-goal. Smith certainly improved the competitiveness of the KR squad in his 13 games in charge, though he has a job on his hands next year with a very average squad in my opinion.
9) RICHARD AGAR
Super League Position: 8th
Win/Loss Record: 8-7 (53.3%)
Challenge Cup: Sixth Round (beaten by Bradford)
Agar boasts an impressive win ratio since taking over at Leeds, so this may seem a harsh placing to some, though I think there are other factors which have helped Agar to his eight wins. Let's break down his eight wins - two over London, one at a shocking Huddersfield, narrow wins at Castleford and an injury-hit Wakefield, two victories over the travelsick Catalans at home and one over a beleagured Warrington in the last game of the season. Were these wins because of excellent coaching or substandard opposition? Sure, things have improved under Agar, though I'm inclined to believe that the players have naturally got themselves going after a shocking start to the season. I also think that the arrivals of Robert Lui and Rhyse Martin helped Agar a lot. Agar's first game was an embarrassing defeat to Championship side Bradford Bulls, and it is hard not to associate that terrible cup exit with Agar's reign. Leeds certainly picked up after Agar's appointment, though I don't think he is the man to get them back challenging for trophies next season.
Agar boasts an impressive win ratio since taking over at Leeds, so this may seem a harsh placing to some, though I think there are other factors which have helped Agar to his eight wins. Let's break down his eight wins - two over London, one at a shocking Huddersfield, narrow wins at Castleford and an injury-hit Wakefield, two victories over the travelsick Catalans at home and one over a beleagured Warrington in the last game of the season. Were these wins because of excellent coaching or substandard opposition? Sure, things have improved under Agar, though I'm inclined to believe that the players have naturally got themselves going after a shocking start to the season. I also think that the arrivals of Robert Lui and Rhyse Martin helped Agar a lot. Agar's first game was an embarrassing defeat to Championship side Bradford Bulls, and it is hard not to associate that terrible cup exit with Agar's reign. Leeds certainly picked up after Agar's appointment, though I don't think he is the man to get them back challenging for trophies next season.
8) CHRIS CHESTER
Super League Position: 9th
Super League Position: 9th
Win/Loss Record: 11-18 (37.9%)
Challenge Cup: Quarter Finals (beaten by St Helens)
This may seem quite high for someone who has a pretty poor win percentage, but there are factors to consider here. Wakefield had a truly ridiculous run of injuries in 2019, with their many of their key players being ruled out for significant portions of the season. Wakefield had started the season brilliantly, beating Wigan and Catalans at home, taking Leeds apart at Headingley and running St Helens and Warrington close too all before the end of April. Star man David Fifita played on with an injury for most of the season, while a lengthy injury to Bill Tupou, one of the best centres in the league, as well as a season-ending one for the free-scoring Tom Johnstone, were just the tip of the iceberg for Wakefield, who were flying high in 3rd at one point before their injury crisis hit. Chester managed to steer Wakefield away from relegation despite the never-ending injury list. With the squad down to its bare bones they had no chance, but Chester proved in the early part of the season that he is able to coach a side to play some great attacking rugby and get results against top teams. Outsiders for the playoffs next year if they keep their main men like Fifita, Tupou and Johnstone fit.
This may seem quite high for someone who has a pretty poor win percentage, but there are factors to consider here. Wakefield had a truly ridiculous run of injuries in 2019, with their many of their key players being ruled out for significant portions of the season. Wakefield had started the season brilliantly, beating Wigan and Catalans at home, taking Leeds apart at Headingley and running St Helens and Warrington close too all before the end of April. Star man David Fifita played on with an injury for most of the season, while a lengthy injury to Bill Tupou, one of the best centres in the league, as well as a season-ending one for the free-scoring Tom Johnstone, were just the tip of the iceberg for Wakefield, who were flying high in 3rd at one point before their injury crisis hit. Chester managed to steer Wakefield away from relegation despite the never-ending injury list. With the squad down to its bare bones they had no chance, but Chester proved in the early part of the season that he is able to coach a side to play some great attacking rugby and get results against top teams. Outsiders for the playoffs next year if they keep their main men like Fifita, Tupou and Johnstone fit.
7) LEE RADFORD
Super League Position: 6th
Win/Loss Record: 15-14 (51.7%)
Challenge Cup: Semi Finals (beaten by Warrington)
I found Lee Radford quite a tough one to rate. At times this season, Hull FC were one of the most exciting teams to watch and had a patch in the middle part of the season where they were playing phenomenal stuff and looking like absolute certainties to make the playoffs. However, the inconsistency which has plagued FC for years reared its ugly head once again, as they slumbered to a terrible end to the season, ultimately missing out on the playoffs after four consecutive losses to end the year. Too many times they were played off the park - think the 63-12 battering at home against Warrington in March, the embarrassment of the 55-2 demolition by Huddersfield at Magic or the 44-12 loss at Castleford in Round 28 - a game they had to win to make the playoffs. FC had a good run in the Challenge Cup, a competition they have enjoyed immense success in over recent years, and made the semis in 2019, though Radford got his tactics badly wrong as they crashed out to Warrington with a limp performance at Bolton. Still, he ranks fairly highly in the list because it can't be forgotten that his Hull side produced some gorgeous rugby in 2019 - the away wins at Catalans and Castleford in the aforementioned middle part of the season were some of the finest displays of attacking structure in Super League this year. Wins away at Warrington and Wigan were very impressive but in typical FC fashion, they were also comfortably beaten at home by Huddersfield and Catalans. Radford managed to get plenty out of Albert Kelly and has unearthed a gem in Ratu Naulago, though the Jake Connor situation - benching one of the most talented players in the competition and failing to get consistent form out of him - is a real black mark against Radford's name. FC have made some superb signings for 2020 and need to be challenging at the very top.
I found Lee Radford quite a tough one to rate. At times this season, Hull FC were one of the most exciting teams to watch and had a patch in the middle part of the season where they were playing phenomenal stuff and looking like absolute certainties to make the playoffs. However, the inconsistency which has plagued FC for years reared its ugly head once again, as they slumbered to a terrible end to the season, ultimately missing out on the playoffs after four consecutive losses to end the year. Too many times they were played off the park - think the 63-12 battering at home against Warrington in March, the embarrassment of the 55-2 demolition by Huddersfield at Magic or the 44-12 loss at Castleford in Round 28 - a game they had to win to make the playoffs. FC had a good run in the Challenge Cup, a competition they have enjoyed immense success in over recent years, and made the semis in 2019, though Radford got his tactics badly wrong as they crashed out to Warrington with a limp performance at Bolton. Still, he ranks fairly highly in the list because it can't be forgotten that his Hull side produced some gorgeous rugby in 2019 - the away wins at Catalans and Castleford in the aforementioned middle part of the season were some of the finest displays of attacking structure in Super League this year. Wins away at Warrington and Wigan were very impressive but in typical FC fashion, they were also comfortably beaten at home by Huddersfield and Catalans. Radford managed to get plenty out of Albert Kelly and has unearthed a gem in Ratu Naulago, though the Jake Connor situation - benching one of the most talented players in the competition and failing to get consistent form out of him - is a real black mark against Radford's name. FC have made some superb signings for 2020 and need to be challenging at the very top.
6) STEVE PRICE
Super League Position: 4th
Super League Position: 4th
Win/Loss Record: 16-13 (55.2%)
Playoffs: First Round (beaten by Castleford)
Challenge Cup: Winners
Warrington's own Steve Price comes home in 6th place, which is probably where his side would've finished if the season had gone on a few weeks longer. An excellent first half of the campaign saw them win 12 of their first 16 matches and be right on St Helens' tails, before winning just four of their remaining 13 matches. Warrington went from a very comfortable 2nd place and not too far behind 1st to ending up finishing 4th and four points behind Wigan - a side they were 14 in front of with just 13 matches to go. This disgraceful second part of the year, combined with a dull, unimaginative style of play in the second half of the year, mean that he doesn't make the top five. Price guided his team to a brilliant first half of the season in which Wire dominated their opponents, playing excellent rugby and comfortably winning - in the first six games they got home wins over Leeds, Castleford and Wigan, while a few weeks later they put 63 points on Hull away from home in one of Super League's best performances of the year with new signing Blake Austin running the show. However, as the season went on, Price became ultra-reliant on Austin and Daryl Clark, with hardly any creativity coming from elsewhere. Austin was Price's only successful signing in 2019, with the jury still being out on Jake Mamo and Jason Clark, while Lama Tasi and Matty Smith were unmitigated disasters, and Danny Walker and Matt Davis showed their abilities but struggled for gametime. An exit at home in the first round of the playoffs is completely unacceptable for Warrington, particularly when Price has Super League's biggest budget at his disposal. However, he deserves huge credit for the first half of the season and of course, Wire's memorable Challenge Cup win, in which they had to beat four Super League teams - including Wigan, Hull FC and famously St Helens in the final. Beating the Super League champions in the final without the injured Blake Austin was a masterstroke from Price, and this Wembley win meant it wasn't a complete disaster for Wire in 2019, but recruitment, style of play and results need to improve for Price in 2020.
Warrington's own Steve Price comes home in 6th place, which is probably where his side would've finished if the season had gone on a few weeks longer. An excellent first half of the campaign saw them win 12 of their first 16 matches and be right on St Helens' tails, before winning just four of their remaining 13 matches. Warrington went from a very comfortable 2nd place and not too far behind 1st to ending up finishing 4th and four points behind Wigan - a side they were 14 in front of with just 13 matches to go. This disgraceful second part of the year, combined with a dull, unimaginative style of play in the second half of the year, mean that he doesn't make the top five. Price guided his team to a brilliant first half of the season in which Wire dominated their opponents, playing excellent rugby and comfortably winning - in the first six games they got home wins over Leeds, Castleford and Wigan, while a few weeks later they put 63 points on Hull away from home in one of Super League's best performances of the year with new signing Blake Austin running the show. However, as the season went on, Price became ultra-reliant on Austin and Daryl Clark, with hardly any creativity coming from elsewhere. Austin was Price's only successful signing in 2019, with the jury still being out on Jake Mamo and Jason Clark, while Lama Tasi and Matty Smith were unmitigated disasters, and Danny Walker and Matt Davis showed their abilities but struggled for gametime. An exit at home in the first round of the playoffs is completely unacceptable for Warrington, particularly when Price has Super League's biggest budget at his disposal. However, he deserves huge credit for the first half of the season and of course, Wire's memorable Challenge Cup win, in which they had to beat four Super League teams - including Wigan, Hull FC and famously St Helens in the final. Beating the Super League champions in the final without the injured Blake Austin was a masterstroke from Price, and this Wembley win meant it wasn't a complete disaster for Wire in 2019, but recruitment, style of play and results need to improve for Price in 2020.
5) ADRIAN LAM
Super League Position: 2nd
Super League Position: 2nd
Win/Loss Record: 18-11 (62.1%)
Playoffs: Semi finals (beaten by Salford)
Challenge Cup: Sixth Round (beaten by Warrington)
While Warrington had a great first half of the season and a terrible second half, Wigan experienced the opposite fate, starting the season woefully as defending champions before getting themselves in gear and producing a near-perfect second half of the year to finish 2nd. The Warriors won just seven of their first 17 games under Lam, though were victorious in 11 of the last 12 matches of the season. Lam discovered some young talent in Oliver Partington and Morgan Smithies and found a place for Chris Hankinson in the team too. He also managed to get terrific form out of Zak Hardaker upon his return to rugby league, and by the end of the year George Williams was at his best too. Despite the positive end to the season, it can't be forgotten how poor Wigan were in the first half of the year - toothless losses to Saints and Wire early on as well as somehow surrendering a 20-0 lead at Castleford to lose 38-28 in April. There were also embarrassing losses at the hands of London, Huddersfield and Wakefield as well as an early Challenge Cup exit at the hands of Warrington as the reigning Super League champions appeared a shadow of their former selves. Lam sorted the defence out and Wigan suddenly became a different animal, competing in every game and delivering a brilliant second part of the year results-wise. It was surprising then, that when the playoffs arrived, Wigan put in two of their very worst displays of the year - blowing two chances to make the Grand Final with pathetic defeats to St Helens and Salford by scorelines of 40-10 and 28-4. Perhaps the biggest black mark against Lam is his record in the big games - just one win in eight fixtures against St Helens and Warrington. With Jackson Hastings, George Burgess and Bevan French joining in 2020, Wigan need to be right up there at the top of the league.
While Warrington had a great first half of the season and a terrible second half, Wigan experienced the opposite fate, starting the season woefully as defending champions before getting themselves in gear and producing a near-perfect second half of the year to finish 2nd. The Warriors won just seven of their first 17 games under Lam, though were victorious in 11 of the last 12 matches of the season. Lam discovered some young talent in Oliver Partington and Morgan Smithies and found a place for Chris Hankinson in the team too. He also managed to get terrific form out of Zak Hardaker upon his return to rugby league, and by the end of the year George Williams was at his best too. Despite the positive end to the season, it can't be forgotten how poor Wigan were in the first half of the year - toothless losses to Saints and Wire early on as well as somehow surrendering a 20-0 lead at Castleford to lose 38-28 in April. There were also embarrassing losses at the hands of London, Huddersfield and Wakefield as well as an early Challenge Cup exit at the hands of Warrington as the reigning Super League champions appeared a shadow of their former selves. Lam sorted the defence out and Wigan suddenly became a different animal, competing in every game and delivering a brilliant second part of the year results-wise. It was surprising then, that when the playoffs arrived, Wigan put in two of their very worst displays of the year - blowing two chances to make the Grand Final with pathetic defeats to St Helens and Salford by scorelines of 40-10 and 28-4. Perhaps the biggest black mark against Lam is his record in the big games - just one win in eight fixtures against St Helens and Warrington. With Jackson Hastings, George Burgess and Bevan French joining in 2020, Wigan need to be right up there at the top of the league.
4) DARYL POWELL
Super League Position: 5th
Super League Position: 5th
Win/Loss Record: 15-14 (51.7%)
Playoffs: Second Round (beaten by Salford)
Challenge Cup: Sixth Round (beaten by Hull FC)
Super League's resident overachiever has had another good season with Castleford in 2019, getting his side into the playoffs despite a difficult year. An injury to Luke Gale which kept the 2017 Man of Steel out of action for the entirety of the year was a huge blow and meant that the Tigers were always going to be up against it and heavily reliant on young Jake Trueman for creativity and spark. Trueman has indeed been excellent, but Cas have certainly lacked experience in the halves this year, and that has told with some difficult results in the middle part of the season. Powell's team actually started really well, winning their first four matches and looking like they would be the main contenders to St Helens and Warrington, but a lengthy injury list was a key factor in their results declining. Despite the injuries, they kept going and managed to just about do enough to sneak into the playoffs, with impressive home wins over Wigan, Warrington and Wakefield representing the Tigers' very good home form - the cornerstone of their season. Powell does have to be criticised for 14 losses - as many as they had lost in 2017 and 2018 put together. However, he has still managed to get his side in the playoffs after big wins against Hull FC, Huddersfield and London late in the season. Powell guided his side to a brilliant away win in the playoffs at Warrington, changing the position of Jordan Rankin to superb effect. They were well beaten by Salford in the next round but overall it was still a decent year for Castleford in the circumstances and they managed to maintain the pleasing brand of rugby that has been so synonymous with them under Daryl Powell.
Super League's resident overachiever has had another good season with Castleford in 2019, getting his side into the playoffs despite a difficult year. An injury to Luke Gale which kept the 2017 Man of Steel out of action for the entirety of the year was a huge blow and meant that the Tigers were always going to be up against it and heavily reliant on young Jake Trueman for creativity and spark. Trueman has indeed been excellent, but Cas have certainly lacked experience in the halves this year, and that has told with some difficult results in the middle part of the season. Powell's team actually started really well, winning their first four matches and looking like they would be the main contenders to St Helens and Warrington, but a lengthy injury list was a key factor in their results declining. Despite the injuries, they kept going and managed to just about do enough to sneak into the playoffs, with impressive home wins over Wigan, Warrington and Wakefield representing the Tigers' very good home form - the cornerstone of their season. Powell does have to be criticised for 14 losses - as many as they had lost in 2017 and 2018 put together. However, he has still managed to get his side in the playoffs after big wins against Hull FC, Huddersfield and London late in the season. Powell guided his side to a brilliant away win in the playoffs at Warrington, changing the position of Jordan Rankin to superb effect. They were well beaten by Salford in the next round but overall it was still a decent year for Castleford in the circumstances and they managed to maintain the pleasing brand of rugby that has been so synonymous with them under Daryl Powell.
3) DANNY WARD
Super League Position: 12th
Super League Position: 12th
Win/Loss Record: 10-19 (34.4%)
Challenge Cup: Fifth Round (beaten by Halifax)
How can a coach whose team got relegated be ranked as the third best coach of the season? Because London were expected to do nothing. To not even compete. Most thought they'd finish bottom with maybe one or two wins. They got ten wins and were still in with a shout of survival on the last day. There were some difficult moments, such as the eyebrow-raising Challenge Cup defeat to Championship side Halifax but overall Ward and London far exceeded expectation, starting the season as they meant to go on with an excellent home win over Wakefield - the first of two home wins over Trinity they would go onto achieve. They also famously defeated Wigan at home and Leeds away, as well as twice going to France and coming home with the points. Hull KR were beaten home and away by the Broncos too, but by far London's greatest wins this season were the duo of home victories over St Helens. Yes, the second may have been against a very young Saints team, but the first was a hard-fought, deserved victory in golden point against the champions. London's tremendous spirit was encapsulated by players like Luke Yates and Jordan Abdull - both Ward signings. Yes, they had the fight, but they knew how to play too, and were one of the most ambitious and watchable sides in the whole competition. It wasn't meant to be as experience and reality finally caught up with them in the end, but they only went down on points difference, actually achieving the same points as Hull KR and finishing just two behind Huddersfield and Wakefield. They might have got relegated, that doesn't begin to tell the story of Danny Ward and London Broncos' memorable season.
How can a coach whose team got relegated be ranked as the third best coach of the season? Because London were expected to do nothing. To not even compete. Most thought they'd finish bottom with maybe one or two wins. They got ten wins and were still in with a shout of survival on the last day. There were some difficult moments, such as the eyebrow-raising Challenge Cup defeat to Championship side Halifax but overall Ward and London far exceeded expectation, starting the season as they meant to go on with an excellent home win over Wakefield - the first of two home wins over Trinity they would go onto achieve. They also famously defeated Wigan at home and Leeds away, as well as twice going to France and coming home with the points. Hull KR were beaten home and away by the Broncos too, but by far London's greatest wins this season were the duo of home victories over St Helens. Yes, the second may have been against a very young Saints team, but the first was a hard-fought, deserved victory in golden point against the champions. London's tremendous spirit was encapsulated by players like Luke Yates and Jordan Abdull - both Ward signings. Yes, they had the fight, but they knew how to play too, and were one of the most ambitious and watchable sides in the whole competition. It wasn't meant to be as experience and reality finally caught up with them in the end, but they only went down on points difference, actually achieving the same points as Hull KR and finishing just two behind Huddersfield and Wakefield. They might have got relegated, that doesn't begin to tell the story of Danny Ward and London Broncos' memorable season.
2) IAN WATSON
Super League Position: 3rd
Super League Position: 3rd
Win/Loss Record: 17-12 (58.6%)
Playoffs: Runners-Up (beaten by St Helens)
Challenge Cup: Sixth Round (beaten by Hull KR)
Just missing out on top spot is Ian Watson, architect of one of the greatest stories not just in Super League, but in sport. Salford were written off as relegation candidates in pre-season, with everyone assuming that the only team that could possibly trouble London for the drop would be the Red Devils. Despite being on the lowest budget in the league, Watson guided his team to an unbelievable 3rd place in the table and the most unlikely of visits to Old Trafford. Salford started the season well and showed their ability to play stylish rugby, a staggering 46-0 win away from home at Catalans in Round Five the clearest display of what kind of a side they had the potential to be. They comfortably beat Warrington away on Good Friday and were victorious against Leeds too, while they were on the receiving end of a terrible video ref call as they nearly took a famous win at St Helens too. Some shaky results followed and it looked like it would be a mid-table finish for Salford - still very good for the lowest budget in the competition. However, Watson turned it around and Salford went on a simply remarkable run at the back end of the season with eight consecutive wins, including at Warrington, Hull and Leeds away. This perfect form saw them finish a brilliant 3rd, and while they were narrowly defeated by Wigan in their first playoff game, they responded in the most incredible of ways, taking Castleford apart 22-0 and getting a rematch with Wigan. There was to be no repeat of their earlier defeat, with Salford running rings around the Warriors and booking their place in the Grand Final after a stunning 28-4 win. It wasn't to be for them in the Grand Final, but this was still a fabulous sporting story. A team full of players no-one else wanted and a club that was going nowhere. Ian Watson made that squad Grand Finalists. He got top-class displays out of Krisnan Inu and Gil Dudson who had both just been relegated with Widnes. He got 22 tries out of Niall Evalds, turned Tui Lolohea into a strong halfback after a terrible spell at Leeds earlier in the year and of course, made a Man of Steel out of Jackson Hastings. This was a season that Salford, and Super League, may never see anything like again.
Just missing out on top spot is Ian Watson, architect of one of the greatest stories not just in Super League, but in sport. Salford were written off as relegation candidates in pre-season, with everyone assuming that the only team that could possibly trouble London for the drop would be the Red Devils. Despite being on the lowest budget in the league, Watson guided his team to an unbelievable 3rd place in the table and the most unlikely of visits to Old Trafford. Salford started the season well and showed their ability to play stylish rugby, a staggering 46-0 win away from home at Catalans in Round Five the clearest display of what kind of a side they had the potential to be. They comfortably beat Warrington away on Good Friday and were victorious against Leeds too, while they were on the receiving end of a terrible video ref call as they nearly took a famous win at St Helens too. Some shaky results followed and it looked like it would be a mid-table finish for Salford - still very good for the lowest budget in the competition. However, Watson turned it around and Salford went on a simply remarkable run at the back end of the season with eight consecutive wins, including at Warrington, Hull and Leeds away. This perfect form saw them finish a brilliant 3rd, and while they were narrowly defeated by Wigan in their first playoff game, they responded in the most incredible of ways, taking Castleford apart 22-0 and getting a rematch with Wigan. There was to be no repeat of their earlier defeat, with Salford running rings around the Warriors and booking their place in the Grand Final after a stunning 28-4 win. It wasn't to be for them in the Grand Final, but this was still a fabulous sporting story. A team full of players no-one else wanted and a club that was going nowhere. Ian Watson made that squad Grand Finalists. He got top-class displays out of Krisnan Inu and Gil Dudson who had both just been relegated with Widnes. He got 22 tries out of Niall Evalds, turned Tui Lolohea into a strong halfback after a terrible spell at Leeds earlier in the year and of course, made a Man of Steel out of Jackson Hastings. This was a season that Salford, and Super League, may never see anything like again.
1) JUSTIN HOLBROOK
Super League Position: 1st
Super League Position: 1st
Playoffs: Champions
Win/Loss Record: 26-3 (89.6%)
Challenge Cup: Runners-Up (beaten by Warrington)
I have chosen to give my coach of the year to the man who has built the most spectacular, brilliant and all-conquering team Super League has seen for many a year. Justin Holbrook's St Helens finished 16 points clear of 2nd place - the biggest gap between 1st and 2nd in Super League history. The Saints lost three games all season - two in London and one in France, meaning that in 26 matches north of London they were victorious. To achieve 26 wins in 29 matches is phenomenal, but to do it playing the stylish, quick, attractive rugby league that Saints have done just adds to it. However, finishing top is merely a pat on the back. They finished top comfortably last year too, and we all know how that ended. After somehow conspiring to lose the Challenge Cup final this year too, there were serious question marks over Saints when the playoffs came of if they could handle the pressure or if it would be the same old story for Holbrook. They had two chances to book a place in the Grand Final but they only needed one. It was very apparent early on in their game against Wigan that their mindset had been changed since that Challenge Cup loss. They systematically took their rivals apart, putting 40 points on them in one of the most dominant and complete performances in recent Super League years. While the Saints weren't quite at the same heights in the Grand Final, they proved a step too far for Salford at Old Trafford, using their experience and tactical know-how to become champions for the first time since 2014. Holbrook has built a team that has no weakness. It is easy on the eye, a winning machine, statistically the best side in the competition's history and features world class players in every single position. They wouldn't look out of place in the NRL, and it's for those reasons that Justin Holbrook is my coach of the year.
And that brings to an end my season review series. Make sure to check out my previous pieces on 2019 and keep an eye out in the coming days and weeks for a look at 2020 - what Warrington need to do in the market, as well as a special pair of articles around Christmas time.
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