I agree but the people who make the decisions won't. When you have success, it then seems to become common place that you're expected to get more and they look at coaches who've improved clubs for awards like this instead. In fairness to Saints fans, I guess they had these frustrations with Kristian Woolf, when other coaches would take out the award yet not win as much (or nothing at all). I've actually just checked and the last 4 coaches of the year have been Lam (CC winner), Peet (CC winner), McNamara (LLS winner) and Lam (LLS winner) and that's at a time when Saints hoovered up Grand Final after Grand Final and then Wigan won everything bar (domestically) the CC last year. It won't help that the award is given out before the Grand Final has been played out I suppose.

Just watched the video of Lee Briers discussing the fact he turned down a head coaching role this season (Hull FC I believe). Admitted that he's very unsure if becoming a head coach is for him, much prefers developing players and thinks he could do this better remaining an assistant.

Now, we all know that Paul Wellens has just been given an extended contract, much to the dismay of many of their supporters due to their belief of his limitations. So, is it likely they will improve much next season with Briers seconds in command? And if not, and let's say Wellens gets the boot mid year next season would Briers take the job on or would he prefer to he assistant to a new incoming coach?

Obviously I'm ignoring the fact that they could still shock everyone and win the next three games to become Champions, very unlikely if recent performances are to be compared to (Wire Away, Wigan away, likely Hull KR in the final). Which would cut Wellens a bit of slack.

Can't disagree, think the new system is even worse than the old one. Players in good teams have a far harder time winning it than players in bad teams due to the nature of the points, and the good teams tending to share them etc.

I know it might make it more subjective, but I do think it's better when journalists/officials select it. No system will ever be perfect though. You could even have the players themselves submit a vote

When it comes to analysing a coaching performance it's tough. Whether getting more out of less is better than actually achieving success with better players is more impressive or not, it's clearly the mark of a great coach when he can get a team of lesser players over achieving.

I don't disagree with what you say about Hull KR though, they've got a very good team so it's hardly like some big underdog story. I'd have Rowley over him, most people predicted Salford to be 11th before the season and they've finished 4th with the 2nd best home record in the league. It's frankly incredible what he's done there despite losing his best players.

Obviously wouldn't grumble with Peet winning it either

McNamara winning it the year we won the CC and Grand Final is pretty insane. Especially considering Catalan aren't exactly a little club that has no money, they probably spend more on the cap than the majority of teams.

As you say, awarding it so soon is a bit silly. I remember Watson missing out when Salford got to the grand final in 2019 as well which was incredibly harsh even if it was to Holbrook. Suppose you can't really argue with a team finishing top by 16 points though