Doncaster Knights 'need to build back trust of supporters'

Knights, who start their Championship campaign at Ampthill on Sunday, have gradually slipped down the second tier rankings since reaching the play-off final in 2016.

They reached the play-offs again in 2017 but have since finished 7th, 10th and 10th in the 12-team division.

Boden has completely transformed the squad since taking over from Clive Griffiths following last season’s curtailment in March – most notably reducing its average age – and has spoken about creating a team with balance that can play and adapt and score tries in different ways.

But, above anything else, the former Doncaster hooker has spoken passionately about his players caring about the club and local community.

“We talk technically and tactically about a lot of things and we put a lot of details into those bits,” Boden told drfc.co.uk.

“But, let’s be honest, there are a lot of foundations which if you don’t have them it doesn’t matter what you do technically and tactically.

“It’s a big driver for sport, for anything really – you’ve got to care.

“If you care then all the little minor details usually they’ll start to come.

“So it’s a big driver for us throughout the year to put a little back into the club and the community, and to show that we actually care about the club as players and staff and show that we actually care about the community as players and staff.

“If we can tick those off that’ll be a hell of a result. And if we do tick those off most of the other stuff will hopefully look after itself.

“That’s what I’d like to see. I think we need to build trust back between the club and the supporters.”