NEWS | Johnston: this group is special

Ben Johnston says the strong dressing room bond will stand the Dons in good stead heading into the Betfred League One play-off final this weekend.

The half-back has scored 18 tries this season and has played a key role in setting up the Grand Final against Swinton Lions at Heywood Road.

On the preparations:

“We’ve got experience of the heartbreak last year but the goal has been clear all season of wanting to win promotion, and we’ve put ourselves in a position to do that. 

“I think in general we’ve got a really good group, there are young lads who are confident and us experienced boys try and help as much as we can.

“We all have our own motivations, and as a team we’re all striving to perform well on Sunday and get this club promoted.”

On the need for a good start:

“The way we played against Rochdale gives us confidence, we defended well and had a ruthless streak about our attack which we need again this weekend.

“We lacked composure the last time we went to Swinton which allowed them to roll us, our middles stepped up against Rochdale though so hopefully we can do the same again on Sunday.

“We’ve won there and have a lot of belief, but at the same time we know they’re a threat and a really good team in general.

“The focus will be on ourselves and what we can do, and I’m sure if we perform to our best then we’re capable of getting the job done.”