Doncaster Knights will shine again next season, says departing Andy Bulumakau

“Providing they don’t suffer as badly from injuries I think you will see the sort of Donny side who got to the promotion play-off final a couple of years ago,” he said.

“There are a lot of good players here already and they’ve brought in some good players to replace those who are leaving.

“I certainly think it will be tougher for teams coming to Castle Park again next season.

“Having said that I am looking forward to coming back here with Coventry if I am picked.”

Bulumakau played his last game for the club in Saturday’s 30-26 defeat by Jersey at Castle Park and admits that it was disappointing for all of the departing players that Knights couldn’t end the season on a winning note.

“I think individual mistakes cost us,” he said.

Reflecting on the 2017-18 campaign, Bulumakau said: “It has been an up and down season for the club and it was disappointing to finish seventh after being in the top four the previous two years.

“But, as everyone knows, it’s been a difficult season for other reasons and I think the club coped well with it.

“It has also been a strong league this season.

“But I do think it will be even stronger next season with Coventry coming up.”

He added: “They have signed a lot of good players though that’s not always a guarantee of success because the squad has to gel.

“I was happy here and I wasn’t looking to go anywhere else until Coventry came in with a good offer and other aspects of the deal which appealed to me.

“I’m looking forward to a different challenge.

“I’m only 25 and hopefully the best years of my career are ahead of me if I can keep clear of serious injuries.

“I’m certainly leaving as a lot better player than when I first came here four years ago after working with the likes of Clive (Griffiths), Francis (Cummins) and Paul (Cooke).”