Carl Hughes back training and in contention

Having Carl back in the side will be like having a new player.

paul cooke unlikely to be playing according to tony

thats not a bad thing cos we need him for the upcoming games against our fellow top 4 rivals, no disrespect to Gateshead but this game is winnable without Cookie

we are improving, our results dont reflect our performances, though we still havnt won and winning games is the most important thing, its been a tough few years for us though us fans continue to support our team and always will, that win will come eventually and when it does we'll celebrate like mad haha, im coming to game on sunday, always enjoy visiting the keepmoat, nice stadium, we no you boys will win though we looking for further improvement and we arnt far from that 1st win, good luck in rest of your season after sunday ofcourse haha you'll be playing championship rugby next season, really good side you have, see you all sunday..... cmon thunder! cmon thunder!!

Looks like the weather is going to be against us. That coupled with it being a game the Dons are expected to win points to it being a disappointing turnout. Hope i'm wrong

Match Preview

Doncaster Rugby League Club are back in action this Sunday after a four week mid-season break and entertain Gateshead Thunder at the Keepmoat Stadium (3pm kick-off).

The Dons last home game was against Oldham Roughyeds on Sunday 13th May and the Keepmoat pitch resembled a seaside beach that day. However, the pitch is now back in excellent condition and is ready for the Dons who will be looking to make it three wins out of three against Thunder in 2012.

Head coach Tony Miller will include both Kyle Kesik and Mick Butterfield who have shaken off their respective injuries and fans favourite Carl Hughes is back in contention after being out of the game for over three months with a shoulder injury.

Half back Paul Cooke is a doubt after completing his amazing challenge of running seven marathons in seven days for Dove House Hospice and new loan signing Alex Rowe will also be challenging for a place in Miller's squad.

Long term absentees Grant Edwards, Liam Cunningham and Danny Cowling continue to recover from their respective injuries and Cowling looks likely to be back in action in a couple of weeks after dislocating his finger last month.

Miller said: "We're looking forward to getting back out there and it's been a much welcome break for quite a few of the lads who have been carrying knocks.

"We've dropped down to third in the league as a result of the break but it's still tight and both Barrow and Workington have to come to Doncaster next month so we've got some massive games coming up which starts this Sunday.

"Gateshead will come to the Keepmoat with nothing to lose, they're an ever improving team who have been unlucky at times this season and will make it difficult for us.

"We'll give them the respect they deserve and will not treat them lightly as our previous victories over them this year count for nothing."

"It's good to be back on home soil and the Keepmoat pitch is looking in tremendous condition and the big open pitch really suits our expansive style of play."

Gateshead will travel south to Doncaster with a fully fit squad who will be fresh with them having no game last weekend. Club captain Jason Payne is also set to make his 100th appearance for Thunder.

Head coach Kevin Neighbour said: "The lads enjoy playing at the Keepmoat. It's a good stadium and Doncaster are a tough side.

"We've played them twice this year, and we got quite close to them in the second game.

"Hopefully this week will be third time lucky in terms of trying to get as much out of the game as we possibly can.

"Our games against Rochdale and London Skolars were set-backs in that we didn't collect bonus points, but we made massive strides forward in the Barrow game.

"If we can keep making progress like that against the top teams then we should start to collect some points."

Bet365 prices ...

Dons -40 pts 10/11
Gateshead +40 pts 10/11
Handicap draw 16/1

Rain forecast overnight but clearing tomorrow, a bit better forecast. Looking forward to the game hoping we can consolidate our top 4 position .

I too am looking forward to the Rovers vs Gateshead game.

Gateshead could be playing in the Newcastle away strip.
But I doubt it!



PS Why isn't there a sh?t-stirring emoticon?

BetVictor, Paddy Power, Skybet & Hills all concur with Ladbrokes the only firm differing with their quotes of ...

Dons -38 pts 10/11
Gateshead +38 pts 10/11
Handicap draw 16/1