Dons v Hawks BIG Match Preview
Doncaster Rugby League Club continue their run of home games this weekend and will go up against Hunslet Hawks on Sunday 14th July at the Keepmoat Stadium (3pm kick-off).
This Kingstone Press Championship clash is a must win game for both clubs who currently find themselves at the wrong end of the table. The Dons will be looking to set the record straight after the Hawks beat them 42-22 earlier in the season.
Doncaster head coach Tony Miller is likely to have Paul Cooke, Kyle Kesik and Dennis Tuffour available for this crucial game. Club captain Kesik has missed the last five games with a knee injury, a hamstring injury has kept Tuffour out of action for three games and Cooke missed last week's 36-30 defeat against Leigh Centurions.
Danny Cowling, Liam Kay and Kyle Trout of Wakefield have been included in Miller's squad. Kay put in a tremendous performance at stand off last week in the absence of Cooke and caused Leigh's defence problems with his direct running scoring two tries in the process.
Centre Matty Dawson, who recently joined the Dons on loan from Huddersfield Giants, is available for selection after impressing on his debut last week.
Miller said: "I was delighted with our effort against Leigh last week but we lacked a bit of composure at times and missed Cookie's influence in that area.
"The score line didn't reflect the amount of dominance that we had in their half but Leigh were that bit more clinical and that was the difference.
"I think the next four games, three of which are at home, will probably determine whether we will be challenging for a top-eight spot.
"We've hopefully got a few key players back for us this week and we'll be doing our best to get the three points on offer and keep the pressure on those above us."
Hunslet pair Tommy Haughey (knee) and Luke Menzies (ankle) both face fitness checks after suffering injuries in last week's 28-20 defeat at Keighley and Michael Haley (thumb) and Andy Yates (ankle) are also struggling to be fit for Sunday's game.
Injury hit Hunslet have added five players to their squad this week with Jake Normington (East Leeds), Chris Clough (Gloucester All Golds), James Davies (Penrith Panthers U20's), Liam McAvoy and Alex Foster (both Leeds Rhinos) joining the Hawks.
The Leeds based outfit are one point behind Barrow at the bottom of the Championship table, but head coach Barry Eaton remains upbeat. He said: "We're still really, really positive. We know we're in a fight and our performance last week showed we're willing to fight, we just need to tweak a couple of things.
"When we had some field position we looked really dangerous with the ball. Our shape looked really threatening against Keighley."
However, Eaton is aware of Doncaster's quality. He said: "They've been playing well of late. We know we've got another fight on our hands."
There is also a DN1 Business networking event taking place at the stadium which starts at 12:30pm. This is an ideal opportunity for local businesses to expand their portfolio of contacts and Leeds Rhinos' chief executive Gary Hetherington is guest speaker. Admission is free and guests can stay to watch the game if they so desire.
COYD
Match Day Sponsor:
Beaumonts Insurance Brokers Ltd (
www.beaumonts-insurance.co.uk)
The club would like to thank our sponsors for their kind support.
Previous Five Meetings:
3rd March 2013: Hunslet Hawks win 42-22 at South Leeds Stadium
4th March 2012: Hunslet Hawks win 20-10 at South Leeds Stadium
30th May 2010: Hunslet Hawks win 30-20 at Keepmoat Stadium
2nd April 2010: Hunslet Hawks win 54-12 at South Leeds Stadium
31st August 2008: Doncaster RLFC win 52-4 at Keepmoat Stadium
Match Day Admission:
Polite notice: please purchase your match day ticket from the stadium's ticket office before entering the turnstiles.
Adults £15, concessions £12, juniors (5-16) £3 and under 5's go free. Call the ticket office on 01302 762576 if you require more information.
Referee:
T Crashley
