From a financial point of view this weekend's Cup game is potentially huge for us.

Should we win and play a big Super League side, the income we would get from that one game would probably be about as much as we're going to make from all home league games put together.

The point about our season tickets not covering us for the Cup means that all gate money from the game will be split between the two clubs. Sharlston cut of the gate money would be reduced if only ticket sales on the day were counted.

If Super League teams include the Cup as part of their season ticket price, and we play a Super League team, our income from the game would be reduced in the same way.

If we don't want our potential big pay day against a Super League side to be affected by season ticket issues, we can't affect Sharlston's big day either.

I think that's the point that Jemmo was making.

Good luck to the lads for weekend!

I'm sure there is a reason, but why play on a saturday when some fans who may have come, will go to a football game, like they probably do every week. Is it a requirement?

It can't be a requirement as there are a number of fixtures on Sunday where Championship / Championship One teams play host to amateur sides.

Thanks for that, it seems a shot in the foot to me, but thats just my opinion. we will have to wait till saturday to see what the crowd is. I hope i'm proven wrong(wouldn't be the first time, ask Donny)

Team news from the Free Press Dean Colton doubtful .

8 buses coming from sharlston

Will Craig Miles be playing?

See he's moved into to forwards now.

well i guess that vindicates what jemmo said, great effort, hope Dons fans turn out in numbers

Really do hate hate asking this. I take it the Sharlston supporters are numerous, vocal but well behaved. The Queens debacle has left me with an uneasy feeling towards the third round of the cup.

Not sure where Newdon gets his 8 buses from , states a third bus added on their website .

Colton , Cooke & Hyde face late tests according to preview on the rugby football league site.

Any news re Mike Burnett ?

I can understand what Jemmo's saying.. Good to honor the amateur team that we're playing against, give them a good day out and hopefully some cash too, their players and supporters will be made up coming to the Keepmoat .. Sadly me and my other half wont be there though, my son plays Rugby on a Saturday, so we will be going to watch him instead.. But we will have one eye on Moorends hopefully beating Crigglestone and the other one on the Dons.. Good luck lads

Assume he is a Moorends player .

Yes It's our Alex .. It's a big game for Moorends this weekend, it could determine who wins the Pennine first division between Moorends, Crigglestone and Bank Top Harriers, all good teams.. Good job I dont have false nails or they would all be bitten of lol .. Still be thinking of the Dons on Saturday though x

Match Preview

Doncaster RLFC face Pennine ARL outfit Sharlston Rovers this Saturday in the third round of the Carnegie Challenge Cup at the Keepmoat Stadium (3pm kick-off).

Dons' head coach Tony Miller says he is fully aware of the threat posed by Sharlston Rovers and in particular their former professional Craig Miles. Miles is a former Dons and Dewsbury player and is one of a number of links between the two clubs.

"I went to watch them at the weekend, and I know they've been consistently one of the best amateur teams for the last four or five years," Miller said.

"They've got a big pack, Craig Miles can be a real handful on his day, and I've coached a couple of the other guys as well.

"I'm expecting them to come with a lot of enthusiasm and take the game to us.

"It won't be an easy game and we need to play smart, because they have consistently proved that they are a good side. We'll be treating them with respect."

Miller will check on injuries to Dean Colton (groin), Paul Cooke (Achilles) and dual registration Kieran Hyde (groin) before finalising his eighteen man squad.

Dons' hooker Mike Emmett had a spell with Sharlston in recent years before re-joining the professional game and Sharlston assistant coach Jon Waddle and Mile were also both members of the Dewsbury side beaten by the amateur club in this round of the Challenge Cup in 2004.

Sharlston are expected to travel well to the Keepmoat to support their team which will no doubt spice up the atmosphere and head coach Gordy Long is confident of a cup upset.

"We think they'll be as nervous as we'll be," he said.

"I've had a chat with Mike Emmett and he's not looking forward to playing us. He knows how good we are.

"We're really looking forward to it; we'll be giving it our best shot. We've got nothing to lose and if we go out there and play well then there's nothing more I can ask of the players."

Long has confirmed that Brian Sutton will be back in the squad after missing last weekend's defeat at Drighlington, while Tom Wandless (dead leg) and Scott Glassell (elbow) are both expected to be fit after sustaining respective knocks.

Ticket prices for the cup clash are as follows*Please note your 2012 season ticket is NOT valid for the Challenge Cup this year and there is no early bird discount