Dons V Eagles Part 2

Doncaster RLFC take on local rivals Sheffield Eagles on Sunday in round 3 of the Northern Rail Cup - the big South Yorkshire derby has a 3pm kick-off at the Keepmoat Stadium.

Dons' star stand-off Paul Cooke will face a late fitness test after rolling his ankle in the last tackle of last weekend's 18-29 defeat to York City Knights.

Hull FC's dual signing Liam Cunningham will also have a late fitness test after sustaining the same injury whilst former Wakefield prop Kyle Bibb is added to the pack.

Full-back Mick Butterfield is almost certainly out with a combination of mouth, rib and leg injuries, but head coach Tony Miller is still relishing the chance to take on the Dons' local rivals, especially following a strong second half showing against the Knights.

"At 18-29 there wasn't a lot between the sides and I was really happy with our second half performance," he said.

"We completed 18 sets out of 18, didn't concede any penalties and won the half 12-4.

"There were a lot of positives and we'll look to learn from the game ahead of Sunday.

"Sheffield are a real good side and it's a derby for us so we're all looking forward to it."

Eagles' head coach Mark Aston is still recovering from their win over Leigh, which saw them overturn a 0-22 deficit in the final quarter to win by a single point.

"They talk about a game of two halves, but this was a game of four quarters, and we were rubbish in three of them," Aston said.

"But to win like that shows character and spirit because we hadn't been great.

"Doncaster have recruited really well and we played them a few weeks ago in a friendly and had it tough.

"It's a challenge for us and we'll have to be good, but I'm sure we can do the job."

Aston is without Michael Knowles after he chipped a bone in his wrist, and utility back Scott Turner and hooker Aaron Smith will both miss out after picking up injuries in training.

Mitch Stringer could return for the Eagles following a lengthy lay-off after a knee operation.

It promises to be a spectacular derby game and the Dons will be out to seek revenge after the Eagles beat them 22-40 in the inaugural Autism Plus South Yorkshire Cup last month.

The Dons need a win to keep up their hopes of securing a quarter-final spot in the Northern Rail Cup and Sheffield will be looking to make it a hat-trick of victories in the group stages.

Make sure you don't miss the ONLY South Yorkshire derby worth watching this weekend - COME ON YOU DONS!