Latest from both camps www.thestar.co.uk/sport/rugby-league

Latest from both camps www.thestar.co.uk/sport/rugby-league

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!

Sounds like he's just cried off.

i think mick has been one of the standout players of the season. so he must be injured.

Match Betting ...

Dons 8/1 (Bet365, BetVictor, Skybet & Stan James)

Handicap Betting ...

Dons +22pts 10/11 (Skybet & Stan James)

Bet365 & Hills give us 20 start and others give just 18.

If selected might be interesting to see Hodgson at full back , according to his dad his position. If Cunningham & Cooke are ruled out will leave us a bit short in the backs , assume Edwards will come in at 6. www.thestar.co.uk/sport/rugby-league

If selected might be interesting to see Hodgson at full back , according to his dad his position. If Cunningham & Cooke are ruled out will leave us a bit short in the backs , assume Edwards will come in at 6. www.thestar.co.uk/sport/rugby-league

sat in the stand at half time. cant take anything positive from that

I've got Sky ScoreCentre on, the flu (real flu not man-flu) has laid me out.
Looks like I've had a lucky escape.

kept going till the end, but were well outplayed by a better side.

Yes we were outplayed by the better side. I am sorry but we were inept the tacking was woeful.

Player rotation & 2 key injuries didnt help !

We still need a couple of backs including a half back .

I left at half time and I wasnt alone but glad they kept plugging away second half

I left after 34 minutes.
I couldn't even be bothered to see if my half time draw ticket had come up.
UTTER, UTTER, UTTER, UTTER, UTTER, BOLLOX!

Don't even make excuses about the ref, who was shoite as usual, because we must be an undisciplined rabble.
Penalty ...try.
Penalty ...try.
Penalty ...try.
Penalty ...try.

Need I continue?

And as for Hodson's restarts ... Jesus!
And letting the ball bounce from a kick and gifting them a try ... Jesus!
He's no fullback!

We were humiliated today!
There are no excuses.

We are going backwards.

Lets not forget sheffield are a good side also! I was fuming when I left but still want to be positive we are a better side than todays showing

agree that he looked out of his depth, as for the ref,he was as bad for both sides. cunningham was well in touch before the Dons scored their second try. Never really thought of leaving before the end,i wouldn't. do it. must be a glutton for punishment

Fact
Sheffield are a very good side----and we were a very poor side today.
We played below our potential today--lets hope it doesn't happen too often this season.