Playing as a 2nd row but we may have to play him as a prop this week end

Deano's twitter feed does confirm he has left

Would be gutted if Cowling doesn't feature as has been excellent when played.

I suppose worse case (and it aint that bad) is that Buts goes back to FB, Lee in Centre with Spur, China and Stu - would take that?!

I just wish for whatever reason Deano would have retired at end of season - I hope neither he or club have cut off nose to spite face.

dean confirmed it on twitter

Match Preview

Table-topping Doncaster Rugby League Club start their Co-operative Championship One play-off campaign this Sunday afternoon with a home tie against league runners up Barrow Raiders (3pm kick-off).

The blue and gold's have home advantage in the play-offs after finishing top of the league after 18 games. The Dons had the most wins, scored the most points and also had the best point's difference on the way to their first league title in 61 years.

The Dons are at near full strength with the exception of Mick Butterfield and Craig Lawton. Full back Butterfield continues to recover from a broken hand whilst second rower Lawton is suspended after pleading guilty to a dangerous tackle during the club's 48-8 win against London Skolars a fortnight ago.

Dons head coach Tony Miller said: "The squad is fresh after their week off and we're really up for the game on Sunday.

"Barrow will prove to be strong opposition as always, and they'll come to Doncaster looking to give us a tough game as there's a lot at stake.

"However, the lads really want this title and I'm confident we can get the victory that'll take us through to the grand final at Warrington at the end of the month.

"I hope the Doncaster public come out in force and give the team the support they deserve. It should be a cracking game."

The Dons last faced the Raiders in mid-July, winning 28-24 in a tight match at the Keepmoat Stadium. However, Barrow won the reverse fixture 25-8 back in March, and Raiders coach Darren Holt believes home advantage plays a huge role in clashes between the division's top sides.

Holt said: "Doncaster have home advantage, so they are the favourites. Home advantage is key in the play-offs."

Holt is hopeful that both Brad Marwood and Liam Finch will be fit enough to take part on Sunday.

The winners of Sunday's game will progress to the Grand Final which takes place on Sunday 30th September at Warrington's Halliwell Jones Stadium. Should the Dons lose the game, their play off campaign will not be over and will play the winner of the Workington - Whitehaven game at the Keepmoat Stadium the following week.

Tickets for Sunday's Barrow game cost just £12 for adults, £10 for concessions and £2 for juniors and must be purchased at the stadium's ticket office before entering the turnstiles.

Whatever you do make sure you don't miss this one. ‘Come on you Dons!'

Cunningham and/or Powley to come into 17 depending on Cowlings availability.

Cowling not in the 17 for Wakefield.

At last a bit of good news.
Assuming of course that he turns out for us.

hope so

Handicap betting ...

Generally Barrow are given 6 points start (however Ladbrokes & Skybet give them . 10/11 each team, handicap draw 16/1.

Match betting ...

Generally the Dons are 4/9 favourites. Again Ladbrokes (2/5) and Skybet (4/11) differ.

A little stats update.. https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B2RpDkX ... VUTVk/edit

A little stats update.. https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B2RpDkX ... VUTVk/edit

A complete shambles without Cooke.
Clueless.
They couldn't even notice that they had crippled right winger against them with ten minutes to go.
Instead they attacked down the other side.
I suppose it's all a cunning plan to get Barrow in the final and have an extra week's revenue.
Very disappointing, and the ref was a TIT!
Plus we only lost because we can't kick goals without Cooke and Hodson.
Hodson would have won us the game.
Are you listening Miller?

agree about the ref. Thought we tried hard but as you say lacked direction. Cas tackled like a trojan. Crowd was disappointing.

The ref was clueless!! Cookes injury was tactical and imo a sending off offence! Kesiks was in no way sin bin worthy!! One touch judge looked like he was struggling to even keep up with the match. Hoping waterman learns to get a grip of his attitude before next week it let him down today!!