DONCASTER came close to enjoying their best season in the Championship since earning promotion ahead of the 2024 season, but the South Yorkshire club finished in eighth in 2025 – the exact same as the year before.
Chief executive Carl Hall reflected on the 2025 campaign at the end of the season and admitted a mid-table finish was perhaps apt for the group.
The Dons had been well-placed to launch a charge for the top six, but six losses in a row to end the campaign ensured Richard Horne’s men endured disappointment, including a big 56-0 loss to leaders York Knights.
Papua New Guinea powerhouse Edene Gebbie took the year by storm for his new club, registering 25 tries whilst Connor Robinson notched up 146 points.
But the Dons have recruited smartly for next season, bringing in seasoned Championship veterans Tom Holmes, Connor Jones, Cory Aston, James Glover, Tyla Hepi and Gadwin Springer.
Horne’s side lacked that cutting edge and experience in 2025, but all signs point to an improved year in 2026.
One to watch
Edene Gebbie was a relative unknown before he moved to British shores ahead of the 2024 season.
Hailing from Papua New Guinea, the powerhouse winger impressed in his first year with Whitehaven before signing for Doncaster for 2025. Twenty-five tries in 22 appearances later and Gebbie is a firm favourite at the Eco-Power Stadium.
And with new signings Tom Holmes and Cory Aston expected to lift the Dons’ creativity, watch out for more tries from the 30-year-old in 2026.
Squad: 1 Tom Holmes, 2 Bureta Faraimo, 3 Brad Hey, 4 Reece Lyne, 5 Luke Briscoe, 6 Cory Aston, 7 Connor Robinson, 8 Brad Knowles, 9 Greg Burns, 10 Suaia Matagi, 11 Sam Smeaton, 12 Alex Sutcliffe, 13 Loui McConnell, 14 Jacob Jones, 15 Jordan Baldwinson, 16 Pauli Pauli, 17 Muizz Mustapha, 18 Edene Gebbie, 19 Connor Jones, 20 Isaac Misky, 21 Tyla Hepi, 22 Luis Johnson, 23 James Glover, 24 Watson Boas, 25 Gadwin Springer, 33 Andre Savelio
Ins: Muizz Mustapha (Castleford), Cory Aston (Sheffield), Connor Jones (Featherstone), Tom Holmes (Bradford), James Glover, Gadwin Springer (both Featherstone)
Outs: Ben Johnston, Jason Tali (both retired), Craig Hall, Josh Bowden, Ilikaya Mafi, Andrew Gill (all released)