DONCASTER loan recruit Tom Whitehead says he’s ready to take his latest Championship chance both to bolster the South Yorkshire side’s play-off bid and support his claims to a first-team opportunity at Hull KR.

The 23-year-old backrow joined Rovers from Warrington Wolves ahead of this season, but has so far turned out only three times at first-team level, to go with eleven appearances for Wire.

Whitehead has had a string of previous loan/dual-registration spells – including at the old Salford Red Devils in Super League last year and at second-tier teams Halifax Panthers, London Broncos, hometown Oldham, Swinton Lions and Widnes Vikings.

He’s with Doncaster for the remainder of the campaign, and with twelve regular-season matches left, including a trip to Widnes which has been rearranged for Wednesday, July 1 because the Vikings are in 1895 Cup semi-final action at home to Rochdale on Sunday week, June 14, is ready to dig in for Richard Horne’s side.

“I’ve been playing in the Reserves at Hull KR, which has been good, but the Championship is another level up,” he said.

“I got a message saying there was a chance to go out on loan and try to get regular games, which would be really good for me.

“I’ve had a good chat with the Doncaster coach (Richard Horne) and his staff, and they have said what the want from me.

“I need to get used to the different systems and earn the respect of the lads by working hard, and I’m ready to do that.

“I want to put my best foot forward, find a bit of form, get a run of matches, help Doncaster do well and put myself in good stead to kick on when I’m back at Hull KR.”