Doncaster v Barrow Raiders
Doncaster were left kicking their heels last week after their game against York City Knights was postponed. Coach Gary Thornton said: “We haven’t played for a couple of weeks now and sometimes it can help in getting some of your injured players back but we kind of want to keep the momentum going. But it is what it is and we’ve just got to deal with it.
“We’re looking forward to getting going again against Barrow this week. They had an excellent win and played very, very well. When we played them at our place earlier in the season I thought they were the best team we’d played, I do rate them quite highly.
“It’s going to be a very tough game but one we’re looking forward to, we’re champing at the bit having had two weeks off.”
Full-back Tom Carr, hooker Kyle Kesik and second row Brad Foster are all back but scrum-half Jordie Hedges is serving a three-match ban.
Barrow Raiders had a 34-12 home victory over Rochdale Hornets. Coach Paul Crarey said: “There were a lot of errors in the game but we were outstanding. We had 12 men for the whole of the second half but we were very good and we’re very fit at the moment. To score 34 points and only concede two tries, and one of them at the death, was an outstanding effort.
“But we’re got to back it up now, going to Doncaster will be a tough ask. I think they will come strong, they are a good side, well-coached by Gary. They’ve already beaten us there and to go to a top three side and win away from home is going to be difficult but we’re looking forward to it.”
Keighley Cougars v Hunslet Hawks
Keighley Cougars were without eight regulars when they lost 40-4 at Toulouse Olympique. Coach Paul March said: “The team spirit was good, we never gave up so we do take some positives out of the game. It’s good to get that first game out of the way.
“We’re back home now and looking forward to Hunslet. They beat us in pre-season at home then we went to South Leeds Stadium and won so it’s 1-1 at the minute. We need a win if we want to keep in touch with the top five and that’s what we’ll be gearing up for.”
Hunslet Hawks won 30-26 at home to London Skolars. Coach Matt Bramald said: “We made it tough for ourselves, especially in the last 10 minutes. At 30-16 we went to sleep again and almost got our fingers burnt. We were Jekyll and Hyde in the first half and the second half was just scrappy from both teams. But we got the win and that’s all that matters.
“We go into every game confident that if we perform to anywhere near the standards we’ve set ourselves, then we’ll compete with anybody. Keighley is a game that is important for both teams. Whoever gets the points on Sunday is hopefully going to kick on towards getting in that top five, which is what everyone wants to do.”
Forward Callum Casey may be included in the squad.
