Hanley's troops finished their National League Two fixtures with a 52-4 thumping of Hunslet - sealing a fourth place finish and a trip to Oldham in the play-offs next week.

The former Great Britain captain said: "We're going to have a week off and just do a few bits and pieces on the field.

"But it won't be a hard slog.

"The guys have had a lot of football so that's the last thing they need."

On his team's chance of reaching the Grand Final at Warrington, on September 28, he added: "Getting to final will take care of itself - if we play well against Oldham we will get there."

The Dons certainly played well in their final two games of the season as they beat already-promoted Barrow 40-20 last Wednesday before thrashing Hunslet on Sunday.

The latter victory held special significance for half back Luke Gale, who broke the club's tries-in-a-season scoring record with his 27th touchdown of the campaign.

Hanley said: "It was a great moment for Luke and for me.

"When he went over for the try I felt relief and joy for him."

Rock bottom Hunslet provided little resistance as the Dons racked up a 30-0 half time lead through Craig Lawton (2), Peter Green, Andreas Bauer, Wayne Reittie and Kyle Wood.

Gale crossed for his moment of glory early in the second period before Kyle Briggs, Josh Weedon and Alex Benson sealed the win.

Former Hunslet star Briggs added six conversions, while Richard Chapman
touched down for the away side's late consolation.

Although the Dons still have promotion to play for, preparations for the 2009 campaign are already well underway.

Clubs are now permitted to approach players for next season and the Dons have drawn up their list of potential targets - irrespective of which division they will be playing in.

One player they will have to do without is Kiwi hooker Corey Lawrie, who is returning home to New Zealand after the play-offs, while half back stars Gale and Briggs are thought to be close to agreeing moves with Super League sides Harlequins and Castleford respectively.

* Tickets for England's final World Cup warm-up match against Wales at the Keepmoat Stadium are now on sale.

The high profile game - the first international rugby league match to be played at the 15,000-seater stadium - takes place on Friday, October 10 (8pm).

Dons chairman Craig Harrison said: "We've brought the biggest international friendly in Rugby League to Doncaster - it's a great chance for people to see some of Super League's top players at the Keepmoat."

Tickets - £10 for adults and £5 children - are available from the
stadium ticket office (01302) 762576.