Doncaster RLFC out to bounce back in London

“Bradford were a good side on the day and according to (coach) John Kear they produced their best performance of the season whereas we probably produced our worst,” said Dons No 2 Pete Green.

“We had a video review session on Tuesday night as usual but instead of Rich (head coach Richard Horne) doing all the talking the players had a big input and there were a few home truths spoken because, as a group, they felt they let themselves down and didn’t do themselves justice in a game in which we never really got a foothold.”

Skipper Ryan Boyle – thought to have caught a stray elbow - was knocked out in the game in an incident which saw him lose several teeth and misses out.

“Rich has given Ryan the week off to get away from the game,” said,” Green.

Zac Braham replaces him with both French international Hakim Miloudi and Richard Owen also returning to the squad.

Former Featherstone second-row forward Frankie Mariano – described as a ‘model professional – is set to play his second game for the club after making his debut against the Bulls.

“He’s trained well this week and with another couple of games under his belt I think he’ll become a very dangerous player for us,” said Green.

Skolars made a slow start to the season but go into today’s game at the New River Stadium, which now boasts a 4G pitch, having won three of their last four.

“We’ve looked at them this week and they are a very physical side, especially in the forwards, and it’s going to be a battle and we’ve struggled in games like that this season,” said Green.

“When you up against a bigger pack you have to try and take the juice out of them but we’ve been making too many handling errors and when you aren’t controlling the ball you aren’t draining the other team.

“It’s going to be a hot day so we’ll probably look to move them about a bit.

“It’s a game we need to win but we’ll have to play well because they are a lot better side at home than they are away and they play their tight pitch well.”