Doncaster Knights: McColl eager to make Castle Park a fortress

The Scot, who first joined the Knights back in 2007 before switching to Yorkshire Carnegie four years later, alternated between full-back and wing in his first season back at Castle Park following a second spell at Headingley.

“I’m happy to play anywhere to help the team but full-back is my favourite position,” said the 31 year-old.

“With Paul Jarvis leaving at the end of last season, the fact that Cam Cowell picked up an ankle injury in pre-season was a blow for the club.

“We’d really pushed each other in pre-season and that has to be good for the team.

“Hopefully it won’t be too long before he’s back.

“Obviously it gave me the chance to step up and speaking to Clive (Griffiths) he said it was my opportunity to try and stake a claim for the No 15 shirt and it was up to me to try and take it.”

McColl played in the opening Championship Cup Pool 2 game against Hartpury but was one of a number of players left out for Sunday’s game against relegated Newcastle Falcons at Kingston Park.

The Knights rung the changes in order to give other squad members an early chance.

Following the big defeat in the North-East, McColl hopes he can return to action this weekend.

The Knights come up against Jersey in the final Championship Cup game in the first block of pool matches.

“Hopefully we can build on the win over Hartpury at Castle Park and bounce back from Sunday’s defeat at Newcastle but Jersey are always a tough side to play,” said McColl.

Like Knights, the Reds have made a mixed start to their Cup campaign.

They also beat Hartpury at the weekend and have lost to Newcastle.

“We want to try and make Castle Park a tough place to come again, but the only way we can do that is by getting results,” added McColl.

“It won’t get it’s old reputation back overnight after a couple of seasons when our home form has been indifferent, but we can make a good start.”