Top half finish still in Dons' sights ahead of Swinton clash

The South Yorkshire side need one win from their last two games to guarantee retaining eighth spot though they could still finish seventh in the 14-team league were they to win both games and either Featherstone or York Knights – who meet next weekend - lose both their last two games.

Third-bottom Lions currently find themselves in a relegation battle with four other teams and not even maximum points against the Dons and away at third-placed Bradford Bulls in their last match could be enough to save them if other results go against them.

It will be the Dons first visit to the ground since losing in the League One play-off final in 2022.

The two sides met earlier in the season in a Dons’ home game switched to the home of Featherstone Rovers due to annual work on the Eco-Power pitch, with Richard Horne’s side producing a strong second half showing to claim an 18-8 win after trailing 8-0 at the break.

Although Horne has worries about the hooking role with Joe Lovodua already ruled out and Greg Burns (hamstring) rated doubtful ahead of last night’s training session, he says the Dons will travel in confident mood following their impressive 30-14 win over fourth-placed Widnes.

“I thought that we were in control throughout against Widnes,” he said. “We played the wet conditions well, kept it tight and kicked the ball into the right areas. We also defended well. Hopefully the conditions will be better at Swinton and we can go there and throw the ball about a bit more.”

Added Horne, who could also be without hard-working prop Brad Knowles, “We want to finish the season on a high and finish as high as we can and if we maintain our current eighth spot, or go even higher, that would put us in good stead for next season.

“There is still a glimmer of hope that we can finish in the top half of the table and it would be great for the club were we to go into our last game of the season in our first year back in the Championship for eight years still in with a chance of doing that.

“Our fate is out of our hands – and we couldn’t have a tougher game to end the season than taking on a full-time Wakefield side who look likely to be back playing in Super League next season. But we’ll continue to aim for a top half spot while ever it is mathematically possible to do so.”