Doncaster RLFC: Challenge Cup clash with Featherstone Rovers will be good barometer - Connor Scott

Even though their last success was back in 1984, Rovers, who currently sit second in the Championship, have remained formidable opponents in cup football.

“Obviously the league is our priority but we are also taking the Challenge Cup seriously and hopefully we’ll do a good job on Featherstone at the weekend,” said prop Connor Scott.

“As I say, we want to be playing in the Championship next season so playing Featherstone, who are one of the top sides at that level, will act as a good indicator as to how we’d do if we did get up.

“Obviously the club would look to strengthen if we did get promoted but we are a young side and I’m sure the current squad would provide the nucleus of the team going forward.

“We know it is going to be our toughest game so far because Featherstone have brought in several players who were playing Super League last season including Gareth Hock.

“I think the fact that we played two Championship sides, London Broncos and Batley, in pre-season friendlies and ran them both close will give us confidence going into the game – especially as the new signings have had time to bed in since then.

“Crowds have been rising steadily this season and there should be the biggest attendance so far on Sunday,” he added.

“I’m sure their will be a few Doncaster supporters who haven’t been down for a while and a good performance will hopefully see them start coming down more regularly for the league games.

“We’ve got a big league game against promotion favourites Bradford Bulls down here the following week and that is another massive game for us.

“They are the sort of games, against sides we expect to be up there challenging at the end of the season, that we need to be winning.

“It will be a step up in class from the likes of Hemel, though we know we can’t afford to treat them lightly and have always got to go into any game with the right attitude.

“The fact that we’ve got such a tough game this weekend will hopefully stand us in good stead against the Bulls.”