Doncaster RLFC looking to make it a happy homecoming against Oldham

The Dons return to the Keepmoat for the first time in seven weeks when they take on third-placed Oldham in a crucial League One promotion clash on Sunday (3pm).
By The Newsroom
Published 27th Jul 2018, 16:43 BST
Russ SpiersRuss Spiers
Russ Spiers

“It’s great to be back at the Keepmoat after being on the road for so long and the boys are all looking forward to playing in front of our own fans again,” said assistant coach Pete Green.

The Dons will lack prop Russ Spiers who serves a one-match ban after being sent off in the game at York earlier this month.

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“It’s a massive blow for us because Russ has been great all year,” said Green. “He’ll definitely leave a big hole to fill.”

Better news for the Dons is that exciting French international back Hakim Miloudi is set to play his first game for the club for nearly three months.

“Hakim was available on dual-reg this week and you can’t really turn down a player who is a proven match-winner at this level when that happens and he’s included in the squad,” said Green.

“He’s trained with us all week and his attitude and his personality adds a lot to the team.

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“He doesn’t look down at League One despite the fact that he has played a number of Super League games for Hull this season.

“He just enjoys playing the game.

“He’s loves it at Doncaster and loves the rest of the lads and the fans and he is always keen to come here when not required by Hull and give 100 per cent.

“I think he is grateful for the part we played in helping him to get where he has got.”

The Dons will be looking to overturn a 32-12 defeat at Oldham at the start of last month.

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“That was the second of five successive defeats, and I don’t believe that we deserved anything from the game, but we are in a different place now,” claimed Green.

“The win over Hunslet, which could have been even more emphatic had we been a bit more clinical, has really lifted the group this week.

“But we know we’ve got another very big challenge on our hands this weekend because Oldham (who have the best defensive record in the division) are a very physical side,

“But the lads are very confident of getting their revenge for the defeat at the Vestacare Stadium where we were second-best on the day.”

Sunday’s game will mark the home debut of former Keighley scrum-half Matty Beharrell who has played the last three games.