Doncaster RLFC: Two ruled out as Dons head into play-offs

Doncaster RLFC will lack two of the side which helped them secure fourth spot last weekend in Sunday’s opening Betfred League One play-off tie against Newcastle at Kingston Park (2.30).
Brad FosterBrad Foster
Brad Foster

Loose-forward Brad Foster, the pick of the Doncaster pack in their 30-4 win at Workington, received a two-match ban in midweek and on-loan second-rower Evan Hodgson has been ruled out for the season with a suspected knee ligament injury.

Better news for the Dons is that leading try-scorer Sam Doherty returns to the squad.

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“It’s a pity that we’ve had to juggle the forwards about because the pack has played really well in the last two games and they laid the foundations for what was a bigger win at Workington than had been expected,” said Dons No 2 Pete Green.

The Dons won up at Kingston Park in their first away game of the season after trailing 22-4 at half-time and were unlucky to lose 19-18 in the return at Featherstone.

“We started off slowly in both games against them only to come back strongly but we know we can’t afford to let them get on a roll and build up a good lead on Sunday,” said Green.

“We got off to a fast start at Workington and we’ve spoken about the need to do that again.

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“We know it’s going to be tough and the fact that they are more used to playing on their 3G pitch is definitely an advantage.

“They have also got a strong side and both half-backs pose a threat as do full-back Lewis Young, who returns the ball well, and winger Misi Taulapapa.

“But confidence is high after two good wins and the boys are looking forward to the challenge.”