Match Preview Doncaster RLFC will make their much anticipated league bow on Sunday afternoon when Whitehaven visit the Keepmoat Stadium - the big game has a 3pm kick-off.
Head coach Tony Miller is hopeful that Mike Burnett and Mick Butterfield will both be fit enough to return to action for the Co-operative Championship One opener. Both players have trained this week and Miller will make his decision after tonight's training session.
New dual signing Kieran Hyde will make his home debut alongside former Wildcats team mate Paul Cooke and Dons' skipper Craig Robinson should play despite suffering a facial injury against Hunslet. Craig Fawcett continues to sit out with a knee injury.
The Dons' Northern Rail Cup campaign ended in disappointment last week at the South Leeds Stadium but the club's focus has always been on the league and they will be looking to secure a top four finish to make a welcome return to the Championship.
Miller said: "This year's Championship One is probably going to be one of the most competitive in recent years, and we're expecting Whitehaven and the other Cumbrian clubs to be tough opposition.
"The likes of Whitehaven and Barrow (next week's opponents) are always hard to beat. They're big, strong sides who try to put you on the back foot and will be amongst the front runners.
"It's imperative that we get off to a good start in the league and set our stall out early - it's all about finishing in the top four and getting promoted this season."
Whitehaven's head coach Don Gailer has highlighted the Dons' half backs as key to Miller's side and said: "I'm told they play a really fast and open style of footy, and they've got two top quality players in their halves in Cooke and Hyde.
"If you give them time and space, then with their experience they'll cause you some problems."
For Whitehaven, Lee Doran (suspended) and Craig Calvert (neck) are both set to miss out, while Scott McAvoy's chances of playing are rated as only ‘50/50' by Gailer.
Gailer added: "We were a bit disappointing in the Northern Rail Cup, but all along the attitude has been good.
"Against Barrow last week I made 10 changes, and the boys really put in a great effort. We didn't get a positive result, but we got a positive outcome on the field."
Green Top Primary School of Thorne will be bringing their cheerleading and dancing teams to the Keepmoat once again. The school's performance last season was a resounding success for all concerned and the Dons' new cheerleaders, the RLC Rockets, will also be at the game cheering on the Dons.
The club have also handed out a number of free tickets to children at several Doncaster primary schools who have signed up to the Dons new attendance programme. Children who have achieved a 100% attendance rate have been given the free tickets as a reward for their efforts.
Tickets for the game are on sale now and prices are as follows:
Adults - £10 early bird/£12 match day
Concessions - £8 early bird/£10 match day
Juniors (5-16) - £2
Under 5's go free
To purchase tickets and to take advantage of our special early bird offer please contact the stadium's ticket office on 01302 762576.
Make sure you don't miss Sunday's game for what promises to be a great family day out for rugby league fans.
