DONCASTER prop Russ Spiers reckons former club York City Knights are his current team's new arch-rivals.

Spiers, who returned to the Keepmoat Stadium after one season at York in 2016, will line up against James Ford's men on Good Friday (3pm).

The 26-year-old is among a small group of Dons players with an old affiliation to the Minster city and he believes those connections, plus the fact both clubs will be vying from promotion from League One, adds extra fire to the mix. He is also predicting a close contest on the big open Keepmoat pitch.

"I would say York are probably our biggest rivals," Spiers told the Dons' website. "Sheffield have probably moved away from that so given where we both are and the players who have played for both clubs we're all wanting a win."

He added: "It could be a drop-goal or a penalty that wins it, in these sorts of games you have to take your chances to post points. It will be tough for both sides.

"It will be high-quality rugby as we're both good sides and if the weather is good then I think it will be a really fast game on a big pitch."

Other ex-Knights in the Doncaster ranks include Jordan Howden, Brad England, Connor Bower and Liam Harris, who was such a hit at York last year on dual-reg from Hull KR and how trains full time with Hull. Dons boss Richard Horne, the former Great Britain international, is also the brother of Knights player/assistant-coach Graeme Horne.

Rivalry probably grew two years ago when Spiers, Rich Wilkinson, Brett Waller and Mike Emmett all quit Donny to join York.

As for this year, the buoyant Dons take an unbeaten record into the clash, while York have lost only once in Betfred League One.

Spiers added: "The atmosphere (at the Keepmoat) has been really good and York have had some good crowds too - they will bring plenty of fans so it should be a really special day."

Howden sits this game out through injury, as does fellow half-back Jack Miller, while centre Bower is a doubt after taking a knock in last week's narrow league win at Newcastle.

However, former Castleford and Wakefield full-back Richard Owen is back from suspension and powerful centre Jason Tali and prop Ryan Boyle are expected to be fit again. Jack Downs is also available on dual-reg from Hull.

Doncaster (probable): Owen, Doherty, Tali, Bower, Sanderson, Harris, Hedges, C Scott, Keswick, Boyle, England, Martin, Wilkinson. Subs: Cross, Spiers, Braham, Downs. Stand-by: Scott, Muranka.