DONCASTER boss Tony Miller is shaking up his side ahead of York City Knights’ visit to the Keepmoat tomorrow – with two new signings and a couple of dual-registration recruits set to go straight into the line-up.

Miller, whose side, like York, have two wins from seven games so far, reckons his team are adapting slowly but surely to the rigours of the Kingstone Press Championship, and hopes the new arrivals will bring further impetus.

The first is second-rower Adam Scott, who has been snapped up after being released by Batley, and the second is winger Ben Blackmore, who has arrived on a month’s loan from Huddersfield, while centre Danny Cowling and back-rower Kyle Trout join utility back Liam Kay as dual-reg lads making the trip over from Wakefield Trinity Wildcats.

Cowling, along with Bobbie Goulding, had been recalled by the Wildcats last week so missed the Dons’ 14-6 loss at Swinton.

Said Miller: “We were under no illusions about how difficult this division would be. In the last couple of games our defence has been good. I thought we were the better team against Batley (in a 24-18 home defeat) and last week we defended well but did not make the most of our opportunities with the ball and conceded two tries from our errors.

“We thought it would take half a dozen games to get up to speed but we’re enjoying it.”

The newcomers threaten the place in the team of Dennis Tuffour, the former York winger who joined the Dons this season, while another ex-Knight, Lee Waterman, is a doubt due to a groin strain.

Big Brett Waller is almost certain to play, and other ex-Knights in the likely line-up include veterans Chris Spurr and Carl Hughes.

Miller added: “They (the ex-Knights contingent) have all had big contributions and have played well.”

The game at the Keepmoat Stadium is subject to a 10.30am pitch inspection on Sunday.


Spotlight on Doncaster

Last year: 1st in Championship One

Current league position: 8th

Coach: Tony Miller Began the campaign on a high after beating the odds to lift the club’s first-ever trophies – the Championship One League Leaders Shield and Grand Final silverware – last season.

The tight-knit squad was used to winning but it was relatively small, not helped by the loss of Tom Hodson (Featherstone), Craig Lawton and Dean Colton (both retired), and new additions at the start of term – including ex-Knights Dennis Tuffour, Brooke Broughton and Brett Waller, who joined his old mate and prolific Championship One try-scorer Lee Waterman in South Yorkshire – don’t have much Championship experience.

It’s not certain how much the partnership with Wakefield will help over the course of the year, though dual-reg lads will bolster the ranks tomorrow.

Tomorrow’s squad: from Lee Waterman, Ben Blackmore, Liam Kay, Shaun Leaf, Stewart Sanderson, Paul Cooke, Craig Fawcett, Brett Waller, Mike Emmett, Craig Robinson, Michael Kelly, Chris Spurr, Grant Edwards, Adam Scott, Danny Cowling, Kyle Trout, Liam Kay, Nathan Powley, Mick Butterfield, Carl Hughes, Josh Johnson, Dennis Tuffour.

One to watch: Paul Cooke – the controversial but mega-talented former Super League star provides much of the team’s inspiration.

Partnership club: Wakefield Trinity Wildcats.

Season prediction: will want to continue on the crest of a wave but will a few early defeats see them swallowed by the surf?

Ground: Keepmoat Stadium Miles from York: 44. For supporters’ bus information, phone 07763 121732.

Nearest train station: Doncaster (direct from York) 2 miles. Visit tpexpress.co.uk for train times and fares.