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After two encouraging pre-season fixtures against squads from Sheffield Eagles (a narrow defeat after leading with only 10 minutes remaining) and Hull KR (a 32-16 victory), the season proper gets under way for the Dons with an opening round fixture in Pool A of the Northern Rail Cup. Barely could there have been a much tougher challenge than to face last seasons Championship Grand Final winners Barrow Raiders.
The Raiders are a squad full of flair and experience and will rightly fancy themselves for Championship silverware again in 2010. Andy Bracek, Ned Catic, Richard Fletcher, Paul Noone and Jamie Rooney all boast Super League experience as does former Doncaster favourite Zeb Luisi. Winger James Nixon weighed in with a massive 31 tries last season in 28 appearances and whilst livewire hooker Andy Ellis is now with Harlequins, replacement Andrew Henderson returns to the Club after spells with Castleford Tigers and Gateshead Thunder.
The Dons retain only a fraction of last seasons squad. Full back Tommy Griffiths, stalwart Shaun Leaf (sponsored this season by the Supporters Trust) plus forwards Jake Bassinder, David Bates, Garry Ellery, Danny Stanley and Ryan Steen remain with Craig Lawton returning following a brief spell with Oldham. Notable signings include Grant Edwards from Sheffield Eagles, Craig Fawcett (Hunslet Hawks), Leeds Rhinos youngsters Ben Collins, Simon and Liam Brown (un-related) and Hull KR squad members Lee Gomersall and Scott Johnson. Aaron Henry looks a very useful acquisition from Queens ARLFC as does Bradford Bulls reserve grade Hooker Jack Ely and Kiwi utility back Jarryn Osbourne.
Tony Miller has done very well to put together what looks a young but hungry and enthusiastic squad and it would be no surprise to find that come the latter stages of the season we are extolling the virtues of one or more of a number of young players who I have not mentioned in the above paragraph but look forward to discussing as the year progresses.
Unfortunately, as is often the case with the Dons, things are far from straight-forward and a crop of injuries in the two matches to date has mean't that Miller will go into the game on Sunday without Aaron Henry, Simon Brown, Craig Lawton, Garry Ellery and Scott Johnson as well as the unavailable Shaun Leaf. Good news however surrounds Craig Fawcett who has recovered from a facial injury sufficient to be considered. The injuries however will give some of the aforementioned younger players an opportunity to impress the coach.
A tough assignment indeed for a first competative match of the season but on the evidence so far, the players who pull on the shirts on Sunday will not lack for pride and passion.
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| The Co-operative Championship One 2010 |
|
Team |
Pts |
+/- |
| 1 |
Hunslet |
55 |
505 |
| 2 |
Oldham |
52 |
256 |
| 3 |
York |
39 |
83 |
| 4 |
Blackpool |
38 |
430 |
| 5 |
Rochdale |
37 |
132 |
| 6 |
South Wales |
34 |
108 |
| 7 |
Workington |
33 |
-4 |
| 8 |
Swinton |
33 |
-11 |
| 9 |
Doncaster |
28 |
-70 |
| 10 |
London |
10 |
-456 |
| 11 |
Gateshead |
-2 |
-973 |
Full Table 
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