Match PreviewDoncaster RLFC make the long journey to Cumbria on Sunday to face Barrow Raiders in the Co-operative Championship One clash at Craven Park (3pm kick-off).
The Dons enjoyed a winning start to their league campaign last weekend with an impressive 48-16 victory over much fancied Whitehaven. The Raiders have also been tipped for promotion in 2012 and secured their opening day points with a hard fought 26-24 away win over North Wales Crusaders.
The big blow for the Dons is that second rower Carl Hughes will be out of action for at least three months after badly dislocating his shoulder last weekend. However, Grant Edwards (knee) and Liam Cunningham (shin) are both expected to be available for selection.
Dons' head coach Tony Miller said: "It's heart-breaking news for Carl as he's been one of our most consistent performers but it will give someone else an opportunity to step up to the plate.
"Looking ahead to Sunday's game it's important that we get off to a good start again and put some early pressure on the Barrow back line.
"I thought our first half performance was very good against Whitehaven and we showed some good attacking options.
"Barrow are a big, strong outfit who are always hard to beat on their own patch and will be well supported.
"We had a successful outcome last weekend in the opener but we're not getting carried away. We know there's a long season ahead of us and we have to remain focused on achieving our objectives."
Barrow's Jamie Butler (hamstring) faces a late fitness test while James Dandy (shoulder) looks set to remain side-lined. Raiders head coach Darren Holt is also without James Finch and Andries Venter who are both serving a one match ban.
Holt said: "We're on our home patch, and every club in this division will want to win their home games. It's key to any promotion hopes.
"Doncaster are one of the favourites for promotion, and they had a good win last week against Whitehaven. But we're at home this week and we want to start well."
However, Holt insists stopping Doncaster is more than just stopping former Super League star Paul Cooke and said: "If you think like that, you're doing a massive disservice to the rest of Doncaster's squad. It's a team game and they've got a very good squad.
"I've seen a DVD of their win against Whitehaven, and their platform is set by their forward pack.
"The key, and it's no secret in rugby league, is that whoever wins the forward battle will more than likely win the game."
Click
here to view match day ticket information and prices.
