INTERVIEW | Pauli Pauli looking for his teammates to get the win

Doncaster RLFC travel back to Pauli Pauli’s old stomping ground this Sunday but the prop will be missing from the Dons line-up after receiving a one-match penalty notice.

Disappointed to be missing out Pauli said, “I would’ve loved to play this game. Going up against York my former teammates is always an exciting time for me.

“I would have enjoyed it this weekend running out with the Donny boys but unfortunate events happen and now I’m on the sidelines. Keen to go and support the brothers still and hope we come up with the W.”

Although Pauli misses out this weekend he can pass on his experiences from York to the Dons boys and give an insight into the challenge ahead. 

“You will see a lot of leg speed and drive and they work really hard, they will make the errors count if we give them the possession of the ball and having the likes of Jordan Thompson and Ukuma Ta'ai in the middle with great late footwork we need to be on the ball when they carry. 

“If we can shut down their halves as well, it’ll ease the stress off us a bit and we will be able to manage the game in the right areas.”

Pauli went on to discuss his time at Doncaster so far after joining the club ahead of the 2024 campaign, “I’m loving my time at Donny. Everyone here at the club from the head to our grass roots have made me feel welcome and made me feel apart of the Donny family. 

“Big-ups to Carl Hall for giving me another chance to find myself and be better and to the team for welcoming me with open arms. Can’t forget the fans either for their time and effort to be out at games giving up their Sunday’s to support us.”

Doncaster RLFC have a strong Pacific Island representation within their ranks and Pauli born in Australia and is of Samoan descent says that has definitely had a part to play in how easily he’s slotted straight into the Dons culture. 

“This has been a massive reason to why I’m settled here at the club having that connection in culture with my people. But, thats not the only reason why I’ve settled here, because everyone at the Dons is on the same level of chill. You can even say more than half our team are Pacific Islanders now! 

“Having that representation of our people and then the boys in our squad wanting to connect with us shows how much the team cares about each individual.”

The Dons have this weekend’s fixture and a trip to Featherstone Rovers before they finally return home to the Eco-Power Stadium on Sunday, July 28 to host Barrow Raiders after pitch renovations have been completed.