INTERVIEW | Smeaton celebrates victory in 300th career appearance

Sunday marked Doncaster skipper Sam Smeaton's 300th career appearance, as the veteran back-rower marked the occasion with a win that saw the Dons move into the Betfred Championship play-off spots.

With 85 appearances for the Dons, 82 for Batley Bulldogs, 3 for York Knights, 12 for Halifax, 30 for Sheffield Eagles and 88 for Featherstone Rovers, Smeaton reached the unbelievable milestone as he led his side to a gritty 37-30 victory over Barrow Raiders. 

On a day that was all about his personal landmark, speaking after the contest, in true captain-style Smeaton was more happy about the win that keeps the Dons in with a shout of making the top six at the end of 2024. Taking time to praise Barrow, Smeaton stated it was a gutsy win, but one that could be a catalyst for a big end to the season. 

"We know how to make hard work of it. It was a gutsy win which keeps the momentum going. It's the funny point of the season when people are tired. The sun and heat came from nowhere and fair play to Barrow. They are such a hard team to break down and never give in. We made some errors but they took their chances. We have to keep going now and winning and losing can grab hold of you. We're on the up at the moment and need to keep scratching wins on the board."

After weeks on the side line, Smeaton was over the moon to return to action. 

"It's been hard watching. It's good to be back and make 300 games up at home. I'm happy with that but we keep going. Sheffield up next who we've run close twice this season so it should be another cracker."