Aston determined to bring Super League rugby to South Yorkshire

Helping to establish a Super League club in his native South Yorkshire would be a dream come true for new Dons signing Cory Aston.

The club has made no secret of its desire to secure a place among the country’s elite in the near future, with a bid lodged for the 2026 campaign and a determination to back that up on and off the pitch in the coming years.

And it is that ambition that attracted Sheffield-born Aston to joining the Dons on a two-year deal.

“The vision of the club really excited me,” he said. “They applied for Super League this year and while they didn’t get in, over the next few years it’s what Carl [Hall, CEO] says he wants and I want to be a part of achieving that.

“It’s what they want in Doncaster and South Yorkshire rugby league is something I’m passionate about.

“To have a Super League club in South Yorkshire would be massive.”

Astos is vastly experienced at Championship level, having featured for Sheffield Eagles, Castleford Tigers, London Broncos and Halifax Panthers and is looking to pass on his knowledge of the level to help drive the Dons forward.

“I’ve played a lot of rugby at Championship level and over the last few years I’ve found some real consistency within that,” he said. “Hopefully I can help the group progress.

“They just missed out on the play-offs last season and I know it was one of the goals.

“We need to be aiming for play-offs, if not above that, next year. With the squad that Rich [Horne, CEO] and Carl have built, I think that’s definitely achievable.

“Hopefully I can help them move forward and deliver that.

“I think a big thing will be having a good, big squad. Carl and Rich are aiming for that because there’s always competition for places which drives a team to the next level.

“Everyone is fighting to keep their shirt and having a bad performance doesn’t necessarily mean you’re playing again the week after. A smaller squad can take that pressure off but pressure is important to keep players performing and staying at that high level.”