PREVIEW | Goole Vikings v Dons

The Dons round off the regular season with a game against Goole Vikings at the Victoria Pleasure Grounds on Saturday 29 August (3pm KO).

When the two teams last met in March, Richard Horne’s side battled to a 32-16 triumph, and now they will aim to complete a league double.

The opposition currently sit in 13th, with their season concluding after Saturday’s matchup. Last time out, they secured a narrow 32-28 victory over Swinton Lions.

Meanwhile, Dons confirmed a top four finish and a home tie in the first round of the play-offs with a 24-18 win against rivals Sheffield Eagles. This weekend presents the chance to finish strong before the road to the final begins.

Speaking about sealing top four and victory over Sheffield, Horne said:

“It is one of the goals we set at the beginning of the year to give us the best opportunity when we get into those play-offs. So, I am really pleased that we have achieved what we set out to do.

“The derbies are always tough games and, after we secured a heavy win at their place, we knew they were going to come with intent and energy, and I thought that definitely showed in the game.”

On the upcoming test against Goole, he added: “I am sure they will want to go out on a high. They obviously can’t make the play-offs, but they have lots of experience in their ranks.

“I am focused on the play-offs now, as this result cannot impact anything, so I want to make sure everyone is in the best condition. But if we don’t turn up and play on the weekend, we could face a disappointing result and hinder our momentum.”

Tyla Hepi has played a big role in helping Dons finish the season strong, and he is also delighted to get over the line.

He said: “It is something we have aimed for since the start of the year, so I am ecstatic to achieve it.

“It felt good to do it against Sheffield. They are an outfit that always comes strong.

“Not long ago, they were pushing for promotion and brought in a lot of players, and still have a lot of quality now, which showed on the weekend. So, it was great to get another win over them.”

On the current state of the squad and how ready they are for the play-offs, he added:

“A lot of players are fit, which is giving Rich a bit of a headache when he selects the team, which is a nice problem to have, and we are coming into good form.

“There are probably still a few creases to iron out, but we are where we need to be.

“It is important to keep performing each weekend. We need to be building nicely and keeping momentum, and that is what we are expecting to do.”