GRAND FINAL PREVIEW | London Broncos v Dons

The Dons will round off the 2026 Betfred Championship season in the Grand Final against London Broncos at the Cherry Red Records Stadium on Sunday 4 October (3pm KO).

This year has seen Richard Horne’s side secure both emphatic and dramatic wins on the way to the biggest game in the Championship.

It has been a record-breaking campaign for both team and individual, with the Dons securing their biggest ever winning margin in a 120-0 triumph over North Wales Crusaders, and Connor Robinson breaking the consecutive goal kick world record with 58 successful attempts in a row.

Dons also secured two wins out of two against rivals Sheffield Eagles, one a 46-0 away win, and the other a 24-18 victory that secured their place in the top four.

In the resulting play-off campaign, the team sporting blue and yellow beat Barrow Raiders 72-0, before bouncing back from a defeat to London with another victory over Barrow.

Newcastle Thunder were the opponents in the Preliminary Final, with the Dons coming away with a 33-18 win to set up another trip to the capital.

Speaking about reaching the Grand Final, Horne said: “We had a goal at the beginning of the season of making sure we get in that top four to give us every opportunity to make the final.

“I am just really proud of what the boys have produced in the back end of the season. It's exciting to be here and I am looking forward to this last game.”

On beating Newcastle to get there, he added: “It was probably one of the most physical games we have been involved in. They are a very tough team, very hard to break down.

“We did a really good job in that first half. In the second, we were a little bit busted, but we had already done enough to get the win.”

On facing London, he said: “I think everyone knows what they are about. They are a very experienced, fast and powerful team.

“I think we've gone around 50 minutes toe-to-toe with them in the past, so it's just about improving in that extra 30 where they seem to run back-to-back tries in to get that scoreline ticking over.

“We just need to make sure we put in a full 80-minute performance and, if we do that, we stand a chance of getting a result.”

Since joining the club at the start of the year, Cory Aston had led his side to many victories.

He has thoroughly enjoyed the campaign, and is looking forward to the last challenge.

“I am really pleased. We set out to do something special as a group and we're part of the way there by getting to the final.

“We have achieved one small aim, but the big one is yet to come.”

On captaining the side this season, he said: “I am immensely proud. It's a fantastic group filled with great players and leaders within that.

“The boys have been fantastic this year and a lot of credit goes to all of them. They are just natural leaders and take all the pressure off me.”

On facing London, he added: “We know what to expect. They're physical, they're fit, they're fast, they've got some quality players.

“We have matched them at our place, but the last two times we've been down there, we've let ourselves down a little bit.

“So we will definitely be looking to change that and come away with the trophy.”