Sam Smeaton on staying with the Dons for 2027

The forward enjoyed another successful campaign in 2026, helping the Dons finish second in the league and reach the Grand Final as the club continued to make strides both on and off the field.

Having been part of that progress, Smeaton was keen to commit his future and is looking forward to what lies ahead as the Dons aim to build on last season's achievements.

“It's one of the best decisions I've ever made, coming here, and to extend for another year is fantastic,” he said.

“Every year, when you come to the end of the season, you wonder how it would feel if you weren't there. If I wasn't here this year, it would have been absolutely gutting.

“I've definitely still got that drive to play, and I'm really excited to get back in now.”

The Dons' continued improvement and ambitions for the future have been a major factor in Smeaton's decision, with the club continuing to push towards its Destination Super League goal.

Born and raised in Doncaster, he is particularly proud of the progress being made and believes everything is coming together as the club looks to reach the next level.

“It's my hometown club, and to see how we've improved year on year is great,” he added.

“To keep striving for that improvement is what it's all about. Off the field and on the field, everything seems to be tying together, and I think it's really exciting.

“You want to succeed at everything you do, and to succeed here would be to push this club as far as it could possibly go.”

Smeaton also highlighted the growing connection between the club and its supporters, with increased fan involvement playing an important role in the team's performances last season.

He said: “The community and the fans buying in and getting involved was fantastic. I think that fan involvement has gone up year on year, and that always helps when the on-field performances are as good as they were last year.

“We proved that we're a good team and a force to be reckoned with.”

Smeaton will get his eighth campaign in blue and yellow underway when the new season kicks off in the new year, while supporters also have his testimonial to look forward to later this month.