NEWS | Thornhill Trojans match preview

The Dons will play their first competitive game of 2020 when they take on NCL Division 1 side Thornhill Trojans.

The Coral Challenge Cup third round tie will take place at Dewsbury Rams’ Tetley’s Stadium, with Richard Horne’s side looking to get the year off to a positive start.

The Trojans have already beaten Thatto Heath Crusaders and Normanton Knights on their way to the third round, and will be full of enthusiasm as they look to cause an upset in West Yorkshire.

Positives from friendlies

The Dons scored more than 50 points across their pre-season fixtures against Sheffield Eagles and Wakefield Trinity reserves, with the likes of Ross Peltier and Harry Carter both crossing for their first points for the club.

The half-back partnership of Watson Boas and Rangi Chase blossomed throughout the two games, ensuring that competition for places is healthy ahead of the return from injury of influential scrum half Matty Beharrell.

Trialists Ben Howe and Alex Holdstock have been rewarded for their performances in the friendlies as they were handed deals for the 2020 campaign to further strengthen the Dons squad.

Team news

The Dons are boosted by the possible return of some key players ahead of Saturday’s tie, with Kieran Cross, Beharrell and Russ Spiers all close to being back in action.

Cross has been out since suffering a long-term ankle injury in May 2019, while Beharrell and Spiers have been recovering from their respective injuries during the pre-season campaign.