NEWS | Carl Hall looks ahead to the new season

Dons chief executive Carl Hall has provided the following update to supporters ahead of the opening game of the season.

Hello everyone. 

As I write this we are going through our final preparations for the 2021 season, and on Sunday it is our first competitive game for more than a year. We start this season with a real sense of optimism and excitement, but this time there is an added sense of appreciation for how much the Dons and the sport of rugby league means to us all.

I need to thank Club Doncaster chief executive Gavin Baldwin and the board for their backing, their guidance means we have been able to maintain and enhance a competitive playing squad through such a challenging time. It has been a tough year for all of us, and we know that times are still hard. I hope the start of the season and the anticipation of being able to watch us live via the RFL’s Our League app is as encouraging for you as it is me, and I cannot wait for the return of fans to games - which we hope can happen in a couple of weeks’ time. Thank you to everyone who has already purchased a season ticket, a five-match package or taken part in the Come On You Dons fundraiser. You have all played a big part in helping us survive the greatest economic challenge of our lifetimes and head into this season as strong as we can.

The lads have been back in training for a few weeks now and I know Richard Horne has been impressed with the application shown by each and every one of them. Everyone is in good spirits and we will go to Keighley on Sunday confident of getting the season off to a good start and set us up for the two games back here at the Keepmoat Stadium.

I would like to welcome Chris Plume to the Dons as our new assistant. He has worked across all levels of the game, and will really help us push on as a club - from the first-team to bringing through our own young talented players. He replaces Pete Green who is taking a step back due to work commitments but nothing will ever stop Pete being one the most passionate fighters for us there is - as the entire Green family are.

This will be a special year for rugby league in our town, with three World Cup games to come later in the year. Everyone connected with the Dons will do our best to make 2021 a memorable year and I hope you will all join us in making it a great season. 

You may have seen I will be team manager for the All Stars side taking on England next month - another key landmark on the way to the tournament. It will be a great chance for rugby league fans to see some of the players who could grace the tournament and also a meaningful match for all involved. We want to go out there and give England a real test - it’ll be a great challenge and occasion for us.

We know we won’t be able to have you backing us in person on Sunday, or the following week, but we will give our all for you and are counting down the days until we can welcome you back in person. I can’t wait.

You can purchase a COYD Complete Package for the upcoming season for only £100 (which includes a season ticket, five match pass, your own bit of the Keepmoat Stadium pitch and a brick on the wall of colour), but hurry as there are only a very limited amount of packages available. Once sold out a standard season ticket will cost £100.

Don’t worry if you feel you cannot commit to the full season you can purchase a five-match package for only £50. To purchase your season ticket or five match package, please call the Box Office on 01302 762576 or click here.