Doncaster coach wants Grand Final glory

James Gordon

Doncaster coach Tony Miller says his side have their eyes on Grand Final glory, despite already claiming promotion and the league leaders’ shield.

The Dons have already scooped the £50,000 prize pot, and entertain Barrow in the Grand Final qualifier on Sunday, having pipped the Raiders to top spot.

Those two, plus Workington and Whitehaven, who also do battle in the play-offs this weekend, will be playing in the Championship next season.

Miller said: “The whole club has worked hard all season and it certainly hasn’t been easy to get to the top this season,” said Miller.

“But it’s a reflection of the great progress the club has made over the past three years and I’m really happy for everyone involved with the club to have clinched the Champions’ prize.

“It’s a very proud moment for me to finish top of the table as well but it’s not possible without the dedication of the players and the support of a great staff and I’m made up for the lads, but we’ve still got a job to do ahead of us.

“We celebrated after the game on Sunday but we’ve refocused this week and we’re putting the hard yards in again in preparation for what I hope will be a run all the way to the title. There’s a trophy and additional prize money to play for and I’d like to see us win both as a great award for the players.”

Doncaster go up against Barrow with the losing side guaranteed to have a second chance of making the play-off final but Miller is hoping his side can avoid putting that pressure on themselves by progressing to the season-ending game at the first chance.

“We’re in a fortunate position as we have the buffer of having two bites at the cherry,” he said. “We know Barrow are a very strong team and it will be a tough game but I’m confident we can progress this week and book our place at Warrington.

“We want the title and we’re determined to get it.”

Tickets for the Co-operative Championship One play-off game between Doncaster and Barrow Raiders at the Keepmoat Stadium on Sunday September 16 (3.00pm) cost from £12 adult, £10 concession and £2 juniors and can be purchased on the gate.

Tickets to the Co-operative Championships Finals Day on Sunday September 30 at The Halliwell Jones Stadium, Warrington cost from just £16 adult, £8 concessions and can be purchased by calling the RFL Ticket office on 0844 856 1113 or by visiting www.rugbyleaguetickets.co.uk