2026 Opposition Insight | Doncaster R.L.F.C
15/01/2026
Written by Spencer Arnold
South Yorkshire rivals Doncaster finished 8th in the 2025 Betfred Championship, ending the season with 22 points from 24 games.
Their campaign consisted of 11 wins and 13 losses, but after losing their remaining six games of the season, they fell short of a playoff place at the end of the regular season.
At home, Doncaster were relatively competitive, picking up most of their wins at the Eco-Power Stadium, but they struggled on the road.
With the 2026 season bringing a new combined Championship format, Doncaster will be looking to improve on last year’s mid-table position by achieving a place in the end of season ten-team playoff.
When we play them in 2026?
R9 | Sunday 5th April (H) | Steel City Stadium (3pm)
R25 | Sunday 23rd August (A) | Eco-Power Stadium (3pm)
2026 Recruitment
Doncaster have strengthened their squad for 2026 with a mix of Super League and Betfred Championship experience.
Prop forward Muizz Mustapha joins from Castleford Tigers, bringing over 60 Super League appearances under his belt, whilst hooker Connor Jones joins from Featherstone Rovers after crossing for 86 tries in 152 appearances for the West Yorkshire side, who joins alongside former Featherstone teammates Gadwin Springer and James Glover.
Former Bradford full back Tom Holmes has made Doncaster his new home as well for 2026, joining former Eagles half back Cory Aston, who has made the short move across South Yorkshire to join Doncaster.
Ones to Watch
New additions Muizz Mustapha and Connor Jones will both play keys roles in Doncaster’s season as they look to go one better this year and reach the playoffs, whilst Isaac Misky, who impressed last season, will be challenging for the hooker role alongside Jones, and will be looking to build on his previous form in 2025.
2026 Squad
1 Tom Holmes, 2 Bureta Faraimo, 3 Brad Hey, 4 Reece Lyne, 5 Luke Briscoe, 6 Cory Aston, 7 Connor Robinson, 8 Brad Knowles, 9 Greg Burns, 10 Suaia Matagi, 11 Sam Smeaton, 12 Alex Sutcliffe, 13 Loui McConnell, 14 Jacob Jones, 15 Jordan Baldwinson, 16 Pauli Pauli, 17 Muizz Mustapha, 18 Edene Gebbie, 19 Connor Jones, 20 Isaac Misky, 21 Tyla Hepi, 22 Luis Johnson, 23 James Glover, 24 Watson Boas, 25 Gadwin Springer, 33 Andre Savelio.
