Cooke set for Dons bow

Paul Cooke will make his Doncaster debut in the re-arranged Northern Rail Cup tie against Gateshead tonight, ahead of his home debut on Sunday.

Cooke, 30, is a big-name close season signing for the Dons, and he will run out in front of the home fans at the Keepmoat Stadium against York at the weekend, where he will line up against former team mate Paul King.

Cooke said: “I’m really looking forward to Sunday’s game and I’ll be playing against a few familiar faces which should be good.

“The Keepmoat is a great stadium and our fans are both loud and passionate about their rugby which should create a good atmosphere as I’m sure York will bring a few (fans) with them.

“We’re expecting a tough game against the Knights; they’ve assembled a strong squad this season and will be a well-drilled outfit.”

Doncaster travel to the north east tonight (Wednesday) to play Gateshead in their opening Northern Rail Cup group match, after Sunday’s game fell foul of the freezing weather.

Cooke moved to south Yorkshire thanks to support from fans and local businesses, his first club since he left Wakefield at the end of 2010.