The RFL rules section A1: 11 (j) states:

"Unless otherwise determined by the RFL, in each match in the League One play-off series, the highest ranked club shall have home advantage."

Basically, the only way we can be at home in the final is if Hunslet or Workington get to the final.

Should we lose to Newcastle, we'd then play the winner of the Hunslet v Workington game at home. If we were to knock them out, we'd then be the lowest ranked team left in, so couldn't play at home again.

It does seem somewhat harsh that we could win at Newcastle in the first game and then have to play them away again at a later stage but this is the price you pay for not finishing higher up the league.

I hope we do not have to have another home game and the fact that there is a second chance should not lessen the game on Sunday. The price has been paid for close games not going our way and the prospect of all away games, including a final at a venue that is akin to playing at one of the five a side pitch's at the Keepmoat, is the payment.

We along with all the other sides at various times suffer from lack of player continuity.
Now we are in a good position with the players, with only the odd exception, of having our best side free from Hull disruption going into the playoffs.
OK, Beryl is suffering with a knee complaint but is soldiering on and boy is he vital, but that aside we are in a great place.
Only stupidity can beat us now barring injuries.
And it was stupidity that cost us at least three game wins.

The worry for me regarding MB is that we may have to play twice on a surface that RH thought he was not suited too just a few weeks ago.

Well I remember a champagne try by Beryl at Oldham in the 1895 cup.
And when we got stuffed he was not playing.
Plus what does RH know?
Those players would be a top team under any decent coach.
Of course he may have the last laugh and I would hope he does.

Who replaces Brad Foster for the next couple of weeks?

Evan Hodgson is an injury doubt also according to the free press.

Brad has been playing 13 of late. Jordie could start there.

Could easily see another prop coming in, Connor Scott for example

What has happened to Brad England ?

A more important and philosophical question is .. what has happened to England Brad?

He got injured a while back didn't he?
Again!

It would be a timely boost if Brad England returned for the playoffs .

It would indeed.

Would love to see Bra England play but I'm all honestly I can't see it happening

*waits for Standoffish to say something about having no cups, let alone two*

As if I would ...
If I had kept abreast of things I might have.
Alas I was too late...

No Foster or Hodgson .

Replaced by Danny Washbrook & Connor Scott.

Newcastle Thunder Chairman Mick Hogan quoted on this week's RL Backchat 'Doncaster are the most dangerous team we will come up against in the play offs'.

Really looking forward to tomorrow!

COYD!

Dons +8 @ 10/11 with Bet365.

A Dons win is 11/5.

I wonder if Washbrook will now sign for Doncaster

Rumoured to be York.

Sorry yes he is
i meant to say Levy

Dons +10 @ 10/11 with Skybet.

Curiously, although the handicap start is bigger with Skybet, the odds to win the game, 2/1, are shorter.

HT Newcastle 0 Dons 8

FT Newcastle 6 Dons 20

Wonderfully committed display. Very proud