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Dons debut for new boy
THE Dons will have new signing Tommy Griffiths making his debut in tonight's Co-operative Championship clash against Widnes at the Stobart Stadium (6pm).
Griffiths - who joined the club from Huddersfield Giants Under-21s in midweek - takes over from Shaun Leaf, who faces several weeks on the sidelines after being concussed last weekend.
Teenager Scott Jones, who had hoped to retain the No 1 shirt after coming off the bench after just six minutes, could start in the centre.
Dons boss Tony Miller's forward options are boosted by the availability of young back-rowers Mark McKinley and Steve Hall.
The Vikings were made to work hard for their 24-18 win over the Dons on Easter Monday at the Keepmoat Stadium, but coach Paul Cullen will be expecting his side to win by a far bigger margin in the return.
"They play Barrow in the Northern Rail Cup Final next Sunday and I'm sure that they'll be looking to put on a good show tonight," said Miller.
"Alternatively, they might decide to rest a few players having looked at our recent results - though I think that is unlikely in view of the fact that they didn't have a game last weekend.
"But, whatever side they turn out, it is going to be a difficult game - as they all will be between now and the end of the season. They are a full-time team and they've got good players throughout the side.
"They perhaps didn't start the season off as well as had been expected, but Paul was given the money to bring in players such as winger Kevin Penny from Warrington.
"They've started to look good in recent weeks. They put 46 points past Featherstone in their last home game and then beat favourites Halifax at The Shay in the semi-finals of the Northern Rail Cup.
"It is going to be tough, but no-one is letting their heads go down despite conceding 70 points or more in our last two games.
"The spirit in the camp has been good for most of the season, despite all that has been going on, and that is credit to the players.
"We've been starting well for 20 minutes or so and then losing our way. We did well for nearly half an hour last week so let's see if we can play well up to half-time tonight and then see where we are.
"One of the big problems we have been facing in recent weeks is that we are having to play too many young players and we've not been able to compete physically for the full 80 minutes.
"The Championship is a tough league and and there aren't any poor sides."
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Weather for Sheffield
Friday 25 May 2012
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