Doncaster Knights: Griffiths hints at new additions

Speaking at his St Helens home, director of rugby Clive Griffiths said he expected to announce two new signings over the next couple of days.

Although the Welshman was keeping his cards close to his chest the pair are thought to be international backs who have been playing for their respective nations.

Samoan No 8 Josh Tyrell and USA international Nick Civetta have also yet to join the Doncaster squad which embarks on its third week of pre-season training at Castle Park today.

Tyrell impressed Griffiths after being signed as a mid-season replacement for Canadian international Aaron Carpenter who was forced to retire after a series of head injuries.

Second-rower Civetta caught the eye when playing on dual-registration from Premiership Newcastle Falcons prompting the club to make the deal permanent when he became available at the end of the season.

“Although as usual some players looked in really good nick when they reported back and others needed a to do a bit more catch up with them, pre-season has gone really well,” he said.

“We’ve introduced some new ideas in pre-season and ramped things up this year.

“The new players have settled in really well. As I always do after the first two weeks of pre-season training I spoke to them all in a one-on-one on Friday and they are all enjoying life at Doncaster which is good to hear.”

Full-back Paul Jarvis, who suffered two hamstring injuries last season, has yet to resume full training but is making good progress in his rehab according to Griffiths.

“Paul is one of those players we miss when he’s not playing as he can create something out of nothing, and the good news is that he’ll be fit for the start of the pre-season games.”