Former head coach Tony Miller has backed Doncaster to break the grip of the top five sides on the RFL Championship this season.
A strong finish saw the Dons rival the likes of Sheffield Eagles and Featherstone Rovers on form terms in the second half of last season as they charged to a sixth placed finish.
And Miller – who handed the reins to Paul Cooke at the end of last season – believes the club’s upward curve will continue and see them turn up the heat on the top five.
“The club is in a great position now and I think they will push on again next season,” he said.
“After finishing sixth, the target will be getting into the top five or at least a lot nearer to it.
“We finished ten or 12 points off fifth last season so that needs to be closer.
“I think with the players they’ve signed, and if the dual registration agreement with Hull works out, then they can do that.”
Miller hand-picked former Super League ace Cooke as his successor and believes taking the Doncaster hot seat is the start of big things for the 32-year-old.
He said: “Paul will go on to be a great coach.
“He’s a smart kid and he was a pleasure to work with.
“I recommended him for the job when I decided to step down and Carl Hall took my advice.
“I think he’s been the best signing that I’ve ever made, not just for his contribution on the pitch but off it as well.
“It’s a great place for him to start out as a coach because all the infrastructure is being put in place at the club.
The Dons will step up their pre-season programme in earnest tomorrow when they host Hull FC in their first friendly.