TONY Miller has revealed one of the secrets to Dons’ steadfast defensive wall - a touch of wrestling!
Doncaster’s well-drilled squad, who boast the second best defensive record in the Championship, have been getting to grips with each other on the training mats.
And their techniques are clearly paying off.
Miller’s side were outstanding on Sunday when they came within minutes of shutting out fellow promoted side Workington Town in a comprehensive 26-4 win at the Keepmoat.
“We’ve done a lot of work on defence over the winter,” said Miller.
“We’ve ran more weight sessions and the lads have been doing more wrestling to get physically stronger for this league.
“We know that if we can’t compete skilfully with the players at this level, we want to be able to match them physically. If you lose your ruck area, it’s hard to win any game.
“We’ve done quite a bit of work on wrestling and defensive techniques,” he added.
“Paul Cooke’s taken a lot of the sessions. He’s really smart, he’s done quite a bit of it, and he’s been passing on little techniques on how to get up quicker and where to put your body.
“It might just be half a second here or there but that’s the difference between a slow play of the ball and a quick play.
“The lads have all bought into it and so far it’s paying off.”
Miller will check on the fitness of Chris Spurr (shoulder), Lee Waterman (shoulder) and Mike Kelly (whiplash) ahead of Sunday’s difficult trip to Leigh Centurions.
Doncaster travel in good spirits, having secured seven points from a possible nine.
“There’s no pressure on our guys,” said Miller. “Leigh are expected to win.
“We can just go there and show them what we can do.”