Doncaster coach Paul Cooke says that his side will pay the British Army the same respect as any other opponent when the two clash in their Tetley’s Challenge Cup third round tie at Aldershot Military Stadium on Sunday March 16 (3.00pm).
Cooke appreciates that his Championship side might be favourites to make it to round four, and a potential shot at Super League opposition, though is weary of the challenge that the Army pose.
“We always have the upmost respect for every opponent that we face and that will be no different when we play the Army on Sunday,” said Cooke.
“They will definitely not be pushovers and are definitely to be reckoned with having come through their opening fixtures in good form.
“As a team we know that there are areas of our game that we need to improve. Our attacking structure and execution on both sides needs some polishing so that we are become more economical with the opportunities that we create.
“All the players are fighting for places in the team and training has been as intense as usual heading into the match.
“The players are fantastic though and are working hard to get to the level that we want to be.
In his first managerial role, Cooke is relishing the challenge at the helm of Doncaster.
“I am very fortunate to be in the position I hold at the club and to be honest it is largely thanks to my wonderful family who understand that there are times when I have to do long hours,” said Cooke.
“The transition from being a player has been a lot easier than I first imagined it would be and I always have the time to review our games and start to put forward a plan heading into the next match.”
Standing in the way of potential Super League opposition is the British Army side, the last representatives of the armed forces left in the competition, and Squad Trooper Danny Hunter is relishing the chance to do battle with such impressive opponents. Picture of Army veterans taking on GB in the Rugby League World Cup in November last year wearing State of Mind tee-shirts 
“We know that Doncaster are a great side but we will go into the game high in confidence and without fear,” said Hunter.
“There is a great buzz around the camp after the way that we came through the first two games.
“In the past we have struggled against semi-professional sides and we know that we will have to try and improve technical aspects of our play to give ourselves a chance.
“We know that we have the ability to dig deep when we need to and that alone should give us a great platform to build on.”
State of Mind are unbelievably proud of our links with the Armed Forces and would like to wish the Army all the very best for tomorrow’s game and if you are near Aldershot tomorrow get down to the game to see some of the finest athletes playing the greatest game!
Tickets for the British Army v Doncaster Tetley’s Challenge Cup third round tie at the Aldershot Military Stadium (3.00pm) can be purchased for as little as £8 for adults.