Championship club’s recruitment latest as former Leeds Rhinos and Castleford Tigers man finds new club and three more extend

Doncaster RLFC have bolstered their squad for next season’s Championship, following their eighth placed finish in 2025.

The Yorkshire-based outfit, who are under the tutelage of Hull FC legend Richard Horne, and have been since 2017, were one of the seven second tier clubs to make a formal application for Super League status, but were unsuccessful in their bid.

Now, they have decided to strengthen their side on the field, and have done so by bringing in a former top flight player with experience at Leeds Rhinos and Castleford Tigers, whilst extending the contract of three current players.

Having already brought in ex-Super League prop Muizz Mustapha, the next piece of recruitment news came in the form of a retention, with ex-Warrington Wolves and Hull KR man Luis Johnson renewing his stay for another season.

Initially joining the club in July, the back-rower signed for the Dons after an 11-month injury lay-off, in a bid to find match fitness and game time. After five appearances, the 26-year-old has done enough to warrant a new deal, and will continue on at the club for another year.

Joining him in extending his contract was centre Brad Hey, a former York Knights and Hunslet man with over 180 second tier games to his name.

Having been with the club for three seasons, Hey has scored 68 tries in 74 appearances for the Dons, and will look to keep that try-scoring form up after agree terms for another two years.

Next, the club announced their latest addition, with half-back Cory Aston linking up with Horne’s side.

Aston is a vastly experienced Championship player and has 236 appearances to his name. He has been with the Sheffield Eagles for the past four seasons, but will now move on to pastures new, and will remain at the club until the end of 2027.

Finally, another extension came in the form of another playmaker, Connor Robinson, who, like Hey, has committed to the club until the end of 2027.

An ex-Hull KR man, Robinson is five games away from making a century of appearances at the club, and will likely partner Aston in the halves in the upcoming season.

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