Hawks boosted by Faal's recovery as Rams eye Challenge Cup upset

Faal, a Leeds Rhinos academy product, is in his second spell at Hunslet after an off-season move from Batley Bulldogs, but has yet to feature due to a shoulder injury.

“It’s looking pretty likely he’ll play,” said Hawks boss Matt Bramald.

“He’s raring to go. He has been chomping at the bit for the last two or three weeks and hopefully that’ll manifest itself in how he plays.”

Doncaster have made a strong start to the season, winning their opening two Kingstone Press League One fixtures. Hawks have lost both theirs, but Bramald insisted: “We are expecting a reaction from our defeat at Barrow last week. We have asked some pretty searching questions and had an uncomfortable week, but if we get back to form we’ll give Doncaster a really good run for their money.”

Meanwhile, Rams are aiming to inflict a first defeat of the year on their Championship rivals Bradford. Rams have lost three of their six league games and coach Glenn Morrison, a former Bulls player, said: “We haven’t been too far away, but we have got to get our half-backs in order.

“We haven’t been able to put the same halves out because of injuries and other things, but we will give it our best shot.”