Miller expects good show from Lakers in deep end

The part-timers of Doncaster must succeed where Super League sides have failed this season when they go to St Helens in the Challenge Cup tonight.

Saints are unbeaten this year, but the Doncaster coach, Tony Miller, knows what it is like to go to Knowsley Road in their colours and win. Miller was part of the Doncaster side that went to St Helens and won in 1994, briefly putting themselves on top of the old First Division.

The Lakers are long odds to repeat that shock tonight, but Miller, who took over as coach following the sudden death of St John Ellis in January, says it will not be for want of trying. "These are the type of games where you have to stand up and be counted," he said. "A lot of our players have aspirations to play in Super League and it gives them a real opportunity to put themselves in the shop window."

One who has played plenty of Super League, Graham Holroyd, will be missing, as he is the worst affected by a flu virus that has swept through the Lakers' camp.

The winners of National League One, in which Doncaster play, will have the option this year of a £100,000 "sweetener" if they refuse promotion to Super League or fail to meet the ground criteria.

This season's final is being switched to Warrington's Halliwell Jones Stadium after four years at Widnes.

Saints' Jamie Lyon is the subject of a complaint from Parramatta, the Australian club with which he is registered, that he has been illegally approached by their rivals, Manly, for next season. Lyon's contract at Saints runs out at the end of this season, although they hope that he will stay on.

Paul Deacon, who with Wakefield's David Solomona is being touted as a possible target for an increasingly desperate Wigan, will return to Bradford's side for their tie against Hull on Saturday, after having a metal plate removed from his face.

Warrington have extended contracts with their hooker Jon Clarke for another two years and half-back Chris Bridge, for three.

Brian McClennan, who coached New Zealand to victory in last season's Tri-Nations, has signed on for another three years, up to and including the 2008 World Cup.