DONCASTER will be boosted threefold by the return of Billy Conway, Tony Atter and Paul Mansson in preparation for their Buddies National Cup quarter-final clash with Rochdale.

And coach St John Ellis, who snapped up Warrington Wolves utility player Dale Cardoza ahead of their impressive win over Hull KR, anticipates it to be a hard-fought game.

"Rochdale are not an easy team to beat, but a think we may have a psychological advantage from when we beat them with 12 men a couple of months ago.

"And Dale Cardoza's signing has added even more options to the side since then, so I would hope that will be enough for us to reach the semi-final,'' said Ellis.

Hornets, who won through to the latter stages of the competition thanks to a better points average over Sheffield Eagles, who finished third in their section, could be without experienced centres Matt Calland and Brendan O'Meara, while classy half back Richard Agar is also in doubt with a knee problem.

But coach Martin Hall expects to have robust forward Damian Ball back from injury, while the bustling Dave Watson stands by in case new signing Iain Higgins fails a late fitness test on an ankle injury.

"We are still picking up niggling little injuries and it's not helping our game. This won't be an easy game by any stretch of the imagination, so we could do with our strongest side on the field" said Rochdale boss Hall.