Wakefield Wildcats centre Cowling enjoying the benefits of Doncaster move

The promising 20-year-old, from South Elmsall, moved to the Co-operative Championship 1 club last month on a deal until the end of the season.

He’s featured in all three of Doncaster’s games since moving to the Keepmoat Stadium, helping the Dons to three wins and a place at the top of the table.

And he’s confident his experience in South Yorkshire will see him return to the Rapid Solicitors Stadium a much-improved player.

“The main difference is that I’m playing against men rather than boys in the academy,” he said.

“I’ll benefit from the physical aspect of regular first team rugby league. It’s also faster and you need to be fitter.

“I spoke to Rich (Agar) and Glenn (Morrison) before making the decision to move but they told me to go and get used to the physical side of senior rugby.”

He added: “I’d been playing with the academy at Wakefield for the last few years and I needed a new challenge.”

Tony Miller is the head coach at Doncaster and Cowling says it can only be a positive to learn different methods and approaches to the game.

“Tony has a slightly diffeerent style but then all coaches do,” he said.

“He has different systems to work on but it’s good, it’s a relaxed environment and everyone enjoys the training even though it is hard work. He has a great rugby league knowledge.”

Cowling shares his training between Wakefield and Doncaster, spending most of his time with the Dons preparing for their next match.

The former Minsthorpe Community College pupil penned a one-year extension to his Wakefield deal last September and will discuss his future when he returns to the Wildcats.

In the meantime his focus is on developing his talents with Doncaster and helping them to promotion.

“I’ve slotted in to things really well,” said the former Upton ARLFC player, who now coaches the Quarry Lane club’s under-15s side.

“They’re a great bunch of lads, there are no big egos.

“It’s helped that I’ve come in to a winning team, things are going well for them and they’re going for promotion this season, hopefully I can help them achieve that.”

It’s also helped that fellow Wakefield youngster Russ Spiers is with him at the Dons on a dual registration deal, and Cowling knows Paul Cooke from his time in the Merrie City.

Cowling is set to be involved when Doncaster travel to third-placed Workington Town on Sunday.

See this week’s Express for all the latest sports news from around the area.