20 Questions: Matt Challinor – Doncaster captain

What a season so far from the Knights!
We struggled last year but the B&I Cup, where we beat Munster and Leinster on the way to the final, proved us we could compete against the best around. We brought in a new half-back pairing which has helped us play in the right areas of the field and we kicked on as a result.
Beat Bristol and Bedford on the road too, didn’t you?
Our away form has been really good. We were well worth the win at Bristol. To go down there and win gave us a huge confidence boost.
Does being under the radar help?
We’ve got no external pressure as no one is really expecting us to do so well. The pressure is on the likes of Bristol or Carnegie instead. The only pressure is what we expects from each other as players.
Is the semi-final spot in the bag?
You’d like to think so but we’re not getting carried away. We’re taking it one game at a time and our draw at Ealing last week proved we can’t get our foot off the pedal in this league.
Could you actually be promoted to the Premiership?
I think we can. Speaking to (DoR) Clive Griffiths and the directors I think we have an agreement with Doncaster FC to play there should we win promotion to the Premiership.
Can you do it?
We know we can match anybody if we click on the day but we’re not looking too far ahead. We wanted to challenge for the play-offs this season so we’ll focus on that until the numbers tell us we’re there.
A big turnaround from being relegated in 2013?
The squad has changed a bit but ten of us where at the club when we got relegated.
What’s changed since?
Playing in the Championship in 2013 was the highest league a lot of the players had played in and that was tough. But we came back up last season and were better for the experience.
How was the National League One?
It was a tough league. We had a big target on us being the the only full-time team in the league and we were lucky to come through.
You played in all 30 games that year too, didn’t you?
Up until this season where I picked up an injury I hadn’t missed a league game for the past five seasons. You get the odd week off in the Championship but not in National One. That was hard!
What sort of coach Clive is?
He’s very hands on. He lives and breathe rugby and it rubs on the players. You couldn’t ask for a better coach to be honest.
Tell us something we wouldn’t know about him?
He’s going to be a grandad soon and all the boys are looking forward to calling him grandad.
Most pleasing thing so far?
Our driving lineout has been a real weapon. But we’ve got some good backs and we’re looking forward to seeing them in action in better weather conditions.
Areas to improve?
Our game management. We’re playing too much at times and from the wrong areas on the field. We need to kick more to take the pressure of ourselves.
Always played in Yorkshire?
I came up the system at Leeds and played a few first-team games for them. I then went to Rotherham before moving to Doncaster back in 2010. I’m getting on now, turning 31 today, but hopefully I got a few more years in me.
Favourite cheat meal?
I’m pretty good during the week but I let myself go on the weekend after the game with a few beers and takeaway.
If not rugby, what would you be doing?
I work on Wednesdays for a construction company. I qualified as a project manager when I was at Leeds and that’s something I’ve done ever since when I had some time off.
Three dinner guests?
I’m a big Sheffield Wednesday fan so Chris Waddle would be one. I love boxing too so I’d have Manny Pacquiao and then someone with good stories like Noel Gallagher.
Best and worst banter at Doncaster?
Colin Quigley is both actually. He’s that bad that he makes everyone laughs. The life and soul of the group.
Best and worst dressed?
Latu Makaafi likes to make an effort and does look smart but Colin is the worst. Flip flops and vest is the only thing he wears all year around.