Bester has future in mind as Rotherham face Jersey

Following a near-complete performance and comfortbale win at Nottingham last week, Bester wants his Titans players to make that result count by claiming their first win at Clifton Lane this season.

“You are only as good as your next match and that will be determined on Saturday when we take on Jersey,” he said.

“We will need to do the little things very well and what I’m trying to teach players is to do the basics better than anyone else and be patient and everything else will fall into place.

“We do have a good depth within the squad, there’s a good work ethic there and there’s a great team spirit and all of that puts us in a good place right now.”

Garry Law makes his first start of the season, replacing the injured Lee Blackett. Dan Baines comes in at hooker to allow Ted Stagg a rest.

Latu Makaafi also makes his first start for the club coming in at openside flanker for Carl Kirwan.

Young winger Mike Doneghan is on the bench itching for his first chance.

Bester said: “We are excited by Mike and he’s been unlucky not to feature, but it is a long season in the Championship and everyone will get their opportunity at some stage.

Doncaster Knights’ search for an opening win of the season takes them to London Scottish, their third away game in the opening four matches.

Head coach Brett Davey said: “I think London Scottish have massively improved this season, the number of points they scored against Newcastle highlights how dangerous they can be in attack as Falcons’ defences are normally solid.

“From what we have seen in analysis they like to play open rugby, we’ve noticed a few things that we will hopefully be able to capitalise on, but it will certainly be a tough test.

“As with the all the games so far we have a massive focus on defence, to our credit our defences held firm for the vast majority of the Newcastle match.

“The competition in this league now is crazy; the standard has gone up another notch, but we are travelling to London hungry and to get the win.

“We go into every game with a winning mentality; we never turn up to any venue thinking that we are going to get beat, be that top or bottom of the league so our intention is to take all the points at Scottish.

“We may be winless thus far, but confidence is high going into this weekend.”