Dave Craven: Doncaster and Eagles have chance to fly flag for South Yorkshire

It was the French who got the chance to showcase their Super League credentials last week when Toulouse – hoping to be involved in the newly-formed competition in 2015 – staged Catalan’s game with Hull KR.

It was the first time they had collaborated in such a way and, by all accounts, everyone was soon rejoicing ‘c’est formidable’.

That included money-laden union hosts Stade Toulosain who opened up their Stade Ernest Wallon ground to almost 15,000 fans, the sort of attendance most Super League clubs would certainly be envious of.

Given their expansionist ideals, it seems clear already that the RFL will involve Toulouse somewhere in a couple of years and, in fairness, that may not be a bad thing.

But what about that other ‘outpost’ of rugby league so much closer to home?

South Yorkshire has a glorious chance to remind everyone of their own pedigree in the coming weeks and starting tonight.

Sheffield Eagles have long made it known their intention to return to Super League and, given their calibre on and off the pitch, have a pressing case for inclusion whether it be via the licence process or promotion.

The Championship Grand Final winners and leaders have another opportunity to cover themselves in glory tonight when facing neighbours Doncaster for a place in the Northern Rail Cup final.

But, of course, for all its worthiness, that televised fixture is merely a prelude for a gargantuan game next month which could – should – catapult them into the wider public consciousness once more.

Mark Aston’s Eagles rightly fancy themselves to cause an upset by defeating Super League side London Broncos in their Challenge Cup quarter-final at Don Valley Stadium on July 12.

Reaching the last four would give them further deserved profile while doing wonders for the sport in the south of the county.

It is a pity tonight’s game has been overshadowed by the contentious issue of the venue.

Doncaster are unable to play at the pristine Keepmoat Stadium as head leaseholders Doncaster Rovers are re-seeding the pitch while Doncaster Knights rugby union club’s Castle Park is undergoing similar treatment.

It means the NRC semi-final will be played at Doncaster Athletics Stadium which is adjacent to the Keepmoat and has a capacity of just 2,500 while Aston believes areas of its pitch are “potential leg-breakers”. Facilities are so basic that people, if they desired, could actually watch the action from a public road that goes alongside the perimeter of the running track, leading to Aston’s comments it is like a “park field”.

It does little to enhance the prospects of promoting the sport in South Yorkshire but Sheffield, of course, have had their own hosting problems in the past and are on the move themselves to Bramall Lane next season.

As sizeable as these next few weeks are for Sheffield, though, they are equally consequential for Doncaster. Reaching a first Northern Rail Cup final less than 12 months after winning promotion to the Championship would be a fine achievement.

It would serve as a real fillip in attracting more quality players of the ilk of Paul Cooke and also new supporters to enhance their long-term league prospects.

They are aware of the importance of their Championship form as their current position of 10th would see them just scrape into the proposed two 12-team divisions of Super League in 2015.

It is imperative, then, they succeed next season to jostle themselves into position.

Let’s not forget, in 1995, just a year before the advent of Super League, Doncaster were in the sport’s elite division.

Is it too romantic to think that South Yorkshire, and not just France, will have an enhanced presence in the next version of the domestic competition? I hope not.