Rugby League 2016 - League 1: Doncaster and Hunslet aiming to bounce back first time

Doncaster and Hunslet Hawks both suffered relegation from the Championship last term and will seek an immediate return, especially given the vast financial disparities between the competitions.

They join Keighley Cougars and York City Knights who each hoped to gain promotion last season but both found out all too painfully that the task is not as simple as some may think.

Despite finishing second, Keighley came unstuck in the play-off final against Swinton Lions while York could do no better than a disappointing fourth.

Key for Doncaster as they enter this new domain is simply learning how to win again; they lost 22 of 23 Championship games last term so things can surely only get better at the lower level.

Of their new signings, Mason Tonks, a product of the revered Leeds Rhinos Academy, could be interesting. The 21-year-old second-row had a spell with New Zealand Warriors before returning to Leeds and playing with Featherstone Rovers.

For Hunslet, long-serving head coach Barry Eaton was only recently told he wouldn’t be in charge so assistant Matt Bramald, who has instead taken on the role, must quickly step up and adapt.

He will look to livewire hooker George Flanagan, who brings real pace to the Hawks, to quicken things up and help them fight for an immediate return to the Championship.

How will Keighley cope without player-coach Paul March and twin brother David now both have retired from playing?

That will be intriguing at Lawkholme Lane although the Cougars have made some astute signings to aid their loss, not least former Hull KR pair, Aaron Ollett and Sonny Esslemont.

At York, former Hull FC half-back Danny Nicklas needs a successful year. He found himself playing in the amatuer game last season after being released by Doncaster but – still only 24 – is looking to kick-start his career again in a second spell with York and this could be his last chance.

After a disappointing 2015, York must make real improvements if they are to be one of those four clubs from the Broad Acres dragging themselves back into the second tier.