Huge test for Titans

And Sunday’s confrontation at Clifton Lane could be a battle of the big units, with Rotherham having spent the week drilling their front eight for what’s likely to be a mountainous challenge.

Yorkshire Carnegie’s strength told in the second half of Sunday’s win against Jersey, although they did get off to a stodgy start and trailed to three first half tries at the turnaround.

They will go on to be a force this season with Brian Redpath having brought in the likes of former Titan Rob O’Donnell and Newcastle’s Andy Saull to bulk up his pack.

From Rotherham’s perspective this Sunday’s game will go a long way towards determining their own capacity to be contenders at the top end.

“It’s a huge game and not just it’s because it’s a derby,” says Jones.

Full preview: see today's Advertiser