After last week’s fantastic Play-off Final victory over Keighley Cougars at Cougar Park. Dean Muir and his staff must get the players up again to take on Swinton in the Promotion Play-off game this Sunday at Heywood Road (7.30pm) for a place in the Championship.
The Clubs first major silverware in 10 years can be put to one side whilst The Parksiders concentrate on the task ahead. Knowing full well they have a chance to bring Championship football to the South Leeds Stadium next season.
“We knew about this route at the start of the season.” said Muir “There’s nothing better than Rugby League under floodlights, and with a sizable contingent of fans making the journey it should be a great occasion.”
“I’ve watched a lot of Swinton this year. They are a good side and under Coach Alan Kilshaw are very physical. Swinton are favourites, but if we make sure we are on the money, stick together, match them physically and play to our style we have a good chance.”
“It’s been a great season, but we want to play in the Championship. The pressure is on Swinton, not us.”
Hunslet have saved their best performances for the play-offs and the defence at Cougar Park was outstanding. “The last couple of weeks has been really settled. We got to name the same 17 which doesn’t happen often. We played really well at Keighley, and I was really pleased with the lads’ attitude.” said Muir.
It was hard to pick a Man of the Match on Sunday, but two players that have come into the team of late are really making a difference.
“Liam Carr went well and Lewis Wray was massive off the bench.” said Muir. “Both players have started to feature more as the season has got to the crunch, coming in and strengthening the middle of the park.”
Jack Render’s brilliant try on Sunday came from a superb ball by Matty Fletcher, another player who has quickly become a fans favourite. “Matty is a gifted player, he’s really composed. We will all talk about that ball, but some of his try saving tackles are just as important.”
Dean Muir missed out on the League One Coach of the Year award at last nights ‘Man of Steel’ awards night, but Muir was happy to be nominated. “It was a good night, and I think the right people won the awards. Mark Dunning (the Midlands Hurricanes League One Coach of the Year Winner) has done a great job. Midlands are better than last season and qualified for the Play-offs, so fair enough.”
