Hunslet have taken Hull KR Middle Zach Fishwick on loan for an initial two-week period ahead of their opening Championship Round 1 fixture at Barrow Raiders.

The Parksiders have lost Matty Fletcher, Brad Clavering and Keelan Foster to short-term injuries, so Fishwick will be a welcome addition to the squad.

19-year-old Fishwick was on-loan to Featherstone and Bradford and was highly thought of.

“We have a few missing in the middles, so Zach will bulk us up.” said Head Coach Dean Muir.

The Parksiders have not won at Barrow since 1997. That’s 16 straight defeats at Craven Park, but Hunslet must start the season strongly and despite Oldham beating Barrow 42-4 last weekend, Head Coach Dean Muir knows it won’t be an easy task.

“Barrow are a well-coached and well-drilled team. We know what threats they pose and on home turf they are dangerous. Last week they came up against a red-hot Oldham team, and were unlucky in some areas. We must deal with what’s in front of us, start the season positively and be professional.”

Muir was pleased at last week’s performance early in the season against Super League Huddersfield, but knows there are areas to improve on.

“There was a lot of good stuff last week. Plenty of effort and desire. But some things we need to improve on. There may be a couple of changes to the 21-man squad and on Match day, but it’s business as usual. We are well prepped, and this group have worked hard to be ready for the season.”

The season won’t be decided on the first weekend, but Hunslet have a real chance to lay down a marker and end 28 years of hurt.

SQUAD