Kyle Trout takes control of The Parksiders for his first match as Head Coach this week as Hunslet travel to big-spending Oldham (July 27th).

After a spirited performance at Bradford Bulls the let down of a big defeat at the hands of Featherstone Rovers was felt around the South Leeds Stadium. But a blank weekend meant Hunslet could re-group and go again. But the fixtures don’t get any easier.

“Training has been good this week.” said Trout. “We’ve given the lads some stuff to put into play, but they need to step up and be responsible and accountable for their performances. It’s not been massively different since I took over, but the feedback has been good and we’ve enjoyed it. The last time out was frustrating. We need to communicate and bond together when the going gets tough.”

Although Oldham came up last season with Hunslet, they are having an excellent season. Sitting in 4th position, they have played 17, Won 10, Lost 5 and Drawn 2, including a 4-54 win at the South Leeds Stadium on June 1st.

“We know how strong Oldham are having played them recently. They are a big team with great players and have added more quality recently, but they are not perfect. We’ve identified weaknesses, but it’s about us. We put our best foot forward, get our standards in place and if we play as a unit, we can cause them harm.”

Sadly, the feisty nature of the Bradford match means Hunslet will be without Sam Webb-Campbell, Keelan Foster and Coby Nichol due to bans and also Brad Clavering to injury, but this means there’s an opportunity for someone to step up and cement a place in the first 17.

With the structure of next year’s League still being decided, Hunslet have to keep a focus towards the scheduled play-offs at the end of the season.

“We have 8 games to go, and we work on building towards the play-offs. We can’t help what happens outside of our Club, so we need to see who we trust to lead us, work hard and be competitive ready for the end of the season.”

To some extent Trout’s selection will be dictated by bans and injuries, but it means he can test some players who haven’t had much game time this season.

“Players like Liam Carr and Ethan Wood may come into contention. I’m not massive on-loan players, but Will Kirby has been impressive. He fits in seamlessly and is fit and hungry.”

Aaron Levy is still unfit and is being monitored as to when he will be fit to return

21 man squad