Hunslet have prepared for their Betfred Championship clash this weekend at home to Barrow Raiders (March 22nd 3pm), knowing that the last couple of games against Widnes and Sheffield have been there to be won.
Head Coach Kyle Trout said “We’ve been in these games and have hurt teams that are up near the top of the table. Widnes were close to creaking last week. Dan Abram’s try could have taken us 8 points clear, but it went against us, and they scored straight away. It’s frustrating, but we need to be resilient on calls against us. Lee Gaskell spoke to the lads afterwards saying we need to believe we can win, we deserve to be in these games, but there’s no magic wand, it’s up to us as a team to get results.”
Overall, Hunslet have played some entertaining rugby this season and Trout believes this is an identity they are creating.
“A lot of teams now are predictable, but we don’t want to be. Every team we play may have slightly different characteristics, but we concentrate on what we are trying to create, hit our Key Performance Indicators and worry about how we are playing rather than the opposition.”
Having said that, it doesn’t get any easier this week as Barrow sit 3rd in the Championship with 4 wins from 5.
“They are a good team with threats all over, some ex-super league talent like Tee Ritson and Brad Walker. Shane Toal and Ellis Robson, who, of course, is an ex-team mate of mine, but they can crack under pressure. They lost at Sheffield, so if we hit our best form and with the home crowd behind us, we can certainly win.”
Long-term injuries to Kevin Larroyer and Keelan Foster, and another game to go before Ethan O’Hanlon returns from his ban leaves Hunslet light up front. Matty Laidlaw was called back by Hull, so Gadwin Springer comes in on loan from Doncaster, as does Bureta Faraimo and Isaac Misky, who have both featured in previous weeks.
Zak Lloyd and Tom Nicholson-Watton also come on loan again from Leeds Rhinos, whilst Mo Agoro is again in contention after coming back from injury.
“As I’ve already said, I’m not massive on loans, but with only 16 fit bodies we need to bulk up. We could get a squad out, but with people filling in different positions it’s not feasible. Also, there should be competition for places. Tom Nicholson-Watton really added to us at Widnes, and with Mo coming back it’s a tough call as Mackenzie Turner has really grabbed hold of his opportunity. It can be frustrating for some of our lads, but that creates a hunger to be in the team.”
One player that has really impressed this season is Myles Harrop.
“Out wide Myles has been superb at linking with the wingers, he sets up tries and scores a few too. The catch at Widnes was excellent.”
This week’s game is sponsored by Take Heart Leeds, a charity that raises funds for the Yorkshire Heart Centre at Leeds General Infirmary and St James’s Hospital.
21 man squad
