Hunslet Head Coach Kyle Trout is looking for a reaction from his team after last week’s performance at Oldham.
Hunslet have had a succession of fixtures against the top sides and, in general, have shown well, but last week they were well beaten by an in-form Roughyeds outfit.
“We’ve ripped into training this week with energy. It’s been a good reaction after last week; it’s been intense and there’s been smiles on faces. Signs of character come after adversity, and I’ll single out Jimmy Watson, who’s been brilliant as the heart and soul of this team. We were short last week and I think the lack of numbers in training played on our minds. Some lads were coming back from injury, we were naive and not at the races, but in the end it’s a blip. We’ve been playing a decent brand of Rugby, and we now face a run of teams that were in League 1 last season”.
Speaking of numbers, Hunslet have brought in Will Kirby on loan from Hull FC (Kirby featured last season at Hunslet and was well thought of), and former Goole Vikings Middle Joe Phillips, and on trial is Hooker Jaden Barraclough from Hunslet ARLFC.
If selected, popular forward Harvey Hallas reaches his 150th career appearance.
Sadly, Bureta Faraimo and Isaac Misky are not available from Doncaster and there are no loans from Leeds Rhinos. Eli Simpson is missing after an HIA (Head Injury Assessment), but halfback Jack Ward is in contention.
Hunslet, of course, are still looking to add quality to their squad.
“Names are always coming up, and we are always looking for quality. The French season is at and end now and, with Kevin Larroyer here, that may help us attract attention. Unfortunately, a lot of Super League clubs have injuries and end up calling players back, which was the situation with Matty Laidlaw after the Widnes game, but we are in for players and hope to sign some soon”.
It doesn’t help that Mason Corbett and Emmerson Whittel both retired from the sport this week.
“It’s disappointing we’ve lost Mason and Emmerson. It’s nothing we’ve done; they have had changes in their personal lives. We’ve tried our hardest, but there’s not much we can do. We wish them all the best”.
The first visit to Cougar Park since that famous 2024 Play-off victory is mouth-watering, but Trout believes Hunslet are favourites.
“We know Matty Beharrel controls their team, but if we stick to our plan and play at our tempo, we are physically better. Don’t let them grind us. They are as wounded as us with recent losses against Midlands and Newcastle. It’ll be a tough battle, but we have the firepower”.
The game is a 1pm kick-off this Saturday (April 4th). Let’s hope Hunslet can turn April into a winning month from the off.
Squad
