19th June….
Making his first appearance today in 2016 was forward Jack Coventry, appropriately in our first game against newcomers Coventry Bears. After three seasons Jack moved to pastures new and returned in 2024 to play 12 games in last season’s promotion run, including the Play-off Final at Swinton.
In 1999 David Plange was putting the final touches to his squad for a push to the Grand Final and promotion to Super League. An important signing from Sheffield Eagles was Marcus Vassilakopoulos who made his debut today. An on-field organiser, he and fellow half-back Latham Tawhai gave the team direction in those important last few week leading up to the final and, of course, on the day itself. Marcus played 13 games with one try and one drop goal. He returned to Sheffield but came back to Hunslet for eight games in 2001 when they were struggling following the refused admission to Super League.
The tour games came thick and fast during June over the years and there were two today.
The 1910 team, the day after the first test in Sydney, moved up the coast to Newcastle to play Newcastle and Districts. Fred Smith was directing operations from scrum-half and he steered the team to a 24-8 win.
In 1954 it was similar story where Dickie Williams was at half-back in Brisbane against Queensland. It was a much closer score, GB coming through 34-22.
In 1966, Bill Ramsey was the club’s representative in Wollongong against Southern Districts, the locals overcoming their visitors 17-8.
20th June….
Centre Tom Ashton made his debut today in 2018 having moved over from Oldham and he was with the club for four seasons before moving to Rochdale Hornets after 52 games and 23 tries.
Having come through a tight game yesterday, Dickie Williams and his 1954 team including Geoff Gunney had a much easier time at Maryborough, winning 60-14 against Wide Bay.
21st June….
In 1932 Les White was the Lion’s hooker against Central Queensland at Rockhampton in an easy 63-21 win.
