Liam Copland is another of Hunslet’s attractive side to agree a one-year deal.
Copland is part of a squad likely to be bidding to gain promotion from Betfred League 1 and Head Coach Gary Thornton is delighted to keep the former Stanningley star on board.
Thornton said: “Liam came in from amateur rugby and made the adaptation to semi-professional rugby quite comfortably.
He struggled to make training in the early part of pre-season due to work commitments, but fair play to him for sorting that out, which allowed him to push for a place in the team.
His attitude towards training and playing is first class and he has a thirst to learn and develop himself further, which are great attributes to have.
Hopefully, with a full preseason under his belt, he will be pushing hard for a regular spot in the team”, concluded Thornton.
The winger, 27, said: “I’m really happy to stay at Hunslet. I’d no plans to look anywhere else. Gary Thornton gave me my chance by bringing me in from Stanningley and it’s just a shame that the season was cut short and I didn’t have the opportunity to really show what I can do.
I feel that I’ve a point to prove, and that’s my aim once we all start playing again”.
A product of the West Leeds Eagles junior set-up, Copland had stints at open age level with Bramley Buffaloes, Wortley Dragons and Stanningley before being spotted by Hunslet in last year’s National Conference League Division One play-off final, in which Stanningley were edged out by Featherstone Lions.
An outstanding goal-kicker – “I really enjoy the role, I never feel any pressure” – he can also operate at fullback or in the centre.
