Head Coach Dean Muir prepares his side for this Good Friday’s derby game away to Batley Bulldogs (April 18th 1pm) looking for a full 80-minute performance.
The Parksiders have been impressive in parts of games up to now, but know that you cannot drop off even for a moment in a very competitive Championship.
“We’ve been good in parts this season.” said Muir “But we’ve struggled to put a good 80 minutes together. However, I believe it will come. We need the right blend and balance and to get the ball in our key players’ hands.
“We don’t need to re-invent the wheel, it’s about being more consistent and improving as the season goes on.
“I absolutely hate losing, don’t get me wrong, but we are in a better situation than last year in League 1. It’s an exciting challenge and I’m enjoying it, but we must do everything we can to get better.”
The injury situation at Hunslet and at their dual-reg partners Huddersfield hasn’t helped. There are a couple of changes to this week’s squad due to injury, but it means opportunities for others to step up.
“Injuries are tough, but it means we can expose young players to the Championship and that level of rugby before bigger games towards the end of the season.”
Two of those players, Sam Campbell-Webb and Billy Jowitt, have impressed over the last few weeks. “Sam works really hard and has taken his chance. He puts in the extra work which you see in his performance.
“Whilst Billy, I’m really happy for. He has had a lot of adversity with injury but has stepped up this season. He leads by example, does the tough stuff and sets himself really high standards.” said Muir.
Star centre Noah Booth being re-called by Hull KR is a blow. “Noah is a great player. Yeah, it’s one of them. We move on and again it’s an opportunity for someone to make a name.”
Asked about the visit to Mount Pleasant Muir was well aware it’s not the easiest place to get a victory.
“Batley has never been an easy place to go. They hammered us last season in a pre-season friendly and play tough and grind out results.
“They snuck a win at London last week and play their home ground really well. They are smart and have tough middles.”
Hunslet fans will only be too aware of Jack Render and Joe Burton who have both starred in recent seasons for the Parksiders. Both are on try-scoring form.
“Every week is a different test. Batley will be different to Halifax and Widnes different again. The Championship is wide open. A couple of wins, and you can go on a run. Who would have thought Feathersone would only have one win?
“It’s a step-up for us and a good test. One which we will relish.”
21 man squad
