Hunslet head Coach Dean Muir goes into his sides third meeting with Keighley Cougars this season on Sunday (May 5th) without any serious injuries or doubts.
Off the back of a good victory over North Wales Crusaders it’s a case of same again, with a few improvements to be made.
“We left a few points out on the field.” said Muir “But in general we played well against North Wales. In our match preview we spoke about how direct, patient and even boring North Wales can be, but in the end we defended well. We’ve changed the way we defend this season, and these changes take time to adapt to.”
Especially pleasing was the tackle on Patrick Ah Van by winger Mackenzie Scurr.
“This was something Assistant Coach Ryan Jackson highlighted in prep last week. We knew what Ah Van could do and Mackenzie dealt with the threat well. Ryan’s video prep and defensive shape work is essential to us in these instances.” said Muir.
Looking forward to the Cougars Muir stated “We’ve played them twice now and know them well. They are a very good side, but we’ve been the better team for 20 minutes in both of our previous meetings. We need to turn up for the full 80 minutes.”
“No one expects us to win this fixture, and everyone expects Keighley to be promoted. But we can’t show any respect to Keighley, respect must be earned, and if we work hard, fight for every ball, be confident and put a performance in we can hold our heads up.”
The atmosphere at Cougar Park is always good, a tight pitch with fans on all sides, but Hunslet normally take a good vocal following there and it’s hoped the faithful will make the journey this Sunday.
After this Sunday’s game Hunslet have an enforced 2-week break before their next game against Cornwall on May 26th.
“It’s good for the players to get a break as they sacrifice a lot, but we are now in a rhythm week in week out, so the break can affect the bounce from game to game.” said Muir.
“Ultimately though it’s about getting in the play-offs, finding our best 17 and hitting form at the right end of the season, this is a good group of players who are honest and demanding, and if we work hard, we’ll be there or there abouts.”
Centre Will Adams is back in training after his shoulder injury, and Myles Lawford, Jack Law, Isaac Shaw and Ethan Wood are available on Dual Registration from Wakefield.
Talking about Lawford Muir stated “Myles is a special talent, he loves the competitiveness and is strong in defence, also when in space he can be dangerous as seen in the build up to Mackenzie Scurr’s match-winning try.”
