Kyle Trout has prepared his team for this week’s visit of Batley Bulldogs (Sunday Aug 24th 3pm).
The Parksiders were victorious at the Fox’s Biscuits Stadium earlier in the year, but know this will be a tough task, especially after Batley’s strong performance last week against 4th placed Oldham, only losing out 18-22.
“Batley are a really gritty team.” said Trout. “They never go away and play unorthodox Rugby. They’ve been in the Championship a while and have a really experienced Coach in John Kear who is known for getting teams up for big games. We played well at Mount Pleasant but were hanging on a bit at the end. We know what they bring and are confident we can counter their punches, as always, it’s about ourselves and what we can offer.”
Although Hunslet were defeated at Halifax last week they showed some resilience.
“It looks a one-sided game, but it’s not. In the first half we were good in defence, showed resolve and frustrated Halifax. We lacked a bit in attack which cost us later, but Jimmy Watson was class with his one-on-one defence, Billy Jowitt looked dangerous from Full-back and Sam Ackroyd was sharp giving us quick line speed.”
“Against Batley we need to start well again but go one further. Get our combinations in attack, don’t give in and work. Let the Coaching staff dictate the energy. One disappointing thing last week in the second half was a couple of players took the selfish option.”
Hunslet fans will be enthused with the potential of Lee Gaskell and Ethan O’Hanlon being back in the starting 17, but it looks to come too soon for Mackenzie Turner.
On-loan players Jack Rampton and Finley Balback have been impressive, whilst returning from his ban Coby Nichol had one of his best games at Halifax for Hunslet.
The Parksiders are yet to win at the South Leeds Stadium this season, so the Club hope a good home support can get behind the players and take them to that victory.
