After last week’s comprehensive victory at Rochdale Hornets, Hunslet Head Coach Kyle Trout and his staff have prepared their squad for this week’s opponents, Sheffield Eagles hoping to emulate the high standards set last week.
“For 95% of the game at Rochdale we played with intensity and competitiveness. Our forwards were in control, our back five made great yardage, and we followed the game plan and made correct decisions. It was great to watch”.
One player who came in for special praise was Lee Gaskell: “Teams pinpoint Lee as a danger, but he was composed, and his kicking was superb.”
Some of Gaskell’s passes opened up the Rochdale defence for on-loan winger Bureta Faraimo, who, with space and time, was impossible to stop.
“Some of the tries came from what we set out to do in training. For example, Eddie Battye anticipating Myles Harrop’s break to score and Billy Jowitt again realising a break was on involving Mason Corbett and Isaac Misky for his try, Charlie Graham and Myles Harrop punched holes in their defence ,whilst we challenged Keelan Foster, Harvey Hallas and Ethan O’Hanlon, and they delivered their best games this season. It was a perfect storm, but we are not getting too carried away, we need to be at that intensity week in week out.”
Sheffield Eagles pose a different threat. They have spent more this season after, by their standards, a poor season last year, and with Super League experience and a good win last time out against Barrow, they will be confident of victory in South Leeds.
“This week for us, it’s about not getting flustered. Throw stuff at Sheffield but don’t force it. We want to back up last week’s performance in front of our own fans on our home turf. It’s about playing with urgency, which is controlled, rather than frantically, which comes from panic, but I am confident we can win the game.”
Keelan Foster will see miss out this week, but Isaac Misky and Bureta Faraimo (last week’s 5 try hero) remain on loan. This, of course, gives an opportunity for other players to be involved, including Mackenzie Turner.
“Mackenzie’s been patient and waited for his chance. He’s a great kid whom I’ve not a bad word to say about. He trains hard and deserves his opportunity. Another player to mention is Alfie Leake, who on debut last week put in a great shift especially in defence.”
Asked about how the coaching staff keep players that are not in the squad happy, Trout says: “It’s about honesty. If someone’s not in the team, give them good feedback about what they can work on in training. Be transparent and don’t sugarcoat. Players will get a chance as you get injuries during the season, but if you don’t want to fight your corner or trust in the team and play for Hunslet, then you’re not for us.”
The match is sponsored by Kirkstall Brewery.
Tickets can be purchased here
