Hunslet will make an explosive start to the 2020 season with a `friendly’ against BetFred Championship outfit Bradford Bulls.

Gary Thornton’s squad will have their first hit out preparation for the 2020 Betfred League 1 campaign in the exciting home fixture at South Leeds Stadium on Sunday 5 January, 3 pm Kick off.

The fixture is a valuable fund raising opportunity for Supporter Owned Hunslet who are hopeful of a large and supportive gate of home and Bulls supporters .

The match sees the fulfilment of the agreed Transfer fee that saw George Flanagan depart South Leeds Stadium for Odsal in early 2018.

The board of Hunslet RLFC said: “We’re delighted to have this great fixture at home to begin our 2020 season preparation and in doing so finalise the transaction of nearly 2 years ago.

“Our supporters are doing a great job of getting behind the club and taking up memberships to give us the best chance of a strong and sustainable model during this period of change, and for a self-sustainable supporter owned club, fixtures of this nature and the support of larger clubs with large passionate support are incredibly important.”

The Hunslet board expressed thanks to The Bulls for their assistance in scheduling this fixture “It must be said that the intent and understanding shown by Eric Perez, Mark Sawyer, Nigel Wood and John Kear in scheduling this fixture is genuinely appreciated.

“They have shown a sincere effort to honour a long standing agreement and make room for this match in a busy pre-season for their club .

“We look forward to welcoming The Bulls club and supporters and will be providing our fantastic hospitality packages to welcome in the new year with a great afternoon of Rugby.”

The Bradford Bulls board said: “We are pleased to link up with another traditional West Yorkshire club and test ourselves against a good outfit ahead of the 2020 season.

“It will be a great opportunity for the Bradford supporters to have a look at the squad ahead of the new campaign and hope they travel in decent numbers and create a fantastic atmosphere for a West Yorkshire derby.”

Hunslet can also confirm that our Betfred League 1 home fixture against Barrow Raiders has now been  rearranged from Sunday 31st May to Saturday 06th June 3pm due to stadium unavailability.

A range of membership packages are on offer to suit all budgets, ranging from the recently-launched `Spirit of 73’ Geoff Gunney Membership (in homage to the all-time great who helped launch New Hunslet following the sale of Parkside in 1973), which costs from £5 per month, to the £50 per month Frank Watson VIP membership, which secures a season ticket, match-day hospitality and a seat at the directors’ table at an away match.

The Graham King Gold Membership, at £26 per month, secures a season ticket and other benefits, while the Mick Coyle Silver Membership (£21 per month) offers a £50 discount off a season ticket, plus benefits.

Hunslet have also pegged season tickets at 2019 prices at £120 (£70 concessions, under 16s free).

All packages can be purchased on-line by clicking here, by ringing 0113 271 2730, or by calling at the club’s offices at the South Leeds Stadium.