Hunslet welcome back two key players for their visit to Salford today (3pm), as new signing Dan Abram and one of last season’s most impressive signings, Mason Corbett come back into the fold.
With Hunslet still in the market for players and a possible signing to come next week, Hunslet also have two players on loan. Leeds back-rower Zach Lloyd comes straight into the squad after a recommendation from Chev Walker to Hunslet Director of Rugby Keith Senior, whilst Bradford Bulls forward Alfie Leake met his Hunslet team-mates on Friday evening.
“Dan being back in the squad gives us the opportunity to shuffle the team around.” says Head Coach Kyle Trout. “He looked good in pre-season, so he’s a big addition to the squad. We want to go for leg speed at Salford and having Mason back also adds to that. He’s looked really sharp in training, whilst Zach comes highly recommended and well regarded with NRL Clubs showing an interest. Although Alfie isn’t in the Squad, I’m looking forward to working with him as, again, he has a good reputation”.
“The lads are really enthusiastic, the opening day defeat against Dewsbury hasn’t gone away. It still hurts, but we have a point to prove and a good opportunity to do it. There should be a good crowd and good noise from the home fans, so we need our fans to be heard and get behind the lads!”
“We want to play expansive, entertaining rugby, but we have to value territory. Knowing when to gamble, it’s about risk/reward. Kicking early when you haven’t had possession is not sensible, but we know what we did wrong, and we have a chance over the next couple of games to get some confidence and get that League win and monkey off our back.”
“I’m confident if we find a balance, be aware of the bigger picture and stick to our game plan, we can rattle teams and score some big points.”.
It would wipe away an unwanted record if Hunslet do win, as since the Clubs reformation in 1973 there is only Salford and Bradford Bulls they have not beaten (Hunslet have drawn with both). In fact, the last win at Salford came with a 12-16 victory on 10th February 1967, over 59 years ago.
Darcy Simpson sadly misses out after an HIA against Huddersfield.
