Head coach Alan Kilshaw has named his captain (prop Steve Crossley) and loose forward Michael Knowles, who both missed out on the Betfred Challenge Cup victory over Heworth last weekend, in his 21-man squad for the home Betfred League One fixture with North Wales Crusaders on Sunday (5 March, 3.00pm).
Crossley was rested against Heworth, while it was felt prudent to also leave Knowles, who had sustained a dead leg the previous week, out as a precautionary measure.
Threequarter Kieron Lawton is also drafted into the squad for the North Wales clash, but Jack Render will be sidelined for one or two weeks with a hand injury sustained in the Cup win; hooker Danny Barcoe, meanwhile, is rested as the Hunslet boss, who will choose between Harvey Whiteley and Nathan Conroy for the second hooker spot, seeks to rotate his pivots.
‘Killer’ said: “We have been practising exceptionally well, and consistently, for an extended period and we need to ensure we transition this into a strong performance against North Wales. There will be some rotation as some blokes deserve an opportunity and we also have a couple of knocks.
“The group is very focused and are well aware of what it will take to perform to the standard we expect on Sunday.”
Hunslet will select from: Jimmy Watson, Adam Ryder, Joe Burton, Kieron Lawton, Jake Sweeting, Nathan Conroy, Harvey Hallas, Sam Hallas, Steve Crossley, Josh Jordan-Roberts, Aaron York, Michael Knowles, Nathan Newbound, Jordan Syme, Lewis Wray, Harvey Whiteley, Liam Carr, Fraser Stroud, Dan McGrath, Jordan Bull, Sean Croston.
