Hunslet Coach Dean Muir took training last night preparing for the visit of Keighley Cougars this Good Friday (March 29th).

Both teams are unbeaten after only 2 games, but buoyed after a close fought victory at Rochdale last outing Muir looked forward to another massive game.

“We need to start better than at Rochdale” said Muir “Then at 20-10 up we overplayed and were guilty of low percentage plays which was frustrating. But we showed character to get the win at a place where many other teams may not come away with points.”

As ever with a quick turnaround there are knocks to contend with. “There will be a couple of changes, some forced, some tactical.” said Muir. Loanee Will Adams is out whilst Jack Render and Josh Jordan-Roberts are 50/50 and Prop-Forward Toby Everett is being monitored.

Meanwhile Hunslet have secured the loan of Backrower/Centre Cole Oakley from Swinton.

“Cole is a very good player and a good person. He’s young, enthusiastic and will fit in with the team, I’ve coached Cole before and he’ll be a welcome addition to this squad.” said Muir.

After a good start to the season Muir hoped the fans can see the team want to play for the club, and with two massive home games coming up the lads need the support of the Hunslet faithful.

Mentioning Keighley Muir thought his former side had had a good start but noted that “There’s a lot of noise coming from Cougar Park. Talk about Points difference this early in the season between them and Oldham is a bit disrespectful to the other teams in the league.”

Having only one training session between games means all have to be on their ‘A game’. “Last night’s training session was about careful prep and allowing the backroom staff and players to do their jobs.”

Although Muir noted it was a “scratchy” start to the season “It’s not about how you start, but how you end the season in Rugby League, you need to peak at the right end of the season.”

Whilst the main course on Friday is a tasty fixture, it’s not the only event happening on the night. Hunslet welcome the family of Lucius Banks the first black professional Rugby player in England, who was bought out of the US army to play for the Parksiders in 1912.

There is also the Hunslet Hawks Legends v West Bowling/Normanton select game at 5.15pm in aid of Steve Pryce’s fundraiser for his Alzheimers diagnosis.

“Prycey is a great lad and I’m pleased to see his ex-team mates putting in this effort for him, there’s lots going on in hospitality and with Wigan v St Helens on TV before and Watford v Leeds United after it should be a great day.” said Muir.

The season won’t be won or lost on Friday but having ran Keighley close in the Challenge Cup Hunslet would like to go one better. As important as that is keeping 17 players on the field as games start to come thick and fast.