Hunslet’s star fullback Jimmy Watson has agreed the second year of a two-year contract, which will keep him at the South Leeds Stadium until the end of the 2020 campaign. And he is delighted to remain a Parksider.
The 28-year-old, who is sponsored by Norma and Barry Harding, enthused: “I’m heading into my seventh season at Hunslet and I’m enjoying it here as much as ever.
“It felt as though I was coming home when I joined us from Leeds, especially as the fans gave me such a warm welcome. And that feeling’s never gone, nor has my rapport with our supporters.”
He reflected: “I had a slight dip in form for a spell last season and James Woodburn-Hall came in at fullback, performed well and took that spot, which was fair play to him.
“But I persevered and was happy to operate on the wing for a while when asked to by our Head Coach Gary Thornton.”
That willingness to simply get on with setbacks, major or minor, in the common cause is a quality shared by the rest of Hunslet’s squad and could go a long way towards the Parksiders making a strong challenge for promotion from what promises to be a competitive and exciting Betfred League 1 in 2020.
Watson said: “I had to work my way back into the side, but I wanted to prove my worth. Fullback and wing, while similar in many ways, are also very different – there’s more tackling to be done on the wing, for one thing – but you’re more involved at fullback, where you can pop into the line and help create breaks or overlaps.
“It’s all about timing, the fullback is often the player who sends out the important last pass. With plenty of experience under my belt I think I’ve got that in my armoury and I’ll hopefully make a big contribution next season. I aim to be in my best form and earn a further contract beyond 2020, because I want to stay at Hunslet.”
Thornton added: “Jimmy has been an integral part of Hunslet RLFC for so many years now. He has a great relationship with the fans, who see him as ‘one of their own’, and his passion for the club shines through.
“He is a very popular and well respected player amongst his team mates and peers. I’m really pleased Jimmy will be here next season to help us push on and hopefully improve on last season’s outcome. There is no doubt he will be giving everything to the cause on the pitch, as he always does when he pulls on a Hunslet jersey.”
Hunslet have introduced a number of attractive packages to suit all requirements and 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 online by CLICKING HERE, by ringing 0113 271 2730, or by calling at the club’s offices at the South Leeds Stadium.
