Hunslet v Coventry Bears: James Coyle calls for big Cup display

The Parksiders’ competitive season began with a 34-10 loss to Newcastle Thunder six days ago in the Kingstone Press League One Cup.

Bears are another of Hunslet’s League One rivals and coach James Coyle is demanding a big improvement in what is a vital game and an indicator of how they might fare when the league competition begins next week.

“It’s important for the club - financially and commercially – that we progress to the next round,” Coyle stressed.

“We’ve sat down and had a good look at ourselves. In the past [League One] maybe has not been the best, but it is improving every year.

“When they first started the new teams found the level difficult, but they are getting to grips with it and improving and if you don’t turn up with the right attitude you are going to get beaten.”

Coyle added: “How we are trying to play is determined by our attitude and the way we turn up.

“That’s the biggest thing we need to improve, being ready between the ears when you get to the game and our reaction to errors and what the opposition is throwing at us.”

Of Coventry, Coyle said: “They are a big set and pretty physical and they turn up for each other.

“They have got some players who can do a bit and if we don’t turn up ready to play we will get caught short again.

“Our biggest focus has got to be on ourselves and what we are doing.”