HUnslet Hawks: Bramald to utilise squad at Oxford

HUNSLET HAWKS coach Matt Bramald says he will make changes for tomorrow's game at Oxford in Kingstone Press League One.
Matt Bramald.Matt Bramald.
Matt Bramald.

But he insists that does not mean Hawks are taking the division’s bottom club lightly.

Hawks got off the mark in the league with a 28-24 win at Newcastle Thunder two weeks ago and gave a good account of themselves in losing 50-14 to First Utility Super League side Salford Red Devils in the Ladbrokes Challenge Cup last weekend.

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“We have got a reasonably fit squad and I am going to use the squad this week,” Bramald said.

“We have just come out of a pretty intense period of games in the league and cup, we have got a squad for a reason and I need to make sure players are ready to step in if I need them.

“Some players have got bumps and bruises and I want to keep people fresh for the big games coming up against Doncaster and Toulouse.”

Bramald stressed Hawks will need to be on their game, despite Oxford’s record of four losses from as many matches this year.

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“If we hit our straps and play well we should win,” he predicted.

“But it is similar to when we played Newcastle, if we don’t play well it will be a bit scratchy.

“It is the first time we have played a team from outside the heartlands and we need to win to keep our league season on track.”

Bramald reckons Hawks are making progress. He added: “We took some strides against Newcastle and some great ones in terms of our attitude and application last week.

“We need to keep building on that and get some momentum.

“After this week our next three games are at home so it is a massive chance for us to climb the table.”