Club captain Duane Straugheir commits to Hunslet

hunslet RLFC have been boosted by the news that captain Duane Straugheir has put pen to paper on the second year of a two-year deal at the Parksiders.
Duane Straugheir.Duane Straugheir.
Duane Straugheir.

Straugheir turned 30 in September but admits to enjoying a new lease of life in the build up to the new campaign in Betfred League One.

“As I approached 30 I started to worry a bit,” said Straugheir. “I wondered whether my knees might start to go or whatever.

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“But I feel great, I’ve still got the buzz, and the atmosphere in the camp is tremendous.

“I want 2020 to be the best year of my career and there’s no reason why it shouldn’t be as we aim for promotion after missing out last time.

“You put pressure on yourself as a captain and the lads look to you for guidance on the field.

Gary Thornton is an excellent coach but once we’re out there he can’t do much more than pass messages on.

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“My job’s to ensure that we do what he says, and I’m also a shoulder for them. Some lads can maybe find it easier to talk to other players than to coaches, which is only natural, and part of my role is to be there for them.”

He added: “I’ve been here for three years now and this has been the best start to pre-season preparations I’ve experienced here.

“The team spirit is tremendous and we’re confident of making a real impact in the promotion battle. This group of players are ready to go to war for Hunslet.”

Coach Thornton said: “Straff always leads from the front and the players look up to him.

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“We really missed him when injury ruled him out of the last few weeks of last season.

“The importance of players can be highlighted when they’re not there, and that’s exactly what happened last season.

“I had no hesitation at all in offering him the captaincy again.

“He’s a great bloke to have around off the field as well, and he’ll never ask players to do anything he wouldn’t do himself.

“It’s important to have players around who can positively influence the younger lads. I’m really pleased that he’s taken the second year on his contract; it’s a massive boost for us.”