Coach Thornton lays down the law as Hunslet are told to right wrongs

A trip to Betfred Super League giants Warrington Wolves is the prize for the winners, but Hunslet coach Gary Thornton’s main concern is seeing his men improve from their “absolutely dismal” display in the 38-22 league defeat by Keighley Cougars on Good Friday.

“I just want a performance,” said Thornton.

“I thought we did okay at Bradford in the league [a 32-12 loss seven days ago], but we were absolutely dismal on Friday. I want us to go out and play. There were a lot of disappointed fans after Friday’s game and a lot of disappointed people in our changing rooms, none more so than me and the coaching staff.

“We are absolutely gutted and I want the players to come in and have a go and not let themselves down like they did on Friday. They let everybody at the club down and it’s on them now – let’s put a performance together and whatever happens, happens.”

Thornton added: “We got off to a terrific start, we were 12 points up, there was lots of enthusiasm and we did everything we’d spoken about.

“We were expansive and we played some good stuff, but then on the back of a couple of penalties and a try we imploded.

“They scored four barge-over tries from dummy-half and we showed no desire to defend our tryline.

“We are going through a bit of adversity now, we’ve not lost two successive games for a long time and it is a test of character.”

Hunslet have signed former West Bowling hooker Danny Halmshaw, who was player of the year in National Conference Division Three last year. Halmshaw has also spent time with Hemel Stags and playing in Australia, and Thornton said: “He informed us he was available and we were short of a No9 so we’ve brought him in and he will make his debut.”

Jordan Gill will also make his debut and Jack Walton and Jack Coventry are set to feature.

Liam Mackay (elbow) and shoulder-injury victims, David Foggin-Johnston and Duane Straugheir, are ruled out.