Everything is going to plan says Hunslet boss Gary Thornton

Poor home form and regularly losing games from a winning position cost coach Gary Thornton’s side any chance of promotion from Betfred League One in 2019.

But they are unbeaten in three competitive games so far this year and haven’t conceded a second-half try in any of them.

That included a win at North Wales Crusaders in the Coral Challenge Cup and Hunslet – who also won all their pre-season matches – face the same team at home in the league on Sunday (3pm).

“We fell away in the second half of games last year so I’m delighted we’ve kept the opposition tryless after half-time,” Thornton said.

“We’ve only conceded two points, which was a penalty at North Wales, so that’s fantastic and I’m really pleased we’ve been able to put that right.

“We know we will come across better opposition, but it’s good we’ve been able to sort that out and now we need to make sure our home form is on point.

“This is our first real test.”

Hunslet began their league campaign with a 50-10 win at West Wales Raiders last week.

Thornton said: “I am happy with how we are going, there’s no cause for concern at the minute.

“Everything is going according to plan. We are nowhere near full capability yet, but I don’t think anybody is at this stage of the season.”

Thornton’s side visit Featherstone Rovers in the Challenge Cup fifth round next week, but he is confident they won’t be distracted.

“Our aim is to try and get promotion and it will be good to see where we are against a top-four Championship side,” he said.

“We’ll have to be on our mettle, but we are taking it game by game and we’re focusing on North Wales first.”

Meanwhile, Rovers will aim to continue their 100 per cent winning record in the Championship when they play host to Swinton Lions on Sunday (3pm).

Dewsbury Rams, buoyed by last week’s superb home win over Widnes Vikings, travel to Oldham while Batley Bulldogs are at leaders Toulouse Olympique tomorrow (5pm UK time).