Ex-Leeds Rhinos youngster hopeful of Hunslet comeback
Hunslet's former Leeds Rhinos academy winger Ben Markland hopes to play again this year, despite suffering a dislocated knee.
Markland was hurt during the Parksiders’ win over North Wales Crusaders in Betfred League One on March 8.
Initial indications were he would miss the rest of the campaign, but Markland is recovering well and - with the season likely to be extended due to the coronavirus shutdown - he is not giving up hope of being back on the field in 2020.
“I’m feeling much better now and I’m able to get about,” Markland confirmed.
“I’ll need an operation, but that’s understandably been put on hold because of the coronavirus so everything’s up in the air a bit right now.
“But with a bit of luck I’ll hopefully be able to return before the season’s over.
“My injury has made me hungrier - if anything - and I’ll come back stronger.”
Having stepped up from under-19 level, Markland insisted: “I had been enjoying my first real taste of adult rugby league and I can’t wait to get back into action.
“I’m keen to reward Hunslet, too.
“The club has been good to me and I want to repay head coach Gary Thornton and all the lads for their support.”
Harry Kidd was another casualty from the North Wales game, suffering a dislocated shoulder.
Thornton said: “He will definitely be back to full health when we start playing again.
“That will be a big boost for us.”
With all matches postponed until further notice, Hunslet’s players have been training on their own.
Thornton confirmed: “We’ve set the players programmes, which hasn’t been straightforward as gyms are closed and not everyone has equipment in their homes.
“We’re reliant on them adhering to those programmes and generally keeping fit as it’s vital we are in good shape when the season resumes.
“Ideally there will be space allocated by the RFL to play a game or two in what would in effect be a second pre-season, but everything is obviously very much up in the air.
“All we can do is wait for the go-ahead.”