'He has come here to win': Hunslet delighted with Steve Crossley signing from Bradford Bulls

The 32-year-old has joined the Parksiders from Bradford Bulls on a one-year deal.

Crossley, whose previous clubs include Dewsbury Rams, Featherstone Rovers, Castleford Tigers and Toronto Wolfpack, will add precious experience to Hunslet’s young side, Kilshaw reckons.

“Steve is a Championship prop who brings as much off the field as on it,” Kilshaw said.

“He is a leader in every sense of the word and we have had some good long talks about culture and what we want to implement at the club.

“He has some really good ideas and input while, on the grass, we know he will carry tough and win his collisions in both attack and defence.

“Steve has come here to win first and foremost. He will sweat blood for success and we want to be playing Championship football with Steve in a Hunslet shirt.”

Crossley revealed he had considered hanging up his boots at the end of 2022.

He said: “It was a difficult time last season at Bradford and I’d wanted to wait until January to see whether I could carry on in rugby league, plus I’ve been very busy in my cleaning business.

“As soon as I announced I was leaving the Bulls I began receiving approaches from interested clubs, especially in the Championship.

“At the same time, Alan Kilshaw got in touch and my goodness, was he persistent and persuasive.

“He’s a big reason I’ve joined Hunslet, he really did rein me in, including with his plans for next season, while I’m also impressed by the club as a whole.”

The front-rower added: “I have high aspirations and so do Hunslet. I decided I want to be part of that progression and I’m looking forward to playing with a smile on my face again.

“I’m keen to pass my knowledge on to the young lads and I’m really excited about the year ahead.

“I’m massive on driving standards and I’m looking forward to taking a leadership role in that respect, both on and off the field. I’ve turned down opportunities in the Championship and I’m sure I’ve made the right decision.”