Hunslet add youth and experience into the mix

Goal-kicking Jamaica international Coleman, who has played for Newcastle Thunder, London Skolars, York City Knights and Keighley Cougars, joins the Parksiders on a one-year deal for the 2021 season.

Wray, 22, has agreed a one-year deal after joining the Parksiders from Keighley Cougars for whom he only signed up at the start of the season having previously been with Wakefield Trinity.

Leeds-born Coleman had a spell at Hunslet during Graeme Hallas’ stint as head coach without being able to break into the first team but opted to move to the Skolars – ironically making his debut against the Hawks in March 2009.

That game ended in a 71-0 defeat for London, although Coleman made a big impression behind a beaten pack.

And now Coleman, 32, is delighted to be back and is keen to make a big impression at the South Leeds Stadium.

He said: “I’m good friends with forwards Alex Rowe and Jordan Andrade, who I played with at the Skolars, and it will be great meeting up again with half-back Simon Brown, who was a team-mate when I was a junior at Hunslet Parkside.

“I’ve been impressed by head coach Gary Thornton throughout our talks; he has a very good name in rugby league and I’m relishing the chance to play under him, and to helping Hunslet push for promotion from Betfred League 1.”

Co-signee Wray, admitted: “A big factor in me joining Hunslet is the spirit in the camp. I know Harvey Hallas well from both Wakefield and Keighley, and it will be good to play alongside him again.

“Harvey had nothing but good things to say about the club, and I’ve heard similar reports from elsewhere.”

He added: “I spoke over the phone to Gary Thornton, and I was impressed, not only by his plans for the team but by what he told me about Hunslet’s history. I’m aware that I’m joining one of Rugby League’s great clubs, and that means something.”

Thornton believes the signing of Coleman will give his side plenty of attacking options.

“Jy-Mel is a vastly experienced and proven half-back at League 1 level, and he will be a great addition to our squad,” he said.

“This gives us three quality half-backs and provides plenty of attacking options and flexibility, which suits the way we want to play.”

He added: “Jy-Mel can also cover hooker or loose-forward, which gives us the added benefit of covering a number of key positions.

“I’m looking forward to working with him, and I’m sure he will prove a valuable addition to our group.”

And, of Wray, Thornton added: “Lewis is a young forward who came out of Academy football at Wakefield and whose first season with Keighley at League 1 level was cut short by the Covid pandemic.

“He is joining us highly recommended from within the game, with a fantastic attitude and desire to learn and improve himself, and he will be a valuable addition to the squad.”

Hunslet’s boss added: “Lewis can play front row and back row, so offers some utility value and cover across the pack. I am looking forward to seeing him develop and learn from our senior players, and hopefully thrive within our environment.”