Hunslet boosted by 'signing' from Manchester United - and return of old boy following spell at Keighley Cougars

The injury-hit Parksiders have brought in ex-Sheffield Eagles, Batley Bulldogs and Dewsbury Rams three-quarter Alex Brown and he - and forward Zach Braham, who has rejoined the club from Keighley Cougars - are in contention to feature at home to Rochdale Hornets tomorrow (3pm).

Hunslet coach Gary Thornton confirmed: “Alex trained with us during the close-season, but was unable to sign as he works on security at Manchester United and would have been regularly unavailable for playing and training.

“Now the soccer season is over, he’s free and is a key acquisition, especially right now.”

Braham joined Keighley from Hunslet - who have lost three of their opening four fixtures - after the 2020 season was brought to an early halt.

“It’s great to have Zach back,” Thornton added

“He was a proven performer with us and I didn’t want him to move to Keighley.

“He has found the travelling difficult and we’re welcoming him back with open arms, particularly as we’ve had little luck on the injury front this season.”

Hunslet’s latest casualty is prop Harry Kidd, who suffered a broken arm in last week’s defeat at Keighley and Thornton said: “He has probably been our best forward so far this season and his loss is obviously a blow.”

Halfback Jy-Mel Coleman has been recalled from a loan spell at London Skolars.

Hunslet's squad for Sunday is: Jimmy Watson, Wayne Reittie (loan – Batley), Ben Tibbs (loan – Halifax), Tom Ashton, Alex Brown, Simon Brown, Dom Brambani, Alex Rowe, Curtis Davies (loan – Halifax), Zach Braham, Brad Hey, George Senior (loan – Batley), Lewis Wray, Nathan Conroy, Harvey Hallas, Jordan Andrade, Joe McClean, Matty Chrimes, Jy-Mel Coleman, Niall Walker, Dave Gibbons (loan – Warrington).

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