Hunslet boss Alan Kilshaw expects a response against Crusaders
COACH ALAN Kilshaw expects a response from his young Hunslet side at home to North Wales Crusaders on Sunday.
Hunslet, lacking several key players, were crushed 36-6 at Doncaster last Sunday and Kilshaw admitted: “We feel that we didn’t produce our best and that doesn’t sit well with us.”
Crusaders are second in Betfred League One, but will also be smarting following a 56-12 home drubbing by leaders Keighley Cougars in their previous game.
“We’ve worked hard all week and I can see how focused the players are,” Kilshaw said.
“Crusaders are an experienced side and they will be hurting after last week, but we will be ready.”
Wayne Reittie is back in contention for Hunslet, but Duane Straugheir (broken arm), Jason Mossop (groin) and Liam Carr (ankle) remain on the injury list and Fraser Stroud is suspended.
Batley, who are fourth in the Betfred Championship, play host to Newcastle Thunder on Sunday and third-bottom Dewsbury Rams are at home to the side immediately below them, London Broncos, in a relegation four-pointer (both 3pm).
Rams have signed Bradford Bulls full-back Elliot Hall and forward Jon-Luke Kirby, from Huddersfield Giants, on loan. Hall, 24 - who played for Batley last year and also has experience with Workington, London Skolars and Midlands Hurricanes - is on an initial one-month deal.
Kirby, 23, will be at Rams until the end of the season. He has previously played for Hunslet and Halifax.
Leaders Featherstone Rovers visit second-placed Leigh Centurions on Monday (7.45pm).
Hunslet (v North Wales): from Watson, Reittie, Render, Hartley, Gibbons, Hallas, Whiteley, Jordan-Roberts, Summers, Syme, Berry, O’Hanlon, Stableford, Paga, Sanderson, Moran, Burton, Oakley, Walker, Hird, Doyle.
Referee: Andy Sweet (Castleford).
Kick-off: Sunday, 3pm.