Hunslet duo sign on for 2021 League One campaign

Stand-off Simon Brown and prop Jordan Andrade have both signed a one-year deal, following on from skipper Duane Straugheir and half-back Dom Brambani.

Brown, 31, returned to Hunslet from Dewsbury Rams for the 2020 season said: “It’s a bit of a shame the season was brought short.

“We had a good season in store, but the coronavirus put a stop to it

“What had become clear to me was that [coach] Gary Thornton had got a great group of players together, on and off the field.

“We all get on very well together, which is almost unheard of.

“GT is retaining most of those players and he’s working on bringing in some new ones, who will gel with the side.”

Brown added: “I’ve been very impressed by the way the club is being run.

“It’s a very professional operation. We’ve a superb chairman in Kenny Sykes; he and his board are on top of everything in a very difficult situation for all sports and have looked after the players.

“I was delighted to re-sign and I’m looking forward to continuing to play alongside Dom Brambani at half-back; we go back a long way from our days at Sheffield and complement each other.”

Brambani signed on for 2021 earlier this week.

Thornton said: “Getting Browny on board and linking up with Dom again was another important factor in keeping some continuity in the squad, and retaining the quality from last year.

“The value Simon adds to the team and the group will go mostly unseen by the majority of spectators, but anyone who has played the game will tell you the importance of a dominant half-back pairing who can run the gameplan and make good decisions on the field.”

He continued: “Simon has a top class kicking game and a great tactical brain and his contributions off the field are as big a factor as his contributions on it.

“He is an influential figure in the changing room and contributes so much to improving the team. He understands the game and how we want to play it, and his partnership with Dom will be a huge factor in next season’s campaign.”

Andrade, 28, is a Jamaica international and feels Hunslet can carry on from where they left off this year.

They were top of Betfred League One when the season was halted and Andrade said: “We’d gone under the radar a bit but we were going well, with a good team and good coaches.

“Gary Thornton is building the squad nicely for next season, retaining most of the players and bringing in some talented new ones and after having proved ourselves earlier this year I see no reason why we shouldn’t be challenging for promotion in 2021. It’s great to be part of it.”

Thornton said: “I’m really pleased Jordan has agreed to stay with us.

“He has quickly become a big favourite with the fans, with his direct, explosive running style and offload game.

“Jordan provides us with great go-forward in the middle of the field, and usually attracts a number of defenders which creates space for others to exploit.

“He’s pretty skilful too for a big man, with a great offload game.

“Jordan has a big year in front of him as he prepares to prove to the Jamaica selectors that he is ready for a place in their World Cup squad.

“I know he is hungry to show them what he can do, which can only benefit Hunslet as we should get an even better version of Jordan next season.

“The challenge is there for him and I know he will grasp it with both hands.”

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