Hunslet Hawks: Bramald buoyed by Hawks' reaction

Hawks have lost their opening two league fixtures, but will feature in tonight’s Ladbrokes Challenge Cup fifth-round draw following big home wins over rivals Barrow Raiders and Doncaster.

The 48-6 thrashing of Doncaster – when Richie Barnett crossed the opposition whitewash for four tries – came just a week after a 40-6 league defeat at Barrow, and Bramald said: “The reaction we got was beyond what we could have expected. The players were fantastic. They weren’t perfect, but it was a great response. Now we have got to transfer our Cup form into the league.”

Hawks play host to Keighley Cougars on Friday and Bramald warned: “They will also be looking to bounce back after a couple of disappointing games. They will be right on their mettle, so it should be a cracking game.”

Hawks have a doubt over prop Lewis Reed, who suffered a shoulder/neck injury.

Bramald said: “I think he’ll be all right. Michael Haley has a problem with the medial ligaments in his knee, which we will keep an eye on.

“Danny Ansell missed the Doncaster game because of an ankle injury, but he could be back in contention this week.”