Hunslet Hawks: It's all about winning and claiming a place in top eight says Bramald

Hawks are eighth going into the final round of the regular season, one point clear of Newcastle Thunder – who visit bottom club Hemel Stags tomorrow – and two ahead of Crusaders.

The top-eight after this weekend’s matches will enter a new competition to decide the two clubs promoted to the Championship at the end of the year, with the bottom seven playing off for the League One Shield.

Hawks are fresh after a bye last weekend and coach Matt Bramald stressed they will be putting everything into tomorrow’s do or die game.

“If we win we will finish in the eight, it’s as simple as that,” Bramald said. “It is a massive game and the players know what we expect of them.

“They have trained well and there’s a bit of a different feel around the place. They know it is coming to the nitty and gritty and the important time of the year.”

Winger Kyran Johnson, signed on loan from Featherstone Rovers, is set to make his Hawks debut tomorrow. Bramald said: “I’m looking forward to seeing him play. He is quick - if he gets half an opportunity you won’t see him for dust. He’ll carry the ball wherever you ask him to and there’s not a lot of him, but he is tough.”

Full-back Jimmy Watson (groin) and prop Michael Haley (head) could return from injury for Hawks.