Hunslet near full-strength for Challenge Cup clash

Hunslet celebrate winning the Harry Jepson OBE Memorial Trophy. Picture by Craig Hawkhead. | freelance

Half-back Simon Brown and hooker Nathan Conroy are Hunslet’s only injury concerns ahead of their Coral Challenge Cup third round tie at home to Coventry Bears on Sunday.

Brown is battling a hamstring problem and Conroy - a former Coventry player - missed last week’s Harry Jepson Memorial Trophy win over Leeds Rhinos due to a wrist injury, but could come into contention. The tie is Hunslet's first competitive game of the season and Coach Gary Thornton said: “We could, subject to how Brown and Conroy show in training, be at full-strength.

“We’ve plenty of competition for places after putting in good performances to win all three of our friendlies, against Bradford Bulls, Batley Bulldogs and Leeds Rhinos.”

The all-Betfred League One tie gives Hunslet a good opportunity to move into round four. Thornton added: “We’re very aware it won’t be easy, but we’re aiming to progress and hopefully have a run in the Challenge Cup.

“Coventry are a bit of an unknown quantity after having lost their head coach Thomas Tsang and a number of players during the close season.

“They‘re recruiting locally, from amateur and university sides in the midlands and I think that’s the right way to go about it, rather than bringing in players from the north.

“I have to compliment them on that approach.

“We’ll focus mainly on ourselves, we’re looking for continued improvement.”