Hunslet RL - Three-quarter Matty Chrimes pens new deal with Parksiders

The Parksiders were top of the table when the 2020 campaign was aborted through Covid-19, and Thornton is determined that the team should continue where it left off.

He said: “Matt joined us from Doncaster and, in the short time he was with us through pre-season and the early part of 2020 season, he made enough of an impression for us to ask him to stay for next year.

“Although Matt has proved his ability and value on the wing, he also has some really good utility value in our outside backs, as he has experience at fullback and centre and is equally at home in either position.

“I’m delighted he has agreed to stay, and I hope he can continue to develop and thrive at Hunslet, and showcase his pace, strength and try scoring abilities.”

The 22-year-old’s input will be even more valuable to Hunslet following the decision of Lancashire-based Ben Heaton to join Oldham.

Chrimes admitted: “I really enjoy it here and that was a factor in me settling in Leeds and getting a job as a para-legal in the city centre after having been a student at Leeds Beckett.

“I’m still living in Beeston, not far from the South Leeds Stadium, and I’m keen to kick on from last season.

“I wasn’t sure that I’d done enough, with injury disrupting what was a curtailed season anyway, but I’m grateful to Gary Thornton for showing faith in me - and I aim to repay that faith.”