Hunslet RLFC: Injuries offset by squad strength

The 28-14 victory was a solid start to Hunslet’s Betfred League One campaign, but two players are set to miss this weekend’s Ladbrokes Challenge Cup derby against Oulton Raiders.

Coach Gary Thornton confirmed: “Mufaro Mvududu got a bad crack to his ribs and he was quite sore. He will be out this weekend and Lewis Reed has a hamstring injury.

“Danny Grimshaw missed out because of a groin problem and he won’t be fit this week and Dean Roberts got a bang to his upper arm and he’s a doubt as well.”

But Thornton said Hunslet’s big squad can cope.

And the Hunslet coach added: “Nyle Flynn has recovered from a broken toe and Michael Haley and Jordan Gill are on their way back.

“So at this stage of the season we are fine.”

The coach was happy with Hunslet’s defence against Hemel, but felt their attack was below-par.

“We scored two early tries and went 10-0 up then we went away from the game plan,” Thornton said.

“We defended pretty solidly, they didn’t break us many times apart from our errors.

“There’s a few things we’ll have to look at; it was a scruffy win, but a win.”