Hunslet RLFC: Thunder test is first up for Coyle's men

Hunslet have played three warm-up games, against Featherstone Rovers, Leeds Rhinos and Hunslet Club Parkside, but tomorrow will be the first time they have faced opposition from their own level.

It is James Coyle’s first competitive game as Hunslet coach and he admitted preparations have stepped up.

“We’ve gone into a bit more detail and more specifics about the way we want to play,” Coyle said. “It will be a bit of a different mindset.”

The one-point loss to amateur neighbours Parkside three weeks ago was a shock to Hunslet’s system, but Coyle said it highlighted areas they need to be better at against Newcastle.

“Certainly things showed up which we have to improve,” Coyle said.

“That is going to happen every week, there’s going to be things we have to improve at and different areas that require improvement.

“It is a work in progress, every week something will be flagged up that we need to work a bit more on.”

Playing a team from their own division will give Hunslet an indication of where they are with two weeks to go until their opening League One fixture.

“We can’t really take a measure off any of the games we’ve played so far,” Coyle said. “This game will show us what we can expect and where our performances are currently sitting.

“Newcastle have signed quite a few players and there’s a bit of a buzz around that club at the moment. They have made a bit of an impression in the transfer market and with the way they’ve played in their friendlies so it is going to be a good test.”