Hunslet to face North Wales Crusaders in first game for more than a year

Hunslet’s coach Gary Thornton has arranged the behind-closed-doors match as a warm-upfor the Betfred League ne opener at home to Workington Town on Sunday, May 9.

“This match is hugely important in our preparations for our opening fixtures of the season,” he said.

“A lot of work has been done behind the scenes to get the match on and we can’t wait to get into a competitive game.

“Just to be out there playing again will be a huge boost for the players and the coaching team. Rugby league is such a big part of our lives and not being able to do what we enjoy so much has had a massive impact on all of us.

“We are all really excited and chomping at the bit to get into the competitive and combative excitement of rugby league games.”

Of the choice of opponents, Thornton said: “We’re not living in an ideal world I’m afraid so we have to accommodate accordingly.

“Because Super League and Championship clubs are already playing and there’s no reserves football, we have no option but to play teams in our own league.”

He added: “The boys are really embracing the challenge to gain promotion, and we know there will be big challenges ahead, with clubs in our league spending some big money to gain that prize.

“We will be giving it everything we’ve got to achieve our dreams.”

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