Hunslet RLFC won’t be rushed into replacing veteran centre Matty Dawson-Jones following his shock retirement just two games into the season.

The 35-year-old former St Helens and Hull FC centre hung up his boots two weeks ago after being sent-off in Hunslet’s Betfred Challenge Cup second round win at community club Stanningley. Hunslet were without a game last weekend and haven’t added to their squad ahead of tomorrow’s (Friday) third round tie at home to Huddersfield Giants.

“A few players have been thrown at us, but we are being choosy,” coach Kyle Trout said of plans to fill the vacancy created by Dawson-Jones’ departure. “We have a small squad, but the bigger picture is we don’t want players just short term; we need players for a decent spell of time, so it is a waiting game. We are a bit light in centre and back-row for experience, but we have players in the squad who can play there and step up if needed.”

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Harvey Hallas on the charge for Hunslet RLFC in their Challenge Cup third round win at Stanningley. Picture by John Victor.

placeholder image — Harvey Hallas on the charge for Hunslet RLFC in their Challenge Cup third round win at Stanningley. Picture by John Victor.

Friday’s tie is Hunslet’s second Cup meeting with Giants in as many seasons and Trout is confident they can improve on last year’s 34-6 defeat. He said: “Obviously Huddersfield are a Super League team and are a fit and detailed outfit, but we look sharp and have shown glimpses in our first two games of the threat we pose.

“[We want to] be competitive and give 100 per cent and it will be a good test. Friday night atmospheres are always good and it gives us a bit more time to prepare for next week’s game at Salford.”

Dan Abram remains on Hunslet’s casualty list, but could be back in action next week. Kevin Larroyer is facing a long layoff after being hurt in the Challenge Cup tie at Stanningley.

Hunslet RLFC: from Jowitt, Nichol, Harrop, Agoro, Gaskell, Hallas, Aldridge, Foster, Gilmore, D Simpson, Battye, Berry, Whittel, E Simpson, Watson, Carr, Turner, Ward, Hagan, Morgan, O’Hanlon.

Huddersfield Giants: from Swift, Gagai, Milne, Halsall, Lolohea, Powell, Woolford, Burgess, O’Donnell, Hewitt, Rushton, Rogers, English, King, Greenwood, Rush, Sutcliffe, Cozza, Flanagan, Patolo, Russell.

Referee: Denton Arnold (St Helens). Kick-off: Friday, 7pm.