New-look Hunslet all set for Challenge Cup opener against Keighley Cougars
AROUND nine or 10 players are expected to make their first-team debuts for Hunslet in their Challenge Cup second round home clash with Keighley on Sunday (3pm).
Head coach Alan Kilshaw has been busy rebuilding his squad during the close season and has amassed an exciting blend of youth and experience.
He and his assistant Ryan Jackson have been boosted by the return to fitness of full-back/three-quarter Jack Render, who has fully recovered from a fractured ankle sustained in training towards the end of November. Kilshaw expects to announce his squad for the Keighley clash on Friday, with all his players fit for selection.
The Parksiders go into the fixture without having played any pre-season friendlies, although by Sunday leading local amateur outfits East Leeds and Hunslet Club Parkside will both have provided opposition in behind closed doors training fixtures.
Kilshaw said: “By comparison with Keighley, we may be a little undercooked for the tie, given that the Cougars haven’t made too many changes to their squad from last year.
“We’ll be concentrating mainly on our own performance in the build-up, we will expect a more disciplined Keighley with and without the ball and possibly some different structures in defence as Andrew Henderson has been brought in as head of rugby; his stamp on them will be clear.
“It should be a good game and both teams will be keen to progress, especially as the League One season doesn’t start until late March.”