Rugby League: Hunslet appoint former Batley Bulldogs and York City Knights coach

Thornton left Hunslet's Kingstone Press League One rivals Doncaster earlier this month and replaces James Coyle who was axed last week.

Thornton guided York City Knights to the third tier league leader’s shield in 2014 when he was named Championship One coach of the year.

He is also a former under-20s boss at Castleford Tigers and spent six seasons as coach of Batley.

Thornton said “I’m delighted to be offered the opportunity to coach Hunslet RLFC. It's a traditional club steeped in rugby league history.

"I’m really looking forward to working with a good group of quality players, staff and directors and consolidating a place in the top-eight league play-offs.

"Hopefully we can then kick on for the final play-off series of the competition.”

Hunslet director of rugby Darren Williams said: “We were delighted by the quality of applicants for the vacancy.

"The club's directors shortlisted a number of candidates to speak to, but Gary was the right fit for us right now given his level of experience and a tough period of fixtures on the horizon.

"Gary will take charge of his first training session on Tuesday and his first game as head coach will be the fixture at Barrow on Saturday."