Hunslet ready for promotion push

Gateshead’s loan signing Michael Scott is unavailable to play against his parent club, but Thunder are otherwise at full strength.

Josh Stoker and Matt Garside return following their involvement in the Student Four Nations.

Thunder coach Chris Hood said: “We played Hunslet in the first game of the season and performed relatively well.

“We’ve had some peaks and troughs since then, but we know it’s about starting on the button, finishing on the final hooter and keeping high energy levels throughout.

“The important thing is to keep continuity throughout the performance.”

Rob Kelly is the Hawks’ only absentee as coach Paul March sets his sights on four dominant performances that would secure automatic promotion for Hunslet.

March said: “The Northern Rail 9s gave us a break away from the league, and we’ve recharged our batteries.

“We had a few little niggles, and they’re OK now. We’re going into these last four games at virtually full strength.

“We’ve got to respect everybody and play like it’s a cup final every week. If we do that and win all four then we know we’re champions.

“We’ve got Gateshead this week, then another week off, but we’ve got lots of experience in our squad and hopefully that can help us through these last few fixtures.”