Kingstone Press Championship One Preview: Hunslet Hawks v Gateshead Thunder

Elimination semi-final

Hunslet Hawks coach Barry Eaton is without Danny Grimshaw (bicep) and Luke Stenchion (fractured cheekbone), while James Coyle is rated “extremely doubtful” ahead of Sunday’s showdown with Gateshead Thunder.

Hawks, who finished the regular season in second place, lost 25-24 against Oldham last week.

Eaton said: “It’s knockout football now, and we know Gateshead will be a very tough challenge. We need to be hungry.”

Hunslet, who played on Friday last week, have had two days’ extra preparation.

But Eaton said: “I don’t think that means much at all at this stage.

“What’s key for us this week is that if we’re in the ascendency, we need to make sure we stay focused and keep our concentration.

“We’re struggling for numbers, but when you’ve got so many key players that are potentially going to be out, you’ve got to come together as a group.”

Thunder coach Stanley Gene will be aiming to maintain his side’s momentum following their golden-point extra-time victory over Hemel Stags last week.