Kingstone Press Championship One Preview: Hunslet Hawks v Oldham

Hunslet coach Barry Eaton will give a late fitness check to James Duckworth (groin) before finalising his team to face Oldham in Friday’s Kingstone Press Championship qualifying play-off clash.

But Eaton is expected to have David March and James Houston available, while Liam Hood has “an outside chance” of featuring.

Eaton said: “These play-offs are going to be very challenging.

“When you look at the form of all five teams involved, they’ll all be fancying it and thinking they’ve got a genuine chance of getting to the Grand Final.

“We know we’ve got to play well, and the intensity levels are going to step up. We’re ready for that.”

But the Hunslet coach has dismissed suggestions that home advantage could be crucial this week.

He said: “When it gets down to the crunch, and you’re in the middle of a play-off game, I’m not sure anyone will be thinking about the venue.

“It’s a play-off game, and ultimately you need to do what you need to do – regardless of which ground you’re playing at.”

Brett Robinson (ankle) is Oldham’s only injury concern, Steve Roper, Lewis Palfrey and George Tyson all expected to be available.

Oldham coach Scott Naylor said: “We’re not used to Friday night football or the short turnaround, but nor are they.”