Kingstone Press Championship Round 8 preview: Hunslet Hawks v Whitehaven

Despite losses to Leigh Centurions and Halifax over the Easter period, Hunslet Hawks coach Barry Eaton remains positive.

“It was disappointing results-wise but very, very pleasing performance-wise,” he said.

“We gave Leigh a run for their money on Friday, they knew they had been in a game. On Monday we were struggling, having lost a few players through injury.

“We were 24-20 up with seven minutes to go and just couldn’t hang on. But I’m very, very proud of the boys’ efforts over Easter.

“Whitehaven are similar to us, they’ve been playing some real good stuff from what I’ve seen and just maybe not been stringing the results together they would like.

“They had a great result on Monday, which will give them some confidence. It’s going to be a tight game and a close one.”

James Coyle, the Whitehaven coach was desperately unhappy with his side’s 40-0 defeat to Workington Town on Good Friday.

“It was disappointing the lads just didn’t turn up,” he said. “It’s unacceptable really considering what the game means to the fans and all the staff at the club.

“We had a bit of a stern word on Sunday morning. It’s something we should put behind us but we can’t forget it. If you don’t turn up and give 100 per cent then anybody in this league will make you look stupid.

“Hunslet are really tough prospect, they’re going well. I know a bit about Baz (coach Barry Eaton) and the way he thinks about the game. He’s involved at Leeds so he’s got a lot of good ideas and plays the game the right way, he’s a good coach. They’ve got some quality players in there, so they’re going to be a tough nut to crack.”