Hunslet bring in Batley winger on loan

Hunslet have signed Michael Hayward from Batley on a month’s loan deal.

The 28-year-old is a proven winger at Championship level having made 11 appearances for the Bulldogs this season scoring six tries.

Director of Rugby Darren Williams said: “We wanted to increase competition in our outside backs following Gavin Duffy’s departure due to work commitments.

“We have also just been informed that Marcus Webb has been selected to tour Australia in July with the Welsh Students so he will also be unavailable.

“We spoke to Michael at the end of the 2016 season but he decided to stay at Batley who gave him the opportunity to turn professional.

“He’s athletic with pace to burn. He trained with us for the first time last evening and will come into consideration for this Sunday’s home game with York City Knights.”

Hunslet head into the weekend on the back of a 28-20 defeat against high-flying Barrow and head coach Gary Thornton is expecting another tough game against the Knights.

“York are doing really well this year under the stewardship of James Ford and I’m sure he’ll have targeted this game as another win for them,” said Thornton.

“They’re really strong opposition and we’re going to have to be at our best to beat them.

“We’re under a bit of added pressure after losing against Barrow, because with five games of the regular season left we have to win at least four to get in the top eight.

“Encounters between Hunslet and York are historically exciting and tense and this will be no different. If we can work on a few things and take that confidence and togetherness that we had last week, we’ll be alright.

“I’m really looking forward to my first home game at Hunslet, hopefully we can put on a good performance for the fans and get that much needed win to consolidate ourselves in that top eight.”