Championship Preview – Hunslet Hawks v Whitehaven

Tommy Haughey faces a late fitness test on a knee injury sustained during last week’s 42-22 win over Doncaster.

Hunslet Hawks are set to be without David March for another week, but Steve Lewis and Luke Haigh could return to action.

Hawks coach Barry Eaton said: “Last week was very pleasing. We highlighted where we thought Doncaster were weak, and even after a poor start the boys stuck the game plan and got some reward for it.

“We’ll be confident on Sunday, but fully aware of how good Whitehaven are. They’ve a formidable pack and two really good halves. Jamie Rooney is an old head and Cain Southernwood was always highly thought of at Bradford.”

Scott McAvoy is Whiteaven’s biggest doubt, with coach Dave Woods waiting on the results of cheekbone x-rays before making a decision on the centre’s involvement this week.

However, Danny Barker could come back into contention and Rodney Pora is set for his debut as Whitehaven look to bounce back from a 45-18 defeat against Featherstone Rovers.

Woods said: “The boys didn’t deserve that score line. There are little things that we need to brush up on, but you can’t knock the enthusiasm and commitment.

“We just can’t afford to start slowly. We’ll be changing our warm-up and see if that helps us. We need to do something to get out of the blocks and start the game well.”