Kingstone Press Championship Preview: London Broncos v Hunslet Hawks

London Broncos have come through a testing period of three games in seven days with flying colours, including a win over Leigh Centurions.

Coach Andrew Henderson said: “It was about as tough a week as you can have and with our relatively small squad, it was hard to make too many changes over the course of the three games.

“It was testament to the 21 players and the backroom staff, to be able to come through and deliver and get the results. It was a great week for the club and the team and hopefully we can continue to build on these foundations and this momentum and take it forward to the back end of the season.”

Looking ahead to the Hunslet game he said: “At this stage of the season every team has something to play for, which was the whole point of the concept of ‘every minute matters’. It doesn’t matter who you play they’re all going to be tricky fixtures.

“Hunslet really pushed Halifax last week and have added a couple of new players, which has offered them a little bit more in attack. Certainly they’ll be coming down to London feeling they’ve got nothing to lose.

“We’ve got to focus on ourselves, get our house in order and be ready to go and get the result. We need to keep winning games to give ourselves a chance of finishing in the top four. We didn’t have it all our own way when we played them at the South Leeds Stadium so it will be a tough one for us.”

Wing Elliot Kear is back in contention while French half-back William Barthau could also be available for selection.

Hunslet coach Barry Eaton said last week’s performance against Halifax was probably his side’s best 80 minutes of the season.

“It was tough on the boys, they played some great stuff and it looked like we were going to hang on for a win,” he said.

“Halifax showed their class just when they needed to and got the score at the end.

“London have hit their straps now, they’ve got a settled squad and are on a great run. They’re the only team to beat Leigh so they’ll be bouncing at the moment and have probably got their sights firmly set on the top four.

“But we go there with nothing to lose. We’ll be massive underdogs but hopefully have the same spirit that we had last week and play with a bit of freedom.”

Centre Luke Briscoe is out with a knee injury and centre partner Danny Maun is doubtful following a neck/back spasm.