NRC Preview: Halifax v Hunslet

Halifax coach Matt Calland will assess his team after their trip to Widnes for Thursday’s Co-operative Championship clash.

‘Fax will have fewer than 72 hours before they back up against Hunslet but Hawks coach Paul March is still expecting a fierce battle.

March said: “We’re playing against one of the top sides in the Co-operative Championship so we know what to expect.”

He added: “Against Oldham last week we were a million miles away from where we want to be.

“Our performance wasn’t there and that’s no disrespect to Oldham. They came with a plan and frustrated us, but we’ve got to get over that. We’re giving too many penalties away and playing individual stuff rather than team stuff.”

Luke Haigh is Hunslet’s only absentee as he recovers from a broken jaw.

March said: “Everybody else is fighting fit but there will be some changes because people need opportunities to stake their claim for the shirt.

“After this weekend we’ve got to start looking at the league and hopefully have a bit of consistency about our team selection.

“The Oldham performance has added a bit more pressure on our shoulders. I expect us to up the ante from that game and if Halifax don’t let us do that then we might get frustrated again. It’s a learning curve. It’s going to be a tough battle but if we can get the performance we’re looking for, then who knows – we might even get the result as well.”