NRC Preview: Hunslet v Batley

Sunday February 13th – 3pm

Paul March has told his Hunslet Hawks squad to improve its discipline – or face the consequences. The Hawks lost 28-22 at Oldham in their opening Northern Rail Cup fixture.

March said: “We went there with the full intention of coming away with a result, but we let ourselves down.

“We played for the first 15 minutes but ill-discipline cost us. We gave away 12 penalties and they were generally very silly things like not getting back onside. If we cut those out then we’ll improve.”

March has a fully fit squad to choose from, and is expected to make a few changes to his team in order to “give everyone a run out” in the early weeks of the season.

On Batley Bulldogs, March added: “They lost last weekend, so they’ll be desperate to get back on track and keep their Northern Rail Cup campaign alive.”

Bulldogs’ Dane Manning returns to Karl Harrison’s squad after completing a two-match suspension.

Harrison said: “I was bitterly disappointed (last week). Leigh dominated field position and we let ourselves down. We had effort and commitment, but a lack of direction and leadership.

“We’ve got to change our style of play because we’re away at Hunslet which is a small, postage-stamp sized pitch.”