NRC Preview: London v Hunslet

Gareth Honor could return to the Skolars line-up after suffering from a hamstring problem but London coach James Massara has been hit with a major blow after Austen Aggrey suffered a badly broken hand against Dewsbury.

Massara said: “It was a very, very tough day last week. We can safely say that we’re disappointed with a lot of aspects of the performance.

“We knew it was going to be tough but we made it tougher on ourselves in the first half, although we fixed those things up after the break. We all know it was not the standard we require.”

On Hunslet, Massara added: “I doubt they wanted last week’s game calling off so I’m very aware of the challenge but we’re excited to play someone in our division.”

Joe Howey is back in contention for Hunslet after playing 40 minutes of a reserve fixture on Tuesday night.

However, Hawks coach Paul March still has doubts over Michael Mark (hand) and Richard Knight (knee).

March said: “Everybody’s getting really excited again about getting the season underway and I’m going to take the strongest side possible down to London.

“Hopefully we can do a professional job and be happy when we come away. I went to watch the Skolars at Dewsbury and they’ve vastly improved since last year but hopefully our hunger to actually have a game will drive us through this weekend.

“We’ll be going out all guns blazing and hopefully we can put a statement down to the rest of Championship One.”