North Wales Crusaders take on Hunslet in their first home match at Stadiwm ZipWorld on Saturday, May 15.
Here’s all the important information you need ahead of the League 1 clash.
UP FRONT
Crusaders will be looking to build on their 44-24 win over London Skolars on the opening weekend of the campaign.
Despite issues with North Wales’ team coach leading to a delayed kick-off, they coped with a quick start from London and then dominated the remainder of the game, playing some very expansive rugby league at times.
George Roby, on loan from Super League club Huddersfield Giants, impressed on his debut, while Pat Ah Van and Jordy Gibson picked up a hat-trick and brace of tries respectively.
Hunslet, on the other hand, will be hoping to bounce back from their 28-16 defeat at home to Workington Town.
There was nothing in the match at half-time as the sides were level at 12-12, but two quick-fire tries for Workington shortly after the restart ultimately proved to be the difference.
SQUAD NEWS
Crusaders head coach Anthony Murray has named a 21-man squad for the visit of Hunslet.
It’s a very similar squad to the one that travelled to London, with fullback Tommy Johnson suspended and Dave Eccleston set for a spell on the sidelines.
Ben Morris picked up a calf injury at London so Andy Ball comes into the 21.
More about Crusaders’ squad
Hunslet boss Gary Thornton has also picked 21 players to travel to Stadiwm ZipWorld.
Given Hunslet’s injury situation, Thornton has brought in Anthony Bowman, Wayne Reittie and George Senior on loan from Championship outfit Batley Bulldogs.
More about Hunslet’s squad
PRE-MATCH COMMENTS
George Roby loved his first taste of senior rugby league at London last weekend.
“It was good to be out there with the boys and we need to build on that performance now,” Roby said.
“We probably need to cut out some of our errors and penalties, but that’ll come with more game time and we just need to get each week under our belts.
“That was my first game I’ve played against blokes and there’s nothing better than a win to give you a bit of confidence.
“I’ve played academy for a couple of years now, but playing against men is a far bigger test.”
More from George Roby
FAN INFORMATION
Supporters can live stream Crusaders’ clash with Hunslet on the RFL’s OurLeague app, with matchday passes available for £10.
