Rugby league: Mayfield preview

Photo: Aidy Gleeson Snr

Mayfield face Hunslet at home on Saturday 2 April

Sam Butterworth and Steve Wood are looking to field a much stronger squad this week as they entertain Hunslet Club Parkside at the Mayfield Sports Centre on Saturday 2 April.

At least three players are pushing for inclusion in the squad, Aussie Jarred Dash, Canadian Kyle Marvin and Mayfield's own Ieaun Higgs. All three missed last weeks capitulation at Wath Brow and the coaches are hoping that these lads plus possibly a couple more could make the difference against the Leeds based Hunslet side.

A difference is certainly needed after the last performance, in all departments. Mayfield will have to be strong in the forwards for sure against an always physical Hunslet pack. They were lacking in that last week and will be looking to dominate in the middle of the park as they have done for most of the season. It's not just about toughing up though, they need to be smarter with the ball when in possession. Too much ball went to ground against the Cumbrians and Butterworth will be hoping his lads respect any ball they get and use it wisely. They also need to cut the senseless penalties in crucial areas which all so often puts a team under pressure and leads to cheap points on the board.

"We will not panic," said coach Sam Butterworth. "We know we are better than we showed last week, that was a blip, a bad day at the office and we have put the lads through their paces this week to try and ensure it does not happen again.

"The inclusion of Dash strengthens us up front and we are hoping he is over his hamstring injury and we get to see the best of him now. Marvin and Higgs also give us that bit of strength and pace in the backs and we will be looking to exploit that. Hunslet are always a good well drilled physical side and are tough to play against. Rugby league is a physical sport and these are the games the players relish and want to play in."

The NWML side are on the road this weekend and hoping to reap the benefit of the senior players returning to the squad in the NCL side. The players that slot back into Andy Reid and Craig White's side will definitely strengthen them and they will be travelling to St Helens full of confidence and expectation. Their opponents Thatto Heath have played three and won two so far this season and will be a force to be reckoned with for sure but with a full strength side Mayfield will match anyone on the day.

Fixtures 2 April 2022

• NCL Premier Division: Mayfieldv Hunslet, kick off 2.30pm
• NWML Division 3:  Thatto Heath v Mayfield, kick off 2.00pm