HUNSTLET HAWKS’ league position in the Kingstone Press Championship does not reflect their performances this season, reckons director of rugby Darren Williams.

The South Leeds Stadium side have won three of their ten games and are in tenth place, but have endured tricky trips to high-flying Featherstone, Halifax and Leigh.

With just three points between them and the Knights in sixth, Williams is expecting the “friendly rivalry” – caused by so many players on both sides having enjoyed stints at either club – to continue tomorrow as each goes all out for a precious victory.

“It’s a massive game for both sides,” Williams admitted. “And one each club will have targeted for a win. We played really well against Catalans Dragons last week (in a 50-12 home defeat in the Challenge Cup fourth round) and we finished the game really strongly.

“We scored two really good tries and had one ruled out for a forward pass and another held up.

“The league table doesn’t reflect how we have been playing. The only disappointing result was the high-scoring 44-40 loss at Swinton when we were 28-6 down at half-time.”

Hunslet have benefited from their dual-reg tie-up with Leeds Rhinos, including the likes of Richard Moore and Brad Singleton in their squads, but the influence of the Super League lads has been more profound, said Williams.

“These players are starting to become established in Super League but Andy Yates, a young prop, has been a stand-out performer for us this season and it’s great he is playing alongside lads like them.”

On York, he added: “They have obviously improved immensely and they have a lot of talented young kids along with some quality additions from Hull.

“Jack Latus was with Hunslet and we know all about their strengths and weaknesses. Simon Brown’s kicking game brings a massive amount to the York attack and both teams and supporters have a friendly rivalry. It’s a fixture both clubs and supporters look forward to.”

Hawks coach Barry Eaton added: “York really look like they’re a team that’s capable of challenging everyone in the competition.

“They’ve already knocked off Featherstone this year, and they’re putting a decent run together. They look like they’ll be bouncing.”

HUNSLET in focus

Last year: 9th.

Current standing: 10th.

Coach: Barry Eaton.

HUNSLET’S only wins last season came against York, with whom they were cut adrift at the foot of the table.

They have a similar squad this term, bolstered by the returns from the Knights of Waine Pryce and James Houston, plus the recruitment of ex-York skipper Paul Hughes, swelling a sizeable contingent of ex-Knights in their ranks.

Much will depend on Danny Grimshaw’s form and fitness at half-back but, with faith being put in a number of youngsters, strength in depth depends in some way on how long they can bag regular, quality dual-reg recruits from partner club Leeds.

Squad for tomorrow: Watson, Kain, Bush, Pryce, Chisholm, Keinhorst, Welham, Brickwood, Clayton, Grimshaw, Helliwell, Haley, Yates, Houston, Menzies, Singleton, Haughey, Watson, March, Hood, Haigh.

One to watch: David March, a character York know well, still has tricks and knowhow in his locker – as long as age doesn’t catch up with him.

Partnership club: Leeds Rhinos.

Season prediction: York’s arch-rivals lack spending power and face a fight to avoid relegation. Either way, expect banter aplenty amid a love-hate relationship between Knights and Hawks fans.

Ground: John Charles Stadium (South Leeds Stadium).

Miles from York: 30. For supporters’ club bus information, phone 07763 121732.

Nearest train station: Leeds 2.4 miles. Visit www.tpexpress.co.uk for train times and fares.