Leeds Rhinos icon Keith Senior gives Hunslet RLFC recruitment boost for new Championship season
Having Leeds Rhinos legend Keith Senior on board has boosted recruitment at neighbours Hunslet RLFC, their coach Kyle Trout says.
The Parksiders finished bottom of the Betfred Championship last year, but will have a new-look squad on duty when they kick off their campaign at home to Dewsbury Rams on Sunday. A merger with League One has created a new 20-team second tier with each club’s fixtures based on where they finished in 2025, plus derby matches.
Hunslet have made around a dozen signings, including ex-London Broncos and Wakefield Trinity Super League prop Eddie Battye and Trout reckons Senior’s appointment as director of rugby has made the south Leeds club a more attractive proposition. “The squad’s getting there,” Trout said.
“It has been a big turn around and has taken a while, but the connections and combinations in the team are starting to come together. We have more experience this season and hopefully that will show through and help the younger players.
“Although we have a good squad, we still have some budget and are looking to strengthen. We keep our ears to the ground and having Keith Senior involved means we can attract players’ attention. We look for exciting prospects and good loans, but we don’t want to disrupt the togetherness in the squad.”
Hunslet are expected to be without Cam Berry (ankle) and Dan Abram (wrist) for Sunday’s game. Trout stressed: “We are aware of the opportunity, starting off at home. We want to hit the ground running, but also manage expectations as it’s the first game of the season. We know their threats and where we can do damage and [we’ll be] ready for Sunday.”
Trout’s side haven’t had a warm-up match, but have been training with community neighbours Hunslet ARLFC who began their campaign with an impressive 48-6 hammering of National Conference rivals York Acorn in the Challenge Cup first round last week. Trout will be keeping a close eye on Saturday’s delayed Cup tie between Stanningley and Dewsbury Moor, with the winners set to face Hunslet in round 3 next weekend.
The Parksiders are hoping to arrange a friendly for Sunday, February 1, when they were due to play Featherstone Rovers. Featherstone have been denied a place in the Championship after going into administration in December. Hunslet have re-signed prop Keelan Foster, who made 18 appearances last year, on a 12-month deal.