Leeds’ top community club, Hunslet ARLFC, will be hoping to end a traumatic week on a positive note when they face Siddal in Saturday’s National Conference Premier Division Grand Final.

Hunslet are reeling from the death of 42-year-old former player Omar Mehdi, who was taken ill last weekend, hours after coaching the club’s under-eights. The tragedy has cast a shadow over preparations for Saturday’s game at Featherstone Rovers’ Millennium Stadium, Post Office Road (3.15pm), but the south Leeds side will look to channel their emotions into a third successive Grand Final triumph.

Leeds rugby league club 'heartbroken' after sudden death of coach and ex-player ...

Hunslet Club Parkside won the title in 2022 and repeated the feat last year following a merger with the neighbouring Warriors outfit. They face a huge challenge against league leaders Siddal, who finished six points ahead, but will take confidence from two victories over the Halifax team in the regular season.

Craig McShane makes a break for Hunslet ARLFC in last week's semi-final win at West Hull. Picture by Alex Shenton.

placeholder image — Craig McShane makes a break for Hunslet ARLFC in last week's semi-final win at West Hull. Picture by Alex Shenton.

Hunslet were fourth on the table and won three play-off ties to reach the Grand Final, including an 18-6 victory at second-placed West Hull last week. Speaking before news of Mehdi’s death, Sam Thorpe - who coaches the team alongside Martin Rowse - said: “We knew by mid-season we weren’t likely to finish in the top-two.

“Having accepted that, we set our stall out for the play-offs and marked particular games out. We’ve enjoyed having to do it tough, it has been a breath of fresh air. We’ve proved we are a champion side and we’re determined to win it again.”

The Premier Division showpiece is the second part of a double-header which begins when Dewsbury Moor Maroons take on Ince Rose Bridge in the Division One promotional final, kicking off at 1pm.