HUNSLET Hawks return to Co-operative Championship One action with a tricky trip to Swinton Lions on Sunday (3pm).
The sobering home defeat by York pushed the Hawks down to fifth and they are one of four clubs behind leaders Dewsbury, who are separated by only two points. The fact second-placed Oldham are at York tomorrow means someone will probably miss out ther
e, offering a chance for Hunslet to bounce back.
However, there is also the danger that if the Hawks are beaten on Sunday, then Swinton will hop over them in the table.
The pressure is on coach Graeme Hallas to find the right balance in his squad. Recent arrivals, the latest being winger Wayne Reittie, mean the Hawks have used 31 players this time. The depth is underlined by the fact the Hawks top the Reserves League, although Featherstone, who are level on points with them, have two games in hand.
A sign that some players can be unsettled at not gaining a regular place has come with the fact young stand-off Jonathan Schofield has moved to York City Knights in the search for more regular first team rugby.
Schofield landed three goals in the win at London Skolars but that was his only senior appearance and he has become restless. This time Hunslet have also used Mark Moxon, Darren Robinson in particular, Jon Wainhouse and Tony Williams at No 6 to suggest chances may be limited.
York are concerned at a lack of cover at half-back and he clearly feels he can make progress there.
Winger Michael Mark has now stretched his try-scoring run to five matches and he needs to be on the mark again on Sunday to help the Hawks register what could prove an important victory.
