HUNSLET coach Kyle Trout is keen to fine-tune his players ahead of the campaign as director of rugby Keith Senior underlines the value of improved on-field communication.
That was a key theme of two opposed training sessions, against opening round-opponents Dewsbury, then neighbours Hunslet ARLFC, whose artificial pitch the Championship club have been using for training.
They formed part of the first block of pre-season, with Trout and his squad now embarked on a second after a festive break.
Hunslet start their league schedule at home to Dewsbury on Sunday week, January 18, and Trout, who is in his first pre-season at the helm, said: “There is plenty still to work on, but I’m pleased with how things are going.
“Those opposed sessions were useful, because both opponents came at us with physicality and aggression, and it was what we needed at that stage.
“It simulates a match, but players can work on things without the usual pressure, and then break it down to review.”
Senior said: “Those sessions allowed some structural work and a bit of contact, which was helpful, and enabled us to get an insight into what we need to progress.
“We have been working on communication, because if you get that right, a lot of things will fall into place.”