McShane Brothers return home as Hunslet ARLFC look to hit their stride for the second half of the season

Hunslet ARLFC’s season has been given a major lift with the return of Craig and Jack McShane from Dewsbury Rams, and their impact has been immediate. Craig made his second debut last weekend in the club’s comfortable 26–0 victory over York Acorn, with Director of Rugby Jamie Field calling the brothers “two players that any team needs.”

Field, who has known the pair for years, didn’t hide his delight at bringing them home.

“I think it's something that the club are obviously absolutely buzzing for…they are two players that we need, two players that any team needs really. We're just lucky and fortunate enough that they're both coming back to us and back to their home.”

The brothers arrive with their reputations enhanced after a standout 18 months with the Rams.

“The way they adapted to the pro game, they played like they'd been there all their lives. At the end of last season, they were the ones picking up the individual awards.”

Field said their success surprised nobody at Hunslet.

“No one ever doubted Craig or Jack's talent. They went there and they owned it…they hit the ground running, they excited people, they did the job and rightly so, they got the rewards for it.”

Craig’s return against York Acorn showed he hasn’t lost a step. His evasive running - something Field jokes comes from a lifetime of dodging his older brother Paul - gave Hunslet an extra spark in a dominant defensive display.

“Craig's the best player in country on his day, and he's unplayable. As is Jack. He's got his very own qualities.”

Field was open about the personal reasons behind the brothers’ return.

“They work long hours, the pair of them…now they've got the little boys that they want to be at home more.”

“We want to look after the lads, but equally we want to look after the families as well,” Field added.

With the season now past the halfway mark, Hunslet believe they are entering the run in with renewed strength and focus.

“We've hit the halfway point, we've played everybody, we know what everybody's about…and we'll surely be in a better place with these two in our squad.”

This weekend, they welcome Thatto Heath Crusaders - one of the toughest, most seasoned sides in the NCRL, fresh from an exciting home draw against Waterhead. And with Craig already back in the side, and Jack soon to follow, alongside rising confidence after a couple of adverse results, Hunslet feel ready for the challenge.

NCRL National League fixtures:

Premier Division

Saturday 27 June 

Hunslet ARLFC v Thatto Heath Crusaders

Lock Lane v Heworth

Siddal v West Hull

West Bowling v Rochdale Mayfield

Wigan St Judes v Waterhead

York Acorn v Wath Brow Hornets

Division One

Friday 26 June 

Shaw Cross Sharks v East Leeds

Saturday 27 June 

Dewsbury Moor Maroons v Oldham St Annes

Egremont Rangers v Dewsbury Celtic

Kells v Leigh Miners Rangers

Stanningley v Oulton Raiders

Wigan St Patricks v Pilkington Recs

National Conference

Cumbria

Saturday 27 June 

Ulverston v Hindpool Tigers

Ellenborough v Seaton Rangers

Hensingham v Barrow Island

Millom v Maryport

Dalton v Distington

North West

Thursday 25 June 

Orrell St James v Crosfields

Saturday 27 June 

Ashton Bears v Blackbrook

Ince Rose Bridge v Woolston Rovers

Saddleworth Rangers v Clock Face Miners

Yorkshire A

Saturday 27 June 

Beverley v Thornhill Trojans

Bradford Dudley Hill v Stanley Rangers

Drighlington v Mirfield Spartans

King Cross Park v Myton Warriors

Moldgreen v Keighley Albion

Yorkshire B 

Saturday 27 June

Featherstone Lions v Milford

Fryston Warriors v Bentley

Hull Dockers v Siddal Academy

Kippax Welfare v Skirlaugh

Normanton Knights v Newsome Panthers

South

Saturday 27 June 

Bedford Tigers v Bristol All Golds

Hammersmith Hill Hoists v Eastern Rhinos

London Chargers v Wests Warriors

North Herts Crusaders v Brentwood Eels

By Dave Parkinson