Leeds Rhinos are set to play a traditional friendly less than a week before their Super League opener against Warrington Wolves as they take on Hunslet.
Hunslet have lined up three friendlies – all at their South Leeds Stadium base – ahead of the 2023 Betfred League One Rugby League season, which gets underway on Sunday 19 February with a trip to Doncaster.
They will host Halifax, Batley Bulldogs and Leeds Rhinos in an appetising precursor to what promises to be an exciting campaign.
Halifax will travel to Hunslet on Sunday 22 January and Batley will follow suit on Sunday 29 January. And Hunslet will entertain Leeds in the traditional Harry Jepson OBE Trophy clash on Sunday 12 February.
All three games will kick off at 3.00pm and admission for each is £10 (£5 concessions, under 16s free). Hunslet are offering a £15 package for supporters who purchase tickets for the Batley and Halifax fixtures in advance.
Kilshaw said: “We are thankful to Halifax and Batley for allowing us to host them – and their fantastic followings – at the SLS. I’m sure that with our own supporters also anticipating the new season there will be a good crowd at both games.”
He added: “The Leeds match, as we know, isn’t a typical friendly, with a prestigious trophy up for grabs. And given Leeds’ current strength in depth I’m sure they will be sending a very strong side.
“The games will present different challenges and will allow us to give all our squad, and some trialists, an opportunity to have some game-time ahead of our opening round one league fixture at Doncaster.”