FORMER West Bowling star Harry Williams has admitted that he “can’t wait” for his Betfred League One career to get underway this weekend.
He is set to make his league debut with Hunslet RLFC on Sunday afternoon, when they host Newcastle Thunder at the South Leeds Stadium.
The talented half-back, who won promotion to the National Conference League Premier Division with West Bowling last season, followed in head coach Dean Muir’s footsteps by moving to the semi-professional outfit at the end of the competitive campaign.
Williams, 24, has already made his professional debut for Hunslet having faced off with Featherstone Rovers and Batley Bulldogs recently in the 1895 Cup, while he also played against Keighley Cougars in the Challenge Cup, but this weekend sees him take to league action for the first time in Hunslet colours.
Looking ahead to his League One debut, Williams said: “I can’t wait for it. Being able to go up against teams at that level on a consistent basis excites me.
“Don’t get me wrong, I’ll be nervous for it, but I always am for a game. I’ll try not to think about it too much in the lead up to Sunday, but once it comes around, I’ll be ready and determined to help my team in whatever way I can.”
Reflecting on his start to life at Hunslet, who he joined from West Bowling in October last year, Williams said: “I’ve settled in well. They’re all good lads and because the club have signed a few new faces, I haven’t been the only one trying to adapt to a new environment, so it’s been a good start to life here.”
Discussing the biggest changes between an amateur environment like at West Bowling to a semi-professional one like at Hunslet, Williams said: “To be honest the quality and skill isn’t much different between both playing groups because at West Bowling we had some really good players.
“However, the feel of being at Hunslet is different. You’re there three times a week; you’ve got a gym and fitness stuff there and then you also work on the skill side of things too. So, you’re there for around three hours so it’s important that you get familiar with your surroundings and the people around you.
“Also, you’re always looking to impress because you’re fighting for a place in the team. In my position (half-back), there’s four players trying to claim just two available positions, so you need to work hard all the time in training.”
Williams added: “It can be quite challenging going there four times a week, when we have a game, but it’s enjoyable when you’re there and it always feels like you’re working towards something. I feel I’ve adapted to the change well and I’m very happy with the decision I made to come here.”
Hunslet have been extremely active during pre-season having faced off with Barrow Raiders, Featherstone and Batley in the 1895 Cup, Leeds Rhinos (mainly reserve squad) in the Harry Jepson OBE Memorial Trophy and Keighley in the Challenge Cup.
It’s given the South Leeds side a variety of different challenges ahead of the Betfred League One opener at home to Newcastle Thunder on Sunday, whilst Williams has got to experience his first taste of competitive action in a semi-professional environment.
Reflecting on pre-season, he said: “It’s been a good learning curve because we’ve played some good teams. It was tough to get much from the Leeds game, one because we had a massive squad to share minutes around, and two because Leeds played a reserve squad.
“However, the Featherstone (62-12 defeat) and Batley (36-0 defeat) games in the 1895 Cup were tough, very tough. It showed us what we need to work on, particularly defensively and it also showed where we are in relation to the two teams, which is a league below.
“Fortunately, we worked on our defence ahead of the Batley game and it showed because we reduced the points from the Fev game significantly. It’s exciting that we’ve got something to work towards.”
Williams may have the chance to see some familiar faces again on March 29, as Hunslet legend Steve Pryce and his former teammates will take on West Bowling and Normanton Knights before Hunslet’s Good Friday fixture against Keighley Cougars.
The event is one of many fundraisers planned to support Steve’s ongoing battle against Alzheimer’s, with the game being organised by Steve’s former teammate Dave Jessey.
Williams admitted that it would be nice if he got to see some old faces at the South Leeds Stadium on the day, when he said: “I believe that it’s meant to be masters’ team coming down from West Bowling, so a few of my old coaches will be involved.
“Then, I do expect a few of my old teammates to come down and watch as well. I’m still in touch with a lot of them, so if they can come down for that great event, and then maybe to watch us against Cougars after, then that would be good.”
For more information on how you can support that event and raise money for Steve, click the LINK.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here