Hunslet winger touches down on new deal

Copland was spotted by Hunslet assistant-coach Gary Barnett playing for Stanningley in last year’s National Conference Division One promotion final against Featherstone Lions and made his only appearance so far for the Parksiders in a Coral Challenge Cup win over North Wales Crusaders in February.

The goal-kicking winger, who can also play at full-back or centre, said: “I’m really happy to stay at Hunslet.

“I had no plans to look anywhere else.

“Gary Thornton [Hunslet’s coach] gave me my chance by bringing me in from Stanningley and it’s just a shame the season was cut short and I didn’t have the opportunity to really show what I can do.

“I feel I have a point to prove and that’s my aim once we all start playing again.”

Thornton believes Copland, 27, has the attributes to be a success in Betfred League One.

“Liam came in from amateur rugby and made the adaptation to semi-professional rugby quite comfortably,” the coach said.

“He struggled to make training in the early part of pre-season due to work commitments, but fair play to him for sorting that out, which allowed him to push for a place in the team.

“His attitude towards training and playing is first class and he has a thirst to learn and develop himself further, which are great attributes to have.”

“Hopefully, with a full pre-season under his belt, he will be pushing hard for a regular spot in the team.”

Hunslet were top of the table when the competition was suspended in March - and later abandoned - due to coronavirus.