Hunslet (or New Hunslet as they were called at that point in their history) were our main rivals in the invincible season 78/79 (they were promoted with us as Division 2 runners-up).
Indeed, they were our 26th and final opponents for the season. In a very nervy night we triumphed 6-1 (I think) with either Charlie Stone or Charlie Birdsall crashing over near the end of the game to clinch it on one of the great nights in our history in front of over 12 thousand people for a second division game! (a portent of the years to come very shortly). If I recall correctly I think Tony Dean was in the Hunslet side that night, soon to become a Boulevard hero in his own right, one of my great cult figures to wear the black and white proudly, gave his all for us every time he played.
Also recall playing them in a JPS game in the mid-eighties, by which point they were playing at Elland road. Think there was only around 3000ish there in an eerie empty ground in a freezing cold November afternoon, with everyone reminiscing about the Widnes cup replay a couple of years before and Leuluai's famous try against Cas in '83
Have always had a bit of a soft spot for Hunslet every since 1979 (we very rapidly went in opposite directions after then) so congratulations to them on promotion, well done to all
Clubs like Hunslet, and particularly their loyal supporters, really are the die-hard and lifeblood of the game. They may not be big, they may not be glamourous, they will most likely never sit at the top table again, but these people will always keep the rugby league flame burning bright. Congratulations once more
