At Hunslet RLFC’s match on Sunday (9 August 2026) against Keighley Cougars, Hunslet Hospitality was proud to welcome descendants of famous players to the match.
John ‘Jack’ Smales played for Hunslet from 1906 to 1916, making 255 appearances, including in the 1907/8 famous All Four Cups season, when Hunslet were the first of only three clubs to win the Northern Union Challenge Cup, the Yorkshire County Challenge Cup, the Yorkshire County League Cup and the Northern Rugby League Cup all in the same season. He also played for Yorkshire and toured Australia in 1914 with Great Britain. The family was represented by his grand-daughter, Lesley, and her husband, and was pleased to receive Jack’s Heritage Certificate from Pat Benatmane on behalf of Hunslet RLFC.
Next to receive Heritage Certificates were descendants of the famous Batten family, represented by Gaynor and her family (main photo). The first certificate was for Billy Batten, a formidable forward who played alongside Smales in the ‘Terrible Six.’ Billy also played for Yorkshire nine times and toured Australia with Great Britain twice as well as playing for England seven times. Billy played 169 times for Hunslet before transferring to Hull for a record fee of £600 in 1914.
James Batten was Billy’s younger brother. In 1911 he made his debut for Hunslet, playing 71 times until 1913. His Heritage Number is 394.
Another Batten brother, Eddie, followed the family choice and played from 1915 to 1917 for Hunslet. He made 20 appearances starting against Halifax. As all the men were miners, the First World War had a big impact on their rugby careers.
Billy’s son, Eric Batten, also played for Hunslet, debuting on 2 September 1936, and making 174 appearances over 6 seasons. He also toured Australia after the Second World War, travelling over on the famous ‘Indomitable’ aircraft carrier. His Heritage Certificate, number 716, was also presented to the family.
This picture is of a charity match between the top two clubs of Hunslet and Hull. This shows John Smales, James Batten and William ‘Billy’ Batten in white shirts, playing alongside each other.
Do get in touch if you think an ancestor played for Hunslet as we can check the records for you.
This post was written by Pat Benatmane
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