Halifax: Qualifiers preview
Thursday 6 August 2015 15:53, UK
We look at Halfax's Middle 8 ambitions, and look back on their Championship season so far.
Story so far:
Another former Super League side making an attempt to restore former glories. It’s good to see Halifax back in contention - without the ridiculous Blue Sox tagged onto their name. They finished fourth comfortably - six points above Featherstone - and deserve their place in the Middle 8s after 16 wins from their 23 games.
A strong attack and defence, Halifax have risen above their fellow part-timers to seal this chance at glory, and although it’s a tough ask, they’ll give it a good go.
What’s gone right:
A sensational defence. Halifax have only conceded 377 points, a figure only bettered by runaway leaders Leigh this season.
Credit due to Richard Marshall and his coaching staff then, with their biggest defeat coming in a 36-10 reverse at Sheffield in April. They ran Leigh close twice, proving that they do have it in them to give a good account of themselves in the 8s.
What’s gone wrong:
They’ve not really taken the opportunity to strengthen the side ahead of the Middle 8s. While fellow Championship sides Bradford and Leigh have gone all-out for a tilt at promotion, and even third-placed Sheffield have announced plans to go full time, Halifax have rested on their laurels somewhat.
Conservative spending is always a good idea, but without any significant squad improvement, Halifax will struggle to make an impression in the next stage of the competition.
Qualifiers chances:
Their squad looks the weakest of those going into the Middle 8s, a fair reflection of their fourth-place finish in the Championship. With Widnes, Salford and Leigh at home, at least there’s a chance Halifax can give the bigger sides a decent game; indeed they’re likely to be backed by a raucous Shay crowd.
The atmosphere when Halifax were in Super League always used to be deafening, and they’ll need to foster some of that spirit to help them here. They’re a team in form too, unbeaten in nine games dating back to a defeat against Bradford in May. But while their chances are slim, it could be a good opportunity to build for next year.
One to watch:
Steve Tyrer looked set for a decent Super League career with St Helens when he first broke onto the scene, but he didn’t quite make the grade, moving on to Widnes and then Salford.
He’s a player who can definitely still make a mark in the top competition, and as a goal-kicking centre, Tyrer was the fifth-highest points scorer in the Championship this season. Halifax will need him on form with both ball in hand and with the boot if they’re to make an impression on the 8s.
