It’s a shame the Bradford game didn’t go ahead as I think kear and Grixs game plans are opposing views both in terms of personnel and tactically . Like you say it’ll be interesting to see how expansive Halifax are on the early winter pitches . The Bradford vs Batley friendly game was an example of that attritional rugby .

Another point on tactics, fitness, attrition, seasonal factors and the halves and pack working together.

Expansive plays maybe limited so the focus can change to suit.

The 6 & 7 will have chance to get their kicking game perfected with long term benefits as a result.

Kicking accurate and deep works well all year round and fits in with Grixs philosophy of expending your fitness and energy in the right area of the pitch in the oppositions red zone.

Yes looking forward to the new halves this year as our short kicking game especially was lacking last season, the number of repeat sets in the opponent’s half that didn’t result in any points was a negative for me , I felt we were more dangerous from long range hopefully the new lads will rectify this . Having said that I did rate Liam Harris and suspect he might cause us some problems when we face York .

And preseason apart, to really put all that’s be mentioned to the test, the first league game at Batley will be just the right team on the right pitch at the right time.

Yes I agree, winter time at Batley on a boggy pitch will be a real war of attrition and a good bench mark , fax will be relying on the likes of joe Keyes who when played for Bradford vs Batley all be it at odsal was a big difference between the two sides .