Halifax 22 Barrow 10

1st Try - Worrincy

Attendance - 1907

MOTM - Greenwood

mainly based on the fact that the majority of our squad has been together for past couple of years, we have added quality proven SL & NL players. Barrow did well last year, but it was only NL2, yes they haver added to their squad, but a lot of them are untried in this country or just not up to it in Brock's case.

I dont think most people think Barrow will be a pushover. I am sure that most people think that we are in for a tough / physical game.

But I do think that most Halifax supporters are pretty possitive at the moment and think that our team is strong enough to face up to Barrow and, if they play to their potential, have a substantial win in the end

Are overseas players aren't here yet. The rest of the new players are all tried and tested at this level.

Ps Brock's had a good start to the season so far

All bar 1 of Barrow's 11 new players have played at Super League or international level. The other one Chris Young is only 22 and has the potential to make Super League without question.

As for Brock not being up to it, he's been in great form so far. I'm sure he'd enjoy sticking up up his old club.

The last time he played at The Shay he was playing in the reserves and that was less than 6 months ago!!!!

With Salford I suspect where he had an injury and fell out of favour with McRae. He's still only 25 and has 121 Super League appearances to his name. I judge players on what I see and so far what I've seen from him has been very good.

To put it another way, im sure if we had signed Brock back instead of say Tamghart im 100% sure that he wouldnt be getting the rave reviews that Tamghart has been getting. To be fair to him though he wouldnt be anywhere near our starting 17.

Chalk and cheese my friend. Tamghart is straighforward impact Prop (albeit a good one), Brock has played his best matches at Loose Forward where he has been a bit of a revelation. I wasn't expecting a great deal from him when he signed given some of the ex-fans opinions, but he has proved to be the best forward we have signed so far IMO. Brock has played in many SL games, wereas Tamghart has only played in France Elite, NL2 and 1 test match 5 years ago.

It's difficult judging other teams in the Championship as we haven't played at that level for a few years and I must say that I've really only heard of 4 or 5 of your players. I'm sure they are all very good players, I just say that to illustrate the fact that just because you haven't heard of some Barrow players, doesn't mean to say that they are not very accomplished pro's.

Look out for the 2 Liam's in the halves. Local lads with pace to burn.

Oh and Brett McDermott at prop - OUCH!

I know its a Long way to Barow but what are they dragging their feet for?

Why Sign players and not have them availible for the start of the season?

Or perhaps its to keep under the salary cap, sign players on big terms, but only pay them for the time they're here so get them over later.

3/4 players arriving from overseas will take time to settle into a squad who have been training together for how long, will they be match fit when they arrive? will the players who drop out of the team to get the overseas players into the 13 be happy?

Leaves a lot of questions really. If we announced an Overseas signing, i'd expect them to be arriving ASAP.

They were signed many weeks ago. The UK Border Agency are taking an age rubber stamping their permits/visas etc as has been the case with many RL clubs (Super League included). They were due in the middle of January but the bureaucrats have seen to it taking a further 4 weeks so far. Our local MP John Hutton has agreed to help speed things along.

It will take time for them to gel, but come the start of the Championship they should be pretty much there.

We are actually waiting for 5 players to arrive....

Ned Catic
Zebastian Luisi
Waisale Sukanaveita
Alipate Noilea
Sevanaia Koroi

I hope our team announcer has his teeth in on match days !!!!

Look at the players that have jumped from NL2 to Super League and made a massive success, need I name them all? I am sure Tamghart will go just fine and will make McDermott look second best.

Besides, Tamghart is a prop, Brocklehurst is a back rower so lets compare him with some of our backrowers. Paul Smith, Dwayne Barker and Bob Beswick. All have played in Super League, Dwayne and Bob have played in NL1 Grand Finals and Paul Smith came to us to stop playing full time rugby, not because he was released. All are quality players who have played at higher standards for longer periods.

Brocklehurst has indeed made a lot of apperances in Super League, playing for 3 teams, 2 of which were relegated though (Us and Salford) and the other were around the bottom at the time he played for them. Does that not explain the calibre of team he was in?

Finally, you've only heard of 4/5 of our players? Doesn't that just sum up your rugby league knowledge?

Halifax 46
Barrow 14

Att: 1,650

Fair enough mate. I know nowt.

You really are a Rugby League God.

A fan is a fan. They should be expected to know about their own team and just because they don't know the home address of every player in every team does not mean they know nothing.

Just because you haven't heard of the opponents players does not instantly mean they are no good.

Lets see what Sunday brings along and hope we all get a thoroughly enjoyable game.

Good luck to both teams in contributing to a good game, but especially the Fax boys, I'll be cheering you on from behind the goals in the South Stand.

Prediction

Fax 36 Barrow 16

Att 1953

MOM Saaaayeeeeeeeed