Halifax RLFC make the trip to Kingstone Press League 1 side Whitehaven RLFC in the Challenge Cup
Halifax progressed to the 5th round following a 20-6 victory over Hunslet RLFC last month whilst Haven earned their place with a convincing 46-14 thrashing of fellow third-tier side Oxford RLFC.
Along with the potential prize of facing Super League opposition in the next round, Fax have the added incentive of being able to earn their fifth straight victory, a feat not achieved by the Blue and Whites since July 2015. Fax continued their strong run of form over the Easter period by picking up maximum points with wins over Bradford Bulls and Oldham Roughyeds.
Similarly, Whitehaven have enjoyed a strong start to the 2017 season following relegation having recorded five wins from their last six matches in all competitions, with their sole defeat in that time coming to professional side Toronto Wolfpack last month.
Head Coach Richard Marshall has recalled Connor Robinson and Ben Heaton to his 19-man match-day squad following spells on the sideline.
Robinson, who last played against Batley Bulldogs in mid-February, makes his long-awaited return following a broken hand while centre Heaton returns after picking up an injury during Good Friday’s victory at Odsal.
Marshall also hands places in the squad to two of Fax’s reserve-grade players, with Forward Martyn Reilly and winger Conor McGrath in line to make their Halifax debuts.
Second rower Simon Grix and prop Alex Mammone remain side-lined due to injuries, while Adam O'Brien has been recalled from his loan spell and will return to Huddersfield Giants.
In the most recent meeting between the two sides, Fax ran out 30-10 winners at the Recreation Ground with Adam Tangata and Jacob Fairbank amongst the try-scorers.
Whitehaven squad: Miller, Calvert, Taylor, Parker, Burns, Roper, Crook, Shackley, Newton, Forster, Olstrom, Tilley, Holliday, Holland, Dalton, Riley, Maudling, Ackerley, Fox.
Halifax squad:McGrath, Reilly, Johnston, Tyrer, Heaton, Salonstall, Murrell, Cahalane, Kaye, Tangata, Grady, Boyle, Barber, B.Moore, Nelmes, Robinson, Morris, Woodburn-Hill, Worrincy.