Halifax coach Richard Marshall has put the emphasis on his players’ individual performances ahead of their clash at Warrington Wolves
Halifax are arguably the surprise package of this year’s Qualifiers line-up. Not fancied by many to make it into the top four of the Championship back in February, Richard Marshall’s side have done well all year, and got their reward with a spot in the Qualifiers. Losses to Featherstone Rovers and Batley Bulldogs in the opening two games of the season showed little sign of the quality Halifax had, but 11 wins out of the next 14 demonstrated that they had plenty to offer.
Their push for the Championship top four went right down to the last round of the competition, and it took a sensational win over runaway leaders Hull KR to secure their spot, at the expense of French side Toulouse.
Halifax boss Richard Marshall, who worked as an assistant coach to Tony Smith before leaving for the Shay three seasons ago, said his players were firmly focused on improving on their efforts against the Vikings.
“We were disappointed with what we did last week,” admitted Marshall. “This week, we’ve spoken about just producing better levels as individuals, because if we can do that then we believe the collective will look after itself. “We’re under no illusions; it is going to be very, very difficult to get a result this weekend against a very talented team. “Warrington have had a difficult season, but on their day they can beat any side, not just in Super League but in the world, as they showed when they beat Brisbane at the start of the year.
“They put 50 on Catalans, who are a good Super League team themselves, last weekend so that tells you everything you need to know. “We’re going to go and play with enthusiasm and challenge ourselves. “It’s exciting for us as a club; for all the players, and maybe more so for me, Simon Grix and James Saltonstall, who have all been there in recent years. “I really enjoyed my time there and I learned a lot from Tony, but in hindsight it was definitely the right time for me to move on and take on my own challenge with Halifax.
“We’ve a week off next week so we’ll be making sure we’ve nothing left in the tank.” Marshall’s team selection has been complicated by the absence of in-form full back Will Sharp, who was given a one game ban after tripping an opponent against Widnes, and an injury suffered by Australian forward Mitch Cahalane, who is definitely absent. There are also doubts over a clutch of others - Rob Worrincy, Shane Grady, Brandon Douglas, Ben Heaton and Scott Murrell all sat out training on Tuesday night - meaning definite recalls for Saltonstall and another back, James Woodburn-Hall. “We’ve got a few injuries and it’s not a game where I want to risk players, however much they want to play,” said Marshall.
“Saltonstall will come back and either him or James will replace Will. “We’ll see how the others come through and go from there.”
Warrington squad: Ryan Atkins, Kevin Brown, Mike Cooper, Brad Dwyer, Peta Hiku, Chris Hill, Jack Hughes, Jack Johnson, Benjamin Jullien, George King, Tom Lineham, Declan Patton, Joe Philbin, Stefan Ratchford, Matty Russell, Andre Savelio, Ashton Sims, Morgan Smith, Ben Westwood
Halifax squad: Ed Barber, Ryan Boyle, Chester Butler, Will Calcott, Jacob Fairbank, Shane Grady, Simon Grix, Ben Heaton, Ben Jouhston, Ben Kaye, Alex Mammone, Brandon Moore, Scott Murrell, James Saltonstall, Michael Sio, Steve Tyrer, James Woodburn-Hall, Rob Woririncy