Halifax set to welcome rivals Featherstone

Two of the Championship’s heavyweights clash at the Shay on Sunday between the past two Grand Final winners, Halifax and Featherstone Rovers.

Fax have got the better of their opponents in important ties, winning golden point thrillers in the 2010 Grand Final and last season’s Northern Rail Cup semi-finals.

But Rovers will still start the game as slight favourites, with both sides undefeated to date this year.

Fax forward Iain Morrison will be denied a chance to face his former club after being ruled out with a knee injury.

An initial scan has proved inconclusive and he is now expected to have an MRI on the problem, though it is not thought to be as serious as was first feared.

Fax coach Karl Harrison is still hoping to extend the loan period of Wakefield prop Matt James, while three-quarter Lee Paterson is available following a long lay-off but came through an under-23s fixture unscathed.

Rovers coach Daryl Powell said his side was a “little bit patchy” during their win over Dewsbury, but was pleased with their strong finish to the game particularly after a midweek match at Oldham.

He will check on a slight hamstring strain on Jon Grayshon before finalising his team, and is relishing Sunday’s contest.

Powell said: “Halifax have been going okay, they have recruited heavily and have a smart, disciplined coach in place.

“We know they’ve had a few injuries but they’ve got a deep squad and it will be a good test for us.”