Halifax welcome back trio for Fev

Halifax will welcome back forward trio Frank Watene, Paul Smith and Dave Larder for tonight’s clash with Featherstone.

The three veterans missed last week’s 72-28 thumping of Gateshead but will return to the side for the televised visit to Post Office Road.

Head Coach Matt Calland said: “It’s great to have those three back.

“It’s no coincidence that we let 28 points in at the weekend without Paul and Dave in the side because they regularly make 80 tackles between them.”

Calland is expecting a big challenge to Halifax’s 100% record in the Championship, as they look to extend their lead at the top.

“They play like a Super League team: complete, get to the kick and build pressure.

“That’s a contrast to the way we’ve been doing things, but I’m confident in the quality we have in the side.

“It’s a difficult place to go, but we’ve trained really well this week.”