Grix’s side will head to Super League neighbours for friendly
HALIFAX HAVE confirmed their second pre-season fixture, against Super League neighbours Huddersfield at the John Smith’s Stadium on Sunday, January 12 (3.0).
The game, which will see the traditional Infirmary Cup awarded to the winners, will be a testimonial fixture for the Giants’ England winger Jermaine McGillvary.
The Giants are expected to field a strong side in recognition of McGillvary’s service to his hometown club.
Fax will also play Championship rivals York the following week on Sunday, January 19 with a 3pm kick off at Bootham Crescent.
The club are also believed to be in negotiations with another Super League club with the aim of playing a third fixture, this time at the Shay, on the first weekend in January.
“I want us to have a testing programme, against good opposition, so we can challenge ourselves,” said coach Simon Grix, who will find out his side’s 2020 schedule when the Championship fixtures are released on Sunday afternoon.
“The results aren’t important in themselves, these games are about getting ready to play at the beginning of February.
“But sport’s about winning and, from my perspective, I want to see us show some competitive edge and really try to win.
“We’ve got some new combinations to build over the next few weeks and months and I’m looking forward to seeing us play.
“From what I hear, Huddersfield will play a really strong side for at least part of that game, while York were one of the benchmark teams in the Championship this year.
“They’ve recruited well and I don’t see any reason why they won’t be up there again this year.”
ENGLAND COACH Wayne Bennett admits the national team have gone backwards as Great Britain as he waits to find out if he will remain in charge.
The veteran Australian made the admission after watching the Lions go down 23-8 to New Zealand in the second Test in Christchurch to lose the series 2-0.