Grix ‘optimistic’ over Giants relationship after summit meeting
HALIFAX COACH Simon Grix has said he is ‘optimistic’ about the club’s new partnership with Super League neighbours Huddersfield after holding his first meeting with the Giants’ Australian coach Simon Woolford.
The two clubs confirmed a potential three-year, three-way tie up that also includes League 1 Hunslet last week, encompassing sharing dual-registered players as well as fielding a joint reserves side under the Giants banner.
Grix had been involved in those discussions, with his former Ireland coach Andy Kelly representing the Giants at the negotiating table, but has now started to build his relationship with Woolford.
“I went across and met Simon last week and hopefully that relationship will develop over time,” said Grix.
“We discussed a few things, including players, and I’m optimistic about the potential benefits.
“Ultimately, Simon has his team and I have mine and those are our priorities, so a lot will depend on how healthy Huddersfield’s squad is.
“As a coach, I’m a big believer in learning, so I’ll also be going over there at some stage to see how they do things.
“I’ve also been across at Hull KR with Tony Smith and Willie Poching recently as well, looking at what they’re doing with what amounts to a new team.”
Grix also confirmed his side had faced the Giants in an opposed training session at the Giants’ Leeds Road training ground last weekend.
“We had a reasonable session, although the weather wasn’t helping us,” said Grix.
“There were some things I was happy with and some things we still need to work on, but it was definitely beneficial.
“Huddersfield have a drone they use to film their sessions and the footage from that showed up a couple of things I want us to improve.
“I’m sure it’s something we’ll do again, certainly next off-season as we’ll have that relationship in place from the start.”