Carlile aiming to form key partnership with Moore
HALIFAX’S NEW hooker Keal Carlile believes he can form a ‘complementary’ partnership with incumbent number nine Brandon Moore.
Carlile, 28, quit ambitious League 1 outfit Newcastle last month and landed at Fax the following week.
Shay boss Simon Grix had been looking for an established number nine to replace the retired Ben Kaye, but also to add some craft to his side’s play around the ruck.
Moore, Fax’s up-and-coming Cumbrian, kept the number nine berth when Grix announced his squad numbers, with Carlile slotting in at 14.
“Brandon’s a great little player and he deserves that shirt,” said Carlile, who played Super League for Hull KR before forging a reputation in the Championship with Sheffield and Featherstone.
“Whenever we have come up against each other, I’ve always been impressed with him; he’s all action and if he gets a quick play the ball to run off, he’s really dangerous.
“I play a slightly different style, so hopefully we’ll be able to complement each other and I can help him young Curtis Davies develop their games a little bit.
“Honestly, I like what I’ve seen from both of them so far.
“Their work ethic and toughness is impressive. They’re training the house down.
“I spoke to Simon (Grix) and he mentioned the club had some issues in the middle last year, but from what I’ve seen we’ve got a good mix.
“You only really know when you’ve got some opposition in front of you, but based on what I’ve seen so far I’m excited to see what we can do.”
Carlile revealed his request to quit Newcastle was driven by the difficulties of travelling from his Pontefract home.
“I enjoyed myself at Newcastle, but the travel was a lot harder than I’d anticipated,” said Carlile.
“Getting home after midnight, and then getting up at 6am and going to work, was tough when you’ve got a young family.”
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