Fax need to go up a level against Leigh, says boss Grix

HALIFAX SIMON Grix has labelled Sunday’s big-spending Championship opponents Leigh as a “different beast” to the teams they have faced so far in 2020.

Fax, comfortable 28-4 winners over York last weekend, sit fifth on the embryonic league ladder, with two wins from three starts compared to Leigh’s three-from-three.

But Grix is well aware of the size of the challenge facing his side, who beat Sheffield and lost to Dewsbury before Sunday’s success against the Knights, with John Duffy’s outfit currently averaging 40 points a game.

“York were the best side we’ve played so far, but the Leighs of this competition are a different beast,” said Grix.

“They’ve got an owner who goes out and gets them what they want, which means they’ve got some very good players and their coach has turned that into a very good team.

“We’ve had some tough games against them over the last few years and, for whatever reason, they’ve often ended up getting a bit niggly.

“They’re not unbeatable, they’ve got weaknesses like any team, but it’s going to be a tough, physical day at the office whatever happens and we’re not going there with any pressure on us.

“We need more of what we did well against York: Kick well, chase hard and defend with that same desperation.

“If we do that, we’ll stick in the game and then see what happens.”

Grix, whose side have a weekend off after this Sunday before hosting London at the Shay on March 22, seems unlikely to make sweeping changes to the team that distanced the Knights so comfortably.