Plenty for Grix to work on after Panthers’ cup loss to Bulldogs

Halifax Panthers head coach Simon Grix admits that there have been some “honest conversations” following his team’s disappointing defeat to Batley Bulldogs in the Betfred Challenge Cup last weekend, writes James Robinson.

The Panthers fell at the first hurdle in losing 19-6 to visitors Bulldogs on Saturday evening and a disappointed Grix pulled no punches in his post-match assessment.

He said: “There are a few honest conversations that need to be had. I think some of our lads turned up expecting a tough match and to have to fight. I think others turned up just expecting to win.”

He added: “Batley came here and did what they were supposed to do and we didn’t really get much done of our game plan.”

Halifax trailed 12-0 in the early stages of the second half and Grix was disappointed with his side’s failure to carry out the basic elements of the game well enough, saying: “You have to at least have a fair share of the ball.

“We only completed 50 percent of our sets in the first half and we kicked poorly.”

Despite trailing for the entire game, the Panthers missed a good opportunity at 12-6 with attacking field position, which could have turned the tide.

Despite occasional attacking impetus, Grix thought his side were on the back foot throughout, saying: “If you’d have been watching the game on TV, most of it would have been filmed in our defensive end.

“Our ball control was just not good enough on the night and it needs to improve as we move forward.”

Grix and his squad now have a week off to work on those failings before they kick-off their Championship campaign at home to London Broncos on Good Friday.

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