‘Cats will target Fax as turning point: Rikki
Halifax centre Rikki Sheriffe believes Wakefield will have targeted tonight’s Challenge Cup showdown at Belle Vue as a “springboard” to launch their Super League revival. James Webster’s side are currently languishing in the top flight having lost eight games on the bounce; the latest an 80-point slaughter against Warrington last weekend.
But Sheriffe, who returned from a loan spell at Keighley to post a solid performance in the 38- 6 Championship win over Workington at the weekend, says the Wildcats will have a fresh focus as they prepare to face Richard Marshall’s part-time outfit.
“They’re in a hole,” said Sheriffe. “But from a coach’s point of view Webster will be looking to get a win to take them forward.
“They’ll be trying to use us a springboard to get their season back on track, and we need to be ready for that, but we’ll show up and give them a good run for their money.
“I’m not sure the gap between the teams is that big; if we go through the plan then I think we can have them scratching their heads a little bit.
“I’m sure they’ll be wary of us.”
Sheriffe started at centre against Town, scoring a try in his first Championship start since he cut short his yearlong retirement at Christmas.
“All I tried to do was play well at Keighley,” said Sheriffe, who joined the Cougars, who already employ his younger brothers Jode and Jess, early in the New Year to regain his match sharpness.
“Then the opportunity has come up, unfortunately because of Steve Tyrer’s injury.
“The Huddersfield game in January was my first in 15 months, but I’ve got back into the swing of things a little bit now.
“Having that bit of experience has helped me, I feel like I’m getting there now. “It was good over there. “Half of the boys over there are Halifax lads and to play with my brothers was a big thing as well.
“That was a proud moment, going out there on the field at the same time as them.
“I’ve got the love of the game back, if you know what I mean.
“If I play on Friday, I’ll try and be physical in defence, get some line speed, and now I’ve had a game with Scott (Murrell) and Ross (Divorty) on that edge, I know what they want and where I need to be.”