Great opportunity to take Halifax to next level – Clay

DEPARTING Halifax chief executive Graham Clay says standing down has given the club their best chance of returning to Engage Super League.

Clay has resigned after just over two years in charge at The Shay citing the need to concentrate on his own increasing business interests.

But he also admits the Championship club require someone in the role full time to bolster their bid for a 2012 Super League licence.

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"I've run my own business for the last six years and it's just getting busier and busier," said Clay, who operates a brand management firm.

"It wasn't fair on Halifax as I was hardly in or around the club and it is a crucial time for them.

"They need someone who can steer the club forward, devoting the time and attention it needs.

"That just wasn't me. One of my clients is Gillette so I'm away (in Australia and New Zealand) for the Four Nations in October and November – the Super League application has to be in at the end of December.

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"I'm still going to stay involved in one-off projects but for the day-to-day control they need someone in."

Clay has overseen real progress in his time at the helm with the 5m East Stand recently being completed to tick one of those application boxes, while initiating a Scholarship programme has further strengthened their cause.

The West Yorkshire club – out of the top flight since relegation in 2003 – have also been financially restructured and Clay said: "The club is certainly in a far stronger position than two years ago.

"We also reached a Grand Final last season and currently we're in the top three.

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"Halifax have certainly met all the minimum criteria for Super League; it's just how far over the line they get when it comes to going up against other clubs wanting a licence. That is still open to debate."

Halifax, who have also seen former chairman Howard

Posner quit the board in an apparently unrelated decision, could reach the Carnegie Challenge Cup quarter-finals if they defeat Batley Bulldogs at The Shay on Sunday.

"It's a great opportunity," added Clay.

"Hunslet also play Barrow so if the two winners meet each other in the next round there will be a Championship club in the semis.

"Hopefully, Halifax will be that team but, realistically, they aren't going to get to Wembley.

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"However, if Halifax could win and get Leeds, Bradford or Wigan in the next round it could financially set up the club."

Huddersfield Giants coach Nathan Brown will not face action from the Rugby Football League over forthright comments that his players should take the law into their own hands after Wigan's Sean O'Loughlin was only penalised and not carded for a late, high tackle on Luke Robinson on Sunday.

However, O'Loughlin has also avoided major sanctions after the RFL match review panel decided only to hand Wigan's captain a caution and not call him before the disciplinary committee.

Coach Mick Potter will leave St Helens when his contract expires at the end of the season because he plans to return to Australia and secure a role in the NRL.

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