Halifax v Sheffield: Arrival of Cox timely for Halifax as they welcome Eagles

Halifax have signed Cox in a bid to boost their hopes of reaching the Super 8 Qualifiers and he could make his bow in the crunch game with Sheffield Eagles.

The 6ft 4in Cox made seven appearances for Rovers after returning from a month’s loan at Huddersfield but recently lost his place in Chris Chester’s team.

Halifax football director Ian Croad said: “We have been working closely with Chris Chester and, with injuries to key forwards and the loss of Jacob Fairbank back to Huddersfield, we needed strengthening in that department.

“We are delighted with Jordan as a squad addition. It’s important - following five victories on the bounce - that we do not become comfortable as we approach the business end of the season.

“The top four is wide open and I have every faith in our outstanding group of players to deliver the goods.”

Halifax are currently fifth in the Championship – trailing Featherstone by two points and Sheffield by four – as the race to finish in the top four reaches a climax.

Halifax had a fine 46-22 win over London Broncos last week.

Coach Richard Marshall said: “We played well and were good for the majority of the game. We had a patch in the second half where we fell off and, credit to London, they pulled the game back and made it a bit of a contest.

“But in the first half we played pretty quick and got a fair lead at half-time. I wouldn’t say the game was done then but coming away from Keighley, who hosted us, it was another ‘away’ game that we won.

“We’re looking forward to playing back at The Shay this week. Sheffield have a formidable pack, so it will be a great contest with our pack. They’ve got (Kyle) Briggs in the halves and we’ve got Scott Murrell, there’s match-ups all over the park.

“It will be an interesting one and one that we’re looking forward to. The field is in perfect condition so it will suit both sides. Sheffield can play some football and have a good kicking game.”

Winger Tommy Saxton is a doubt with a groin injury.

Mark Aston, coach of Sheffield, who beat Workington Town 26-6 last weekend, said: “We weren’t great last week but we won, we’re winning ugly, which is the sign of a good team. Defensively, I thought we were good, particularly in the second half. We looked very strong but again, with ball in hand, we’re not fluent and hitting our straps yet and we need to start.

“There’s been a bit of soul-searching this week and a bit of honesty. I’ve talked about individual responsibility and accountability to the group and had a good response so hopefully we can start getting a bit of rhythm and momentum in our offensive play.

“We need to because Halifax are on fire at the moment.”

Prop Mitch Stringer and wing Rob Worrincy are both available.