Powell’s men seeking revenge as they keep on trophy track

Daryl Powell’s side were denied victory by Halifax in the Co-operative Championship Grand Final last season when suffering a ‘golden point’ drop-goal defeat despite leading for most of the match.

“This is a hugely important game for the club and one that we’re really looking forward to,” said Powell. “It’s going to be a big challenge for us. These are the games you want to be involved in, every team wants to make it to the last rounds and we’re one of the teams still in there, so we need to go out and make sure we can continue our momentum.

“Halifax have improved dramatically. They beat a Leigh side who have been in great form and make no mistake about it, they’ve got great players all over the pitch. We’ve got to focus on ourselves and play to our strengths. They’re in the bottom half of the league but really that’s a false position because they’re much better than their position reflects and you can be sure we won’t be taking anything for granted.”

Powell hopes that Tony Tonks (knee) and Tommy Saxton (knee) will return, while Halifax coach Matt Calland expects captain Sean Penkywicz (toe) and Jon Goddard (ribs) to miss out.

Veteran centre Keith Senior has confirmed he will play on next year despite a season-ending injury – but admits it may not be with Leeds.

The 35-year-old, who underwent major knee surgery last week, is out of contract at the end of the season.

“I am going to play on next season, definitely,” he said.

“I have still got a lot to offer. I will be playing on but as to where, that is something that needs to be sorted out.”

Great Britain’s amateur team made it two wins out of two on their Western Australia tour with a 44-0 rout of North Beach Sea Eagles in Perth. West Hull back-row Tom Radley and Craig Jeffels, of Castleford Lock Lane, scored two tries for the Lions, who led only 10-0 at half-time but turned on the style after the break.

New South Wales set up a mouthwatering State of Origin decider next month with a gutsy 18-8 win over Queensland at a soggy ANZ Stadium.

Bradford Bulls stand-off Kyle Briggs has become Harlequins’ seventh loan acquisition of the season.

Hull KR captain Michael Vella has been named in Malta’s train-on squad for the 2011 European Shield.