Royston intent on applying silver finish with Halifax

The prolific full-back has signed a one-year deal at Odsal where he hopes to convert his outstanding lower division talent to Super League.

Tomorrow his goal is to bid for glory in the Co-operative Grand Final at Warrington.

League Leaders Shield winners Featherstone are favourites having defeated their West Yorkshire rivals on all three previous occasions this season, including a one-sided 46-16 final qualifier at Post Office Road more than a fortnight ago. But Royston, part of the side that lost last season's Grand Final to Barrow, is determined to go out in style and secure a first trophy since Halifax's famous Challenge Cup win over St Helens 23 years ago.

"I've had four great years at Halifax and this is an opportunity for me to leave on a high," he said.

"The club and the fans have been fantastic for me in the last few years and they've made my time here extra special. I couldn't have asked for any more from the club, fans or players in my career at Halifax and to leave as a Grand Final winner would be an amazing end to it all.

"It's definitely something to look forward to; everyone wants to play in these games."

The Sydney-born player, the Championship's joint top try-scorer with Batley's Johnny Campbell with 30, started out at Cronulla but has spent the last seven years in Yorkshire with Batley and then Doncaster before heading to The Shay.

Royston, one of a number of Halifax players who will leave after tomorrow, believes the knowledge gleaned from last year's final will hold them in good stead.

Featherstone have been dominant this season but this is their first showpiece since the inaugural event in 1998 and that is something Halifax will look to exploit. "I think our experience will play a part to a certain extent," said Royston. "Losing a Grand Final last season was heart-wrenching for everyone at the club. We were all devastated afterwards but getting the chance to go back again is great."

He scored Halifax's final try in the 42-16 demolition of Sheffield Eagles – the ninth game in a row Royston has crossed – to secure their passage to the Halliwell Jones Stadium at the second attempt. But he conceded: "I'm expecting a tough game.

"The teams that make it to a Grand Final are obviously high quality and Featherstone have had the edge over us this season.

"Their form has been good, but we're in decent form, too, and we had a good win against Sheffield.

"A few of our players will be playing in their last game for the club and we're all looking to leave on a high.

"Guys like David Wrench and Dave Larder are set to retire so it's going to add a little extra emotion to the game."