Troubles hopefully behind Halifax for visit of Barrow

Having been ejected from the Carnegie Challenge Cup for fielding an ineligible player, seeing head coach Matt Calland suspended and football director Martin Hall resign following the internal investigation that followed, it has hardly been ideal preparation for the Championship tie at The Shay.

But Calland was re-instated on Thursday and veteran Papuan Stanley Gene believes Halifax cannot use the off-field drama as any excuse when they face the champions.

"If we want to be at the top come the end of the year, these are the games we have to win," he said, the West Yorkshire club knowing victory will see them replace their opponents in third.

"Of course, we have been distracted by what has happened but we'll be ready to play. We have to be – Barrow are very strong."

Sheffield Eagles seek a third successive win when they entertain Toulouse this afternoon.

There will be 11 former York players in the Hunslet squad that heads to Huntington Stadium tomorrow, including eight from last season.

Hunslet coach Paul March was sacked by York last summer and took many of his squad to South Leeds where they are now challenging for the Championship One title.