The 41-year-old, who led the West Vale club to Twickenham glory on the same day as Halifax on that memorable afternoon in April 2002, jumped at the chance to become involved at Ovenden Park and will bring a wealth of experience to the club.

He will join head coach Rhys Morgan and Richard Szabo in helping to shape and fine tune Halifax's squad for their forthcoming National Three (North) campaign.

Harrison had been on ex-Halifax RLFC and British Lion John Bentley's coaching staff at Cleckheaton after leaving Heath but took the best part of a year out to devote his time to family matters.

Now he is chomping at the bit and is looking forward to bringing some of his ideas to bear in his new surroundings.

"To start with I received a call, I met with the officials and basically jumped at the chance," said Harrison.

"It came at exactly the right time for me as I had taken some time out and was ready to return.

"It didn't take me long to make my mind up because the job ticked all the right boxes. I was ready to get involved again after taking some time out, it was the chance to coach at National League level.

"On top of that I am a Halifax lad and I know a lot of people at the club such as Oli Marns, Grayham Smith and John Lister, so it felt very comfortable.

"I have a lot of time for these people and I am really looking forward to working with them."

While brought on board as a specialist forwards coach, Harrison fully expects to be standing shoulder to shoulder with Morgan both in training and on the sidelines during Saturday afternoons throughout the season.

And he is in no doubt that the experience he gained while working alongside Bentley will stand him in good stead.

"I am a far better coach now for the experience I had at Cleckheaton," added Harrison. "I learned so much from John Bentley, a person I respect and somebody who has become a very close personal friend.

"The reason I left Heath for Cleckheaton in the first place was because I wanted to challenge myself at a higher level.

"Now I have the opportunity to continue that challenge at Halifax."

Harrison still reflects on that day at Twickenham six years ago, adding: "It does give the two clubs some common ground.

"Scoring a try at Twickenham has to be the highlight of my playing career, but I do regret not playing at a higher level at a young age.

"Having experienced National League standards at Cleckheaton, I honestly feel I could have coped with it.

"But that has passed and so I have to concentrate on achieving success through coaching."

Harrison's appetite has been whetted by the quality of players Halifax have retained and are signing and he is hopeful of a much better season next time around.

"There are some good players at the club and the recruitment drive is very much ongoing," said Harrison.