The vastly-experienced front row forward had vowed to make last season his final one after a career that began at Campion School in Hornchurch, Essex, and took in spells at Wakefield, Newbury and Cleckheaton.

However, he has been forced to bring his boots out of storage again after being persuaded to sign up at Ovenden Park by Halifax forwards coach Dave Harrison.

The pair had worked together at Cleckheaton under former Fax ace John Bentley and once Lamptey had given himself time to mull over the offer, he decided he would join former Moorend teammates Steve Worsley, Paul Turner and Dom Castle in Rhys Morgan's new-look squad.

"It is really down to 'Harry' that I am at Halifax," said Lamptey. "I had officially retired at the end of last season but he and a few of the other boys were calling me on a fairly regular basis and that is what has brought me down here."

Lamptey has been impressed with what he has seen so far and is hoping Halifax can transfer the attitude they have shown in training into their match situations.

"I am really looking forward to it," added Lamptey. "The squad is looking pretty good and the boys are certainly hungry for it

"It should be a good season and I am hoping we are one of the stronger teams in the league and certainly looking to be pushing up near the top."

Lamptey is, in particular, relishing the derby clashes and the opportunity to lock horns with yet more old pals

"It has always been the case in Yorkshire that there is a strong rugby contingent which makes derby games inevitable," said Lamptey. "No matter which club you're playing for there is always some oppostion not that far away.

"Take Huddersfield, who were promoted into this league. I know people there from my time at Wakefield, certainly Mark Sowerby and Neil Summers who are on the coaching staff there, and I am looking forward to meeting them again.

"In fact I am just looking forward to getting started now. There is more fun in playing than actually training I can tell you that."