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Halifax HRLFC - Remember '96: Fairbank
HALIFAX boss Matt Calland should seek solace in the events of more than a decade ago as he and his players deal with the crushing disappointment of last weekend's Northern Rail Cup semi final loss to Widnes.
That was the verdict of his former Bradford teammate and ex-Fax reserve grade boss Karl Fairbank today.
Fairbank, 46, and Calland both played in the Bulls sides that lost back-to-back Wembley finals in heartbreaking fashion at the hands of St Helens in 1996 and 1997.
The Odsal side bounced back to become one of the powerhouses of English rugby league over the next 10 years, and Fairbank reckons there are valuable lessons for Fax, who slipped to a 27-22 defeat at the hands of the Vikings, in their success.
"You learn from losing in big games, we did at Bradford and Halifax will do too," said Fairbank, who also had specific words of encouragement for Fax half back Ben Black, whose late error helped swing the contest the Vikings' way.
"It's no consolation at the time, and it will be no consolation to Blacky at the moment, but players learn from their mistakes.
"The next time they are in a game like that, they will do things differently.
"Matt knows that and I am sure this will make them even more determined to go on and win the league and the Grand Final, which is the one they really want anyway.
"We always knew at Bradford we were going places as a club and a team; you just got that feeling.
"You can see the same thing happening at Halifax, they just need to keep working and keep building and it will come right for them."
Fairbank's official involvement with Fax ended last summer after the club temporarily axed their reserve set up to focus resources on rebuilding their scholarship programme.
But with a new under 20s side set for 2010, the former Great Britain forward did not close the door on a return - if Fax want him.
"I've enjoyed the time away, and I haven't missed it as much as I thought I would," said Fairbank.
"But you'd never say never."
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Saturday 11 February 2012
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