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Halifax RLFC: Matt's praise for Fax rookies
HALIFAX coach Matt Calland has expressed his satisfaction at the progress being made by rookie backs Anthony Bowman and Graham Charlesworth.
Bowman, the 16 year old brother of back rower Andy, joined Fax in the autumn after asking to leave Super League giants Wigan just months into a three year contract.
The talented stand off made a fleeting cameo appearance in the pre season defeat at Featherstone on Boxing Day - only his second game outside junior rugby - but turned in an altogether more impressive performance last weekend as Fax downed neighbours Huddersfield 32-18 in the Infirmary Cup.
Charlesworth, the elder statesman of the pair at 22, made a late start to life as a professional with Fax's reserve side last year after a string of prolific Pennine League seasons, first with Boothtown and latterly with Halifax Irish.
The slightly-built utility back touched down at Post Office Road on his senior debut and looked sharp after coming on at full back against the Giants.
"I have been really pleased with both of them," enthused Calland.
"When you think that Anthony is 16, I think his performance against Huddersfield was very good.
"He's still growing, but you can see he has great skills and if he keeps working hard, and we keep developing those skills, then we could have a very good player on our hands over the next couple of years.
"Graham really impressed me too against Huddersfield, and there were a couple of occasions where he was very close to being in the clear.
"If he does that, there aren't many players going to catch him.
"He still has a lot of work to do physically, but he's training very well and it's been a good start for him."
Calland reported no major injury worries ahead of his side's next pre season outing against Keighley on January 18, although Bob Beswick (elbow), Mark Gleeson (knee), Mick Govin (hamstring) and Rob Worrincy (calf) have all been in the treatment room this week.
One player who Calland confirmed is fit is captain Sean Penkywicz.
Rumours have been circulating that Fax's livewire playmaker has his hand - the subject of so much injury anguish last season - in pot, a suggestion Calland was quick to refute.
"Sean turned up at the squad presentation night with a bandage on his hand and it seems to have stemmed from that," said Calland.
"He'd actually burned himself on a stove, but he's okay and, at the moment, he will play against Keighley."
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Saturday 11 February 2012
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