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Rugby League National Conference: Siddal aiming to cut the gap
SIDDAL will be looking to play their first game for three weeks in the Premier Division of the National Conference when Leigh Miners visit Chevinedge tomorrow.
Lee Greenwood's side have seen their last two fixtures against Hull Dockers and Wigan St Judes fall victim to the weather, a brace of postponements that has seen them slip to third on the league ladder.
Victory this weekend would haul them above the Miners into second, behind pace-setters Leigh East.
"It's an important game for us," said captain Nick Smith.
"It's only a point separating us from Miners, but we're five behind Easts and even with a game in hand we need to keep that gap from getting too big.
"Miners are a good side, they were up there for most of last season, but faded a bit towards the end.
"They seem to have brought a few younger players in though and it's paying dividends for them.
"We were in front when we played them over at their place but let things slip and then they won it with a penalty late on.
"It should be a good hit out for us."
Smith expects Siddal to be at full strength, with the exception of international half back Lee Gudor, who is in Dubai with a BARLA sevens squad.
"We've had a good couple of weeks training, so everyone is fit and there is real competition for places," said Smith.
"We've probably lost a bit of momentum because we've had a break and it's important we get that back as soon as we can."
England half-back sensation Kyle Eastmond has not ruled out a switch to rugby union, despite signing a new two-year deal with St Helens.
The 20-year-old utility back, whose fairytale first full season in Super League culminated in his selection for England's Four Nations final team, yesterday ended speculation over his immediate future by signing a 12-month extension to his current contract with Saints.
Eastmond's manager Martin Offiah also believes the player will sign an even longer deal with St Helens before considering whether to try his hand in the 15-man code.
Offiah admits Eastmond's form this year - he was St Helens' man of the match in the Grand Final - sparked interest from rugby union clubs and reveals he spoke to Sale head coach Jason Robinson about a player increasingly compared with the ex-Wigan winger but insists there were no offers on the table.
"There were conversations and I actually spoke to Jason Robinson but there was nothing definite," he said. "And the bottom line was Kyle wants to play for Saints.
"Both sides are happy with the two-year deal because it gives them both breathing space and it gives Kyle the opportunity to go out there and become the finished article.
"It's too early to sign him on a long-term deal because I believe you only sign long-term deals once you reach the top.
"In two years' time, Kyle will be a much better player and I should imagine that, in 12 to 18 months, he will be signing a long-term deal at Saints. That's the plan."
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Weather for Halifax
Thursday 09 February 2012
Today
Light snow
Temperature: -0 C to 1 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: West
Tomorrow
Light snow
Temperature: -2 C to 0 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
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