Rikki Sheriffe believes he can turn back the clock to his best Halifax form after re-signing for his hometown club on a one year contract.
Sheriffe, a former Ovenden junior who turned professional with Huddersfield, first played for Fax in 2003, but was particularly impressive during the 2005 season, when Anthony Farrell’s side finished one game short of a Grand Final appearance.
The 28 year old went on to play in Super League for Harlequins and Bradford and has spent the last two years with Premiership rugby union outfit Newcastle Falcons.
“It’s nice to be back, it’s the kind of club you always want to come back to,” said Sheriffe, who is likely to be outnumbered by his younger brothers, Cougars Jessjo and Jode, when Fax travel to Keighley on Boxing Day for their opening pre-season fixture (12.0).
“I’ve done my travels now and I wanted to come home, play for Halifax again and be close to my friends and family.
“I live a few minutes from training, a few minutes from the ground; after a couple of years going up and down the A1 with Newcastle every weekend, it’s going to be nice to see more of my kids while being able to concentrate on my rugby.
“I’ve done a few training sessions and it’s been great. They’re a good bunch of lads and the stadium and the facilities are top class.
“I’m looking forward to getting on the field now.
“I had some great times here, especially in 2005 before I went to Harlequins, and always had a good rapport with the fans and I’m confident I can get back to that.”
But Sheriffe accepts the transition from full time 15-a-side to part time league player may not be plain sailing.
“I’ve been a full time player for eight years now, so I’m going to have to adapt,” said Sheriffe.
“It’s the difference between having all week to work on things and trying to squeeze everything into three of four two hour sessions.
“As far as playing goes, I’m hoping I’ll get used to the game again pretty fast.
“There was a big league influence at Newcastle - with Alan Tait and Paul Moriarty on the staff - and I’ve always watched the game; Super League and the odd game watching my brothers at Keighley.”
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