Fax's Kaye: New challenge will spur me on

Halifax hooker Ben Kaye has said the arrival of Brandon Moore from Castleford has further focused the minds of the club's prospective number nines.

Kaye and former Warrington junior Ryan Maneely dominated the position in 2015 and Kaye picked up where left off in Sunday’s pre-season opener against Widnes, springing off the bench in the final quarter to play an influential role as Fax secured an 18-18 draw.

But Moore, a low key recruit from the Tigers’ under 19s who could feature in the club’s second friendly at Keighley on Wednesday night (7.30), had already shown enough to suggest he is capable of pushing for a regular spot when the Championship kicks off next month.

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“Brandon coming in was probably a rocket up my backside, if I’m honest,” laughed Kaye.

“He’s come in from Castleford where he was Player of the Year in the 19s and he’s going to challenge me and Ryan and Connor Robinson.

“We’re all under some pressure now, right through the team, and I think that’s going to make everyone play better.

“Generally, it was nice to see the young kids take the game on like that in the second half at Widnes.

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“I thought Elliot Morris looked really strong when he carried the ball and Brandon did a good job at hooker.

“It’s a long season and you need to know you’ve got the players to cover those positions.

“It was good for everyone to get out there, have a run out and start nailing a few of the attacking shapes we’ve been working on.

“Widnes’ squad was a decent one and if you look at the result we’d be happy with it.

“We played well and there’s plenty for us to build on.”