Grix: Sunday’s opponents Leigh are ‘a different beast’

Fax, comfortable 28-4 winners over York last weekend, sit fifth on the embryonic league ladder, with two wins from three starts compared to Leigh’s three-from-three.

But Grix is well aware of the size of the challenge facing his side, who beat Sheffield and lost to Dewsbury before Sunday’s success against the Knights, with John Duffy’s outfit currently averaging 40 points a game.

“York were the best side we’ve played, but the Leighs of this competition are a different beast,” said Grix.

“They’ve got an owner who goes out and gets them what they want, which means they’ve got some very good players and their coach has turned that into a very good team.

“We’ve had some tough games against them over the last few years and, for whatever reason, they’ve often ended up getting a bit niggly.

“They’re not unbeatable, they’ve got weaknesses like any team, but it’s going to be a tough, physical day at the office whatever happens and we’re not going there with any pressure on us.

“We need more of what we did well against York: Kick well, chase hard and defend with that same desperation.

“If we do that, we’ll stick in the game and then see what happens.”

Grix, whose side have a weekend off after this Sunday before hosting London at the Shay on March 22, seems unlikely to make sweeping changes to the team that distanced the Knights so comfortably.

Huddersfield forward Sam Hewitt is again poised to play on dual-registration, while on-loan Hull FC half back Liam Harris could also figure if the Humberside club’s medical staff give him the all clear after a foot injury.

Grix will also have Ed Barber available for selection after a one-week suspension, while half back Tom Gilmore is also close to fitness after his hamstring scare.

“We’re pretty healthy, so there are some tough choices to be made in the interests of the team and some people are probably going to be upset,” said Grix.

“We will hopefully have Sam again, but I’m not particularly expecting to be offered anything else from Huddersfield.

“Liam’s feeling good, and he’s moving well, but he needs to complete his medical protocol and that’s down to Hull to sign off, so it’s out of our hands at the moment.

“Gilly could be in contention, but I’m not sure James Woodburn-Hall deserves to be moved out of that position after the weekend, so we’ll see how those two train this week.

“That performance has to be Woody’s minimum standard now; he got involved, defended well, did some nice things with the ball.

“I was pretty happy with him.”