Halifax Panthers' McComb guarding against complacency ahead of Newcastle Thunder trip

Zack McComb believes Halifax Panthers need to treat Newcastle Thunder with respect as they eye their fifth straight Betfred Championship victory, writes Seb Sternik.
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Halifax last made the trip to Kingston Park stadium in May last year as they powered to a 32-0 victory. The reverse fixture was far from straightforward as the Thunder - who were 12-0 down at half-time - battled back and came within two points of striking a significant upset at the Shay.

This time round, the Panthers will arrive in the North East on the back of a comfortable 40-18 victory over Barrow Raiders.

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Zack McComb scored a second-half brace in that victory despite having to switch positions to the wing following James Woodburn-Hall’s injury.

Zack McCombZack McComb
Zack McComb

“It’s always good to get over,” said the 26-year-old. “Obviously I went to the wing, started getting a bit more ball, a bit of service from Saltonstall. Probably better service then I give him actually. Good to get over and a good win for us.”

When asked about the difficulty of switching positions, he added: “It’s not too tough because I’ve done a lot of pre-season there and I played a lot of games there as well. I don’t mind it so much now.

"If I went somewhere a bit wild like back row or full back, I think I might have been a bit nervous. But wing, I don’t mind so much.”

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A win over Newcastle this weekend could move Halifax into the top six for the first time this season.

Looking ahead to Saturday’s trip, McComb said: “We’ve got a good side and we’re playing well at the minute.

“It’s four [wins] on the bounce so just keep moving, keeping rolling, and wins will keep coming. But they’re a good side so we’ve got to respect Newcastle and prep well.”