Halifax Panthers v Sheffield Eagles preview: Fax ‘starting to turn corner’ with ‘quality’ Alfie Johnson back in ranks

Fax ended a four-game losing streak by beating the Rams 30-16 at The Shay, with many notable individual performances.

The game marked the long-awaited return of Alfie Johnson who caused problems throughout the entertaining contest, while Darius Carter was also a handful for the Rams to deal with.

Now Eastmond’s men will be looking to back that up at The Shay this Friday, May 15 (kick off 7.30pm), when they entertain Sheffield Eagles under the floodlights.

Eastmond told BBC Radio Leeds: “I was really happy with loads in the (Dewsbury) game, and there are loads to get better at which is exciting. We were direct, we played the way we train, and there was an urgency off the ball which is what we were wanting to improve on.

“We are starting to turn that corner with more bodies on board. We might be able to get one or two back for Friday. But we will get back in and we will prepare the best we can for Sheffield and hopefully get another two points.”

On Johnson’s outstanding performance, Eastmond added: “I’m happy for him. He just gives you that boost. It’s just quality. Some players bring different things but Alfie has just got that sheer quality.”

Fax director Adam Butterfield echoed Eastmond’s sentiments. He told the Courier: “What a breath of fresh air that boy is to this club.

“He oozes confidence and he changed the game. Just having back in the team was brilliant. We will be sitting down with the players over the next few weeks to start building for 2027. A lot is going on behind the scenes with the players, coaching staff and myself to start cementing for 2027.

“He’s (Alfie) someone we want to build around.”

On getting people to The Shay on Friday, Butterfield added: “Let’s get them out here. Bring everyone and let’s fill The Shay and support the boys.”