Trio sign new deals with Halifax RLFC

Forward Moore extends his stay at The Shay for another turn after enjoying his best season yet in the blue and white hoops.

Moore picked up the Star Man Award in 2019 for Halifax RLFC Player of the Season, after picking up Players’ Player of the Season the previous year. He was also nominated for Championship young player of the season in both 2018 & 2019, crowning a solid rise through the ranks from promising reserve talent to reliable first team hooker.

“I am really happy to have signed another year at Halifax, making it my 6th season at the club” Moore told the club’s website. “It has been unfortunate that we have not been able to play due to the current circumstances happening at the moment.

“I have really missed training and playing on the weekends and I am looking forward to getting back in and getting started. A lot of lads are moving on who have been a big part of the team and the club and they will be a big miss both on and off the field. I wish them all the best.

“I have full faith in Simon building a strong squad for the new season and looking forward to getting back out there in the near future, with old and new faces.”

The 24 year old has made 108 first team appearances at Halifax to date, scoring 16 tries since making his debut against Pilkington Recs in the 2016 Challenge Cup.

And Fax boss Simon Grix was happy to have the former Castleford academy product signed and sealed for 2021.

“Brandon has become an important cog in our team and up there with the best 9’s in the competition for me. He has a great attitude and continues to work hard to improve his game. He’s a leader by action and we are certainly happy he is on board for 2021.”

Winger Robinson joined Fax from Featherstone ahead of the 2019 season, and quickly established himself as a solid starter at The Shay.

The pacey three-quarter has scored 16 tries in 34 appearances so far during his Halifax career, and was an ever present during a disrupted 2020 league season, scoring 3 tries in 4 games before covid-19 lead to the suspension of the Championship.

And the 31 year old is looking forward to contiuing his career in West Yorkshire.

“I’m really happy to have signed another year at this great club”, said Robinson. “Me and my family are looking forward to seeing everyone down at The Shay soon. I think we all need to jump on board and get behind Simon as I believe the culture he is bringing to the club will only bring success. A few huge personalities/good friends have left the club and which will be irreplaceable but I still believe we will be better next season. I can’t wait to pull the blue and white on again and see all the fans next season. Stay safe.”

Fax boss Simon Grix was happy to have Robinson back on board for another go around.

“Robbo although small in stature is very tough, very competitive and plays a high energy game with no thought for self preservation. The lads love playing with him and appreciate his willingness to put his hand up and get us moving forward. We are looking forward to seeing this again in 2021.”

Winger McGrath progressed through the clubs reserve grade system to break into the Fax first team, going on to score a debut hattrick against Sheffield at Wakefield in 2017.

The 25 year old winger, who can also play centre, has seen first team opportunities limited during his time with the club but with the departure of Jodie Broughton, he has a chance to stake a claim for a regular starting spot in Simon Grix’s side as he continues his development in the blue and white.

He scored 1 try in a single appearance for Fax during 2020 before Covid-19 lead to the cancellation of the Championship calendar and sporting schedules across the world.

But the former Salford academy product is already looking forward to next season and the resumption of rugby league.

“I’m buzzing to have signed for Fax again. I’m on board with what Simon is building here and looking forward to playing at The Shay again after a long break. Halifax have been good to me ever since I joined the reserves so it was an easy decision to stay for another year. Pre season will no doubt be the hardest yet after all this time off but we will be firing come february and ready to go.”

And Head Coach Simon Grix was happy to have the speedster back in his ranks for another year.

“Conor has been improving steadily since Martin Gonzalez got him to the club and has aquitted himself well whenever called upon, displaying his finishing qualities as well as putting his hand up for the tough stuff. He’s a pleasure to coach, and I look forward to seeing him develop further.”

McGrath has made 16 first team appearances so far during his Shay tenure, scoring 10 tries, and will be looking to continue his upward trajectory with the West Yorkshire outfit. He spent four games on loan with York City Knights and Dewsbury Rams in 2019, scoring 3 tries.