All eyes will be on ex-Trinity fullback, Scott Grix, on Sunday as Wakefield make the short, West Yorkshire trip to Halifax to celebrate his career.
After making over 300 appearances, spanning across 18 years, the tricky back hung up his boots at the end of 2021, finishing his career under the tutelage of his brother, Simon.
Throughout his two spells at the Be Well Support Stadium, Grix played over 80 games in Red, White & Blue, firstly throughout the 2008/09 before returning in 2017.
After signing from Widnes prior to the 2008 Super League season, Grix found himself a constant in John Kear’s side, racking up over 40 appearances in his maidan campaign, helping the club to eighth in the league standings.
A six-year stretch with Huddersfield Giants followed, before the 37-year-old returned to his old stomping ground, returning under the influence of then Trinity boss, Chris Chester.
Much to the same tune as his first spell, Grix became a regular in the Trinity side, making a further 43 appearances, scoring 13 tries, whilst captaining the side seven times on their way to a fifth-place finish.
A subsequent spell with Huddersfield followed before Grix eventually returned to his hometown, signing and retiring with Halifax in 2021.
Ourselves
Trinity’s first run out ahead of the 2022 season ended in a Boxing Day defeat to the Rhinos, however, there was plenty to ponder for Willie Poching.
The Trinity head coach brought out the young guns for the clash at Headingly and wasn’t disappointed by what he had witnessed.
A first try from academy graduate, Lewis Murphy, set the bar for Wakefield early on, with the side featuring multiple fresh faces.
However, all eyes will be firmly focused on Sunday, bolstered by recent by the signs of John Davetanivalu and Tom Minns, Trinity will be heading to The Shay excited for another challenge.
The Boss
Trinity boss, Willie Poching, is looking forward to seeing his side in action once again, with players who didn’t feature on Boxing Day in line to play tomorrow.
“By the end of tomorrow we will have looked at most of the squad which will be good for us staff and everyone will have had a hit-out, with exception of a few guys carrying injuries,” said Poching.
“All the players are really excited to get back out there and play some rugby tomorrow afternoon as we step up our preparations for the 2022 campaign.”
The opposition: Halifax Panthers
Built upon stern Foundations, Halifax Panthers’ side will be littered with familiar faces when the two sides meet at the weekend.
After another positive year under head coach, Simon Grix, 2021 saw the Panthers march up the league standings, finally finishing third behind Featherstone and newly-crowned champions, Toulouse.
That being said, the off-season was kind to the West Yorkshire side, making a whole host of Super League-level signings, bringing both Joe Arundel and Kyle Wood across from Belle Vue.
2022 starts on Sunday, however, and with one eye on the future, the Panthers will pose a stern test for our lads when they meet at the Shay on the 16th.
In-profile: Halifax Panthers
Nickname(s): Fax/Panthers
Colours: Blue & White
Founded: 1873; 149 years ago
Ground: The Shay
Head Coach: Simon Grix
Competition: Betfred Championship
Match Details
Who: Halifax Panthers RLFC
Where: The Shay, Shaw Hill, Halifax, HX1 2YS
When: Sunday, 16th January (3pm)
Competition: Scott Grix Testimonial (Pre-Season Friendly)