Royston looking to end on a high

Shad Royston, Halifax’s free-scoring full-back, is aiming for a fairytale ending in Sunday’s Co-operative Championship Grand Final against Featherstone Rovers at Warrington.

The match will be Royston’s last hurrah for Halifax before he joins Bradford Bulls and he is determined to bow out on a high by helping Halifax secure their first silverware since 1987.

“It’s definitely something to look forward to,” said Royston. “It’s a Grand Final and everyone wants to play in these games.

“I’ve had four great years at Halifax and this is an opportunity for me to leave on a high. The club and the fans have been fantastic for me in the last few years and they’ve made my time at the club extra special.

“I couldn’t have asked for any more from the club, fans or players in my time here and to leave as a Grand Final winner would be an amazing end to my time here.”

With Royston just one of several players set to depart from the club this season, there will be an extra emphasis within the squad to secure victory but having lost to Featherstone in all three of the side’s previous meetings this season, the full-back knows the Grand Final will be far from easy, but he’s hoping the experience of losing in last year’s Grand Final to Barrow Raiders will give Halifax the edge this time around.

“I’m expecting a tough game,” he said. “It’s going to be tough because the teams that make it to a Grand Final are obviously high quality. Featherstone have had the edge over us this season and their form has been good, but we’re in decent form too and we had a good win against Sheffield.

“I think our experience will play a part in the game to a certain extent. Losing a Grand Final last season was heart-wrenching for everyone at the club, we were all devastated afterwards. But getting the chance to go back again is great.

“A few of our players will be playing in their last game for the club and we’re all looking to leave on a high. Guys like David Wrench and Dave Larder are set to retire so it’s going to add a little extra emotion to the game and make us extra determined to win.”