Championship Preview: Halifax v Keighley

Sam Barlow and Iain Morrison remain sidelined for Halifax as coach Karl Harrison plots to keep his team’s 100 per cent record in 2013.

‘Fax have seen off Sheffield Eagles and Workington Town in their first two fixtures, but Harrison will not be taking anything for granted on Sunday.

Harrison said: “Keighley have got a lot of ex-Halifax players in their ranks, which always adds a little bit of extra spice to the occasion. They’ve got personnel who can hurt you, so we’ll have to be on guard.”

And Harrison admits to being buoyed by his squad’s defensive effort in their 20-8 win at Workington last week.

He said: “Defence is an area we’ve worked hard on during the off-season. At times last year we were a little bit soft in our goal-line defence, but three times against Workington we defended 18 tackles on our own line. That’s very pleasing.”

Keighley Cougars coach Paul March expects to name an unchanged side for the trip to The Shay.

Cougars are without a win so far, but March is excited by the prospect of a local derby.

He said: “We’ve had some very close games at The Shay, and it’s a place Keighley enjoy going to. It’d be nice to get a win there and give our supporters something to shout about.

“Karl will have Halifax firing and it will be a big test for us, but it’s one we’re capable of overcoming.”