Halifax comment on Manning departure

Halifax have responded to speculation that Dane Manning is set to join Batley.

Halfiax commented that Manning wants to leave Fax after the vast majority of the club’s squad accepted a reduction in contract payments, to be compensated only upon achievement of a top four finish.

Halifax head coach Richard Marshall said in a statement: “After having a meeting with the players, all of them but one, Dane Manning, have taken a voluntary 10% pay cut to their playing wages, recognising the consequence of a very disappointing 2016.

“Dane has requested to leave and has been in conversation about leaving the club over the past 72 hours.

“We have done everything in our power to persuade Dane to stay, including offering him an extra year on his contract.

“Dane has been a stand out performer for Halifax during my time here – but he was adamant that he would not be playing his rugby at Halifax in 2017.

“In the light of those conversations, I had to make a judgement call regarding Dane and it looks like he will be leaving us.

“I would like to stress that no player is bigger than the Club and I would urge fans to focus on those who have chosen to stay and remain loyal to the Club and its values.

“The rest of the squad are fully on board and looking forward to the new season and in truth we feel this situation has galvanised the squad and made them even tighter.”