Barlow misses Sheffield clash

Halifax second row Sam Barlow will not feature against his old team after being handed a two-match ban by the RFL’s disciplinary panel.

Barlow was also fined £50 after being found guilty of committing a high tackle on Bradford’s Andy Lynch during a Carnegie Challenge Cup tie.

Fax lost 30-18 at Featherstone in their most recent Co-operative Championship fixture, although coach Matt Calland was pleased with his side’s display.

He said: “It was a big step forward. We still made too many mistakes, but the spirit is there and our confidence will grow.”

Misi Taulapapa could make his first start of the season as Mark Aston searches for a winning formula.

The Samoan international came off the bench in Eagles’ 44-8 defeat against Leigh last week.

But coach Aston could be tempted to draft him in at full back from the start in a bid to reverse the club’s current form.

Aston was left so disappointed by last week’s performance that he is warning his squad to expect changes.

He said: “There are a few injuries, and I’ll have to have a look at everybody’s performance. People who aren’t doing the job will come out of the squad.”