Halifax agree terms with three number nines

Halifax have announced the signings of Paul Mennell and Ben Kaye, whilst they have also secured a contract extension for youngster Keith Holden.

All three of the players are primarily hookers, and head coach Karl Harrison is hoping they will make a difference to his side’s distribution in 2014.

Mennell, 26, arrives from Batley after the former Huddersfield and Bradford playmaker made 27 appearances for the Bulldogs in 2013.

Kaye, 24, was recently released after three successful years with Fax’s Championship rivals Featherstone.

Holden, 20, is a former England Schoolboy international who made three appearances in what was his debut season in 2013.

Harrison had this to say on his two new signings: “Mennell has come through good systems at Bradford and Huddersfield and he’s done a great job for Batley.

“He distributes the ball very well and he can defend in the middle of the park without people going through him.

“He’s also quicker than people think; if he gets through the line, he isn’t coming back.

“Kaye is rock solid, as tough as they come and he’s a smart kid who knows how to run a game. He’s played plenty of Super League and he’s been part of that tough culture that Daryl (Powell) built up at Featherstone.

“He was really keen to come here and, again, he’s a very good passer of the ball.

“We struggled at times this year with our distribution and both Paul and Ben will help us get the ball to where it needs to be that little bit quicker.

On Holden Harrison said: “Hindsight is a wonderful thing, but if we had been braver we’d have given Keith his chance earlier than we did.

“With a big off season under his belt he is going to put a lot of pressure on people next season.”