Halifax land Fairbank

Halifax have confirmed the signing of Jack Fairbank for the 2018 season after a successful trial period.

Jack joins cousin Jacob Fairbank at the Championship outfit and Jack admitted that it was a proud moment to sign for his hometown club.

He said: “It’s great news and something I’ve always wanted.

“Halifax is my hometown club so I’m excited to be joining. Jacob has been here a few years now and my dad played at Bradford so I want to follow in their footsteps.

“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do – turn professional. I’d describe myself as a bit of a workhorse in the middle really, I like carrying the ball and defence is one of the strong points in my game.

“I’ve learned a lot over the two months I’ve been here so far. I’ve picked up lots of little tips from Rich (Richard Marshall) and couldn’t speak any more highly of him.”

Fairbank is likely to feature for the club’s reserve team but Fax head coach Marshall thinks he could push for a spot in the first team.

“It’ll be difficult to break into the first team with what we’ve got and the Castleford players that we could potentially have but at the same time we want a strong reserve grade,” Marshall said.

“We want players who are pushing the first team players to improve. And if the ones at the top end of our young players – whether it’s Sion Jones, Frazer Morris or Jack Fairbank – if they’re playing well and we feel they deserve a chance in the first team then we’ll have a look at them.”