Halifax star aiming for double glory
Luke Ambler is aiming to help Halifax take the first step towards an historic league and Cup double this season by defeating Keighley Cougars when the sides meet in a Co-operative Championship play-off fixture on Thursday September 6 (7.30pm).
Ambler played a key role in guiding Halifax to Northern Rail Cup glory earlier this season and the powerhouse prop is confident they can continue in their quest for a first trophy double since 1903 when they take on Keighley in front of the Premier Sports cameras on Thursday.
“This year has been great for me,” said Ambler. “I have won the Northern Rail Cup, I’m playing for my home town club, playing with a team who strive for success and hopefully we will get to the Championship Grand Final as well.
“Winning the Northern Rail Cup was a dream come true for me and I want to repeat that experience by winning the Championship final as well. Victory at Blackpool was a great experience for everyone at the club but that success has made us all even hungrier to get to the Championship final and fight for a second trophy.
“When Karl (Harrison) came in as coach at the start of the season he explained that he had a three-year plan and so far we are on target. We have great quality within our squad and we want to continue achieving success together.”
Having joined Halifax from Leeds Rhinos at the beginning of this season, Ambler has enjoyed a successful start to life in the Championships and the Irish international is dreaming of helping his home-town club continue their recent trophy haul, but he knows they can’t underestimate the Cougars.
“We have tried our best to refocus since the win in Blackpool,” he said. “The game took a lot out of us and I think that showed in the following matches, but training is going well and the mood in camp is positive and we’re focusing on the games ahead.
“Keighley have a lot of experienced players in their squad and they are a well-structured team so we know we are in for a a tough encounter on Thursday night.
“But we’re confident and we have a fantastic set of fans behind us who really spur us on so I hope we can repay them for all the support they show the club this season and give them something else to really shout about.”
Halifax take on Keighley Cougars in the Co-operative Champions play-off at The Shay on Thursday September 6 (7.30pm) with tickets for the game costing from £15 adult, £10 concessions and £1 for children with tickets available to purchase on the day.
Tickets to the Co-operative Championships Finals Day on Sunday September 30 at The Halliwell Jones Stadium, Warrington cost from just £16 adult, £8 concessions and can be purchased by calling the RFL Ticket office on 0844 856 1113 or by visiting www.rugbyleaguetickets.co.uk
