Thackeray confident ahead of Dewsbury clash with Halifax

Anthony Thackeray is in confident mood ahead of Dewsbury’s elimination play-off game with Halifax this weekend.

The halfback himself is in superb form this season, having picked up the Supporters’ Player of the Year, Players’ Player of the Year and Rams Man of Steel Award at his club.

He is expecting the Scott Murrell-coached Fax team to be a real challenge, though.

“The win against Workington was bigger than expected, we thought they were going to come at us hard but the effort we put in was just too much for them,” said Thackeray.

“To score a hat-trick and pick up the man of the match award was a good feeling. If you play well you gain confidence and it’s pleasing to see all of the team performing well too.

“We beat Halifax at home and they beat us at their place so we’re equal. Scott Murrell is doing a great job on and off the field for them and he’ll definitely have them pumped up for our arrival on Sunday.

“They’ve got some quality players in their squad which are well aware of.”

Thackeray feels that the Rams’ coaching staff have been key to their drive to the play-offs this season.

“Glenn Morrison and Damian Gibson have had a real influence on my game this season,” he explained.

“Their man-management skills and video sessions with individual players have been outstanding. All the lads love playing under these two which makes a big difference to our performances.

“I’m very humble to win three awards at the club this year. The team mean the world to me and this year is probably the happiest I’ve ever been playing Rugby League.

“The fans have been fantastic all season and are so loud even when things aren’t going our way. I hope plenty make the trip over to Halifax. It’ll help us get that little bit closer to the Grand Final.”