Halifax coach Matt Calland is relishing the chance to fly the flag for the Co-operative Championships when his side compete in the Carnegie Floodlit 9s on Wednesday August 25.

Victory in the Northern ail Cup 9s at Fylde 10 days ago secured Halifax entry into the Carnegie Floodlit 9s, where they will go up against Super League opposition at Headingley Carnegie Stadium.

Halifax head coach Matt Calland is relishing the opportunity to fly the flag for the Co-Operative Championship by taking his side to Leeds to compete against some of the best players in Rugby League. 

“Everybody at the club is really looking forward to it, we had a great day out in Blackpool and we thoroughly enjoyed the day and the atmosphere,” said Calland.

“Now we’re all looking forward to testing ourselves at a higher level against other clubs and the players can’t wait.

“It will be a big challenge as it comes on the back of a trip to France for us; we play Toulouse in the last game of the season on the Saturday.  It will be a quick turnaround but we will be taking a full strength squad, so we are really going for it.”

Halifax have put in a few extra hours of 9s training in preparation for their experience at Headingley.

“We had a nine against nine training session before the Northern Rail 9s, so we will probably do the same again before the Floodlit tournament” explained Calland. “We are playing on the Saturday so we will just have a look at the rules and have a run through, playing with fewer men.”

Calland is also looking forward to travelling to Headingley to play at one of Rugby League’s top grounds.

“It’s a great place to go, I hadn’t been there for a long time but I watched the Huddersfield game against Leeds and I couldn’t believe how much the stadium had developed,” he said. “The atmosphere was fantastic so it will be a great occasion for the players, the club and the fans.”

Not only will Calland’s squad be able to test themselves against some of the best players in Rugby League, but with £10,000 in prize money available to the winning side, they may also be able to strengthen the club’s financial position.

“Obviously all the clubs are struggling at the moment and it would be a great boost for the club if we were to get the £10,000, but I’m sure the other clubs will have a lot to say about that to.”

Halifax will also have a player taking part in Rugby League’s Fastest Man competition, with Calland choosing winger Rob Worrincy to represent the team.

“Rob is a really good athlete, he’s quick and he’s strong and he’ll definitely be going all out to win it,” said Calland. “With the prize money being £1,000 he’ll definitely be up for that.”