Halifax are counting the cost of their 36-12 defeat to Widnes on Sunday afternoon which could see them without Simon Grix and Will Sharp for Saturday afternoons crucial trip to the Halliwell-Jones where they will take on the Warrington Wolves.



Still looking for their first points in the Qualifiers, defeat at the weekend could signal the end of their quest for Super League in 2018.

A win for Featherstone Rovers would see them leapfrog Bradford Bulls and Batley Bulldogs to take a place in the all important top four, but Halifax had a chance of joining Fev' and the Bulls on eighteen points if they could get the two points.



When these two sides met at the beginning of April it was a narrow one-point win for Halifax thanks to a last minute Tyrer penalty after a seventy-ninth minute Lilley drop goal.



The stage was set for a mouthwatering finale to a Summer Bash which had promised, and delivered, a superb weekend of rugby.

No-one was prepared for what would unfold.

There have been few games in Salford Red Devils recent history which have carried so much importance as today's visit to Halifax.

The Devils came into the game in fifth in the Qualifiers table but a victory by thirty-two points or more would see them up into top spot ahead of tomorrow's fixtures.



With all of the teams above them playing against one-another tomorrow a win would also go a long way towards helping the Devils avoid the perilous fourth or fifth positions.

If Halifax were to offer any challenge for a top five spot a home win was essential for them to kick start their Qualifiers campaign.

Championship giants Halifax RLFC announced during a club meeting this week that they have launched a special initiative in a bid to bring a fresh atmosphere to The Shay stadium.



Club directors Tony Abbott and Ian Croad announced to a packed audience in The Shay’s banqueting suite that they have named their next home fixture against Whitehaven as ‘THE BIG APPLE DAY’, which will be a summer family fun day for their fans to enjoy.



As well as providing entertainment for all ages throughout the afternoon, the initiative will culminate in the club giving away a three night holiday to New York for two lucky fans in the crowd.

Everybody who purchases a ticket for the game will receive a free ‘golden ticket’ entry into the prize draw, which will be conducted at half-time of the Championship fixture.