There are a lot of complex issues going on behind the scenes, and around this match, which we are not interested in from a 'politics' point of view. If only life were so simple as some seem to think....

We're simply hoping to raise money for James through putting on an entertaining evening, and who turns up to play does so of their own free will in recognition purely of this. If Ben comes and plays, great. If he doesn't, no problem. The night is about James, not Ben.

I know I haven't been around the office much just recently but from my view the testimonial committee have done a really great job

There's been at least 6 adverts in the courier over the last few weeks, there's 147 fans dining before tomorows game, they've done a superb testimonal brochure and just wait until you see the calendar they've put together.

the masters game kicks off at 6.30 (chris must only be you still working at that time on a friday!). . . the main game kicks off at 8pm. . . . you can pay on the gate. After the game and presentations its off to Liquid to "Foster" good relations with our Aussie opponents

re parking at the Shay with 147 diners numerous players for both games I'd say its unlikely that there will be any spare places based on our normal match day requirements.

All the players are giving their services free as a mark of appreciation to James. . . so no one is being forced to play . . those that are playing want to

There are very few players anywhere in the RFL who actually manage to play for their home town Club for 10 years or more, and there's not a nicer lad than James anywhere in our game

So why dont you all just get along there and say thanks to James on 10 fantastic years?

i'll be there for the first time in a couple of months, hopefully still taking pictures, so I hope to see as many of you guys as possible there too

Mike Riley

Blimey, it's a game of rugby, why have you mentioned "behind the scenes" ?
You mention "politics"
"complex issues?"
Lighten up man,
If you have something to say say it.

So i've heard.................

Your post makes no sense. I can't work out why it being a 'game of rugby' prevents any mention of issues behind the scenes

It was you who started the insinuations with 'the right hand doesn't know what the left hand is doing'

If YOU have something to say, why don't you say it?

Officeboy's nicked John's quadbike

I'm sure they are doing a superb job. I do however know a few people that have raised questions via email and haven't had a reply or they have called the club but have been told (rightly) that it's not a club organised event. It's hard organising an event and keeping on top of things so well done to all involved for pulling it together. Just hope they managed to get all the sponsors for the shirt in time.

My point was as I'm currently based in Leeds and with a finish at 5.30pm, a trip or should I say crawl on the M62 home then a quick shower and change I simply won't make it for 6.30pm and that's without having some tea!! I'm sure many are the same. Would have been nice for Ben to make an appearance in the main game so fans could at least show their appreciation. That was the expectation of many I believe. But as someone said before it isn't about Ben I was just bemused why he suddenly didn't seem to be playing.

Maybe it's not Ben's decision and he wants to play.. And why he is still hoping to turn out for the first game and still helping James with his game

It's been intimated in an earlier post that it is Bens decision. Anyway he's not playing in the main event so that's that. Shame that's all

When else will I be able to buy a copy of the brochure, I want one but dont fancy carrying it round all night!

I for one cant wait until tonight!

not dining but will make a full evening of it....and as a group we are bringing afew that dont normally attend. so hopefully they will get 'hooked' on the FAX!!!!

This is James night, not Bens.....however im sure Blackk will get his moment to say bye....

8 hrs and 8 mins until 'Shay time!'

Happy little man isn't he.

A big thanks to all involved with Burleigh Bears for making James' night such a special one for him and all the crowd who turned out on his night.
The game was a fully committed one with some big hits going in.
It was a nice touch to throw some freebies into the crowd and my shirt is just the right size, cheers!!
Hope you all enjoy the rest of your stay in England and thanks once again for the entertainment.

I enjoyed it, wish I had sat in the East Stand instead of our usual position in the South. Think I would have seen more of the second half.
Well done to everyone.

I for one enjoyed last night, it was good to see some old Halifax faces pulling on the shirt

It was good to see Faz pulling on a jersey, with all the “sack faz” shemozzle it is forgotten that as a player he did an excellent job for the fax, it was good to see MC back at fax along with Dave Larder and Ben Black pulling in the shirt for one last time as well as Wrenchy and Gannon

I also enjoyed Watching Jamie Bloem, he just looked up for it in the main game as did Lee Greenwood, they have defiantly not lost their competitive edge, oli marns still looks like he canshift a bit too
A lot has been said about Ben Black and not playing in the game, however he played in the legends which is fitting and warmed up the select team and was present around the bench, vey much a part of the night, Thanks Ben for your 6 years at fax

I was a little disappointed as some of the missing names, only because they were mentioned in previous communications as playing, those being Gibbo, Paul Davidson and Marty Moana 3 of my favs from the last ten years, however that said there were 27 players in the select team and 22 on the field for the masters (some depiction but not much) put on a good night rugby along with the Bears

A very well done to all concerned in arranging this and a massive thank you to James Haley for a cracking ten years at fax







One happy fan

Jonnie

Really enjoyed the game last night and thought the turn out was good for James.

A couple of things - with regards to Blacky I heard that Batley stopped him playing after all it is them that are paying his wages.

Spoke to patto and he says he will be fit for the start of the new season.

Also Frankie went ok and seemed to playing to state a point - I heard a rumor that he may be offered a pay as you play contract so we have cover in the forwards - makes sense really as he will be staying with the club on the community side of things. He showed great hands to set up that second try !!!!

Won't Moana be playing for Heath RUFC today?

Gibbo was in camp with Wales, else he'd have been first in the dressing room. Les had indicated he would come and accommodation had been offered, but he didn't arrive. Don't blame Batley. What Ben did was what Ben wanted to do, we respect that.

I am not blaming Batley - like you say Ben perhaps could have played but if he had picked up an injury it wouldn't have been the best start to his time at Batley - I did however think both himself and Dave Larder spoke well when interviewed.

I think the danger in Ben playing in the main game was that it could have turned into a 'Farewell to Ben' do instead of a celebration of James' 10 years at Fax.

Thats a fair point that, perhaps if X-Blades want to do an "X-Blades Challenge" match again we could play Batley down at The Shay

Thought Goddard was excellent.

Their Fullback was very handy too. Someone to remember if injuries bite!

He was useful, but that was his last game. Now retired!

must say I enjoyed watching the smallest ever professional RL player playing on the shay turf.