The likes of Nash, Branighan and Bannister weren't exactly "Big Guns" and they did far more than our main "Big Gun" signing Stanley Gene.

The squad is taking a very workmanlike like look about it at the moment, no hot-shots nor Prima-Donnas, just what I want from a Fax team.

Agreed, as much as a "Big Name" signing helps shift shirts/season tickets/sponsorship packages ect, we dont need one at the moment, We have the marketing point that we are champions.

Big Names usually demand big money, and can bring big ego's to the club potentially causing disruption.

If we can retain most of last years squad, and make a few more decent signings (Danny Jones as an example) then we wont have to worry too much

As for Luke Branighan, Im glad he won't be facing us next season, shame he couldnt stay but c'est la vie.

He was a valuable member of the team this year, and won't be forgotten quickly, may see him back one day, we'd never have thought Ben Black would return but it can happen, who knows...

To call him a Journeyman is Unfair, theres a lot of players who move clubs, its a short career and they have to make what money they can, if a player is good enough to warrant a bigger salary elsewhere, or another club is willing to pay more, sometimes its best to let them move on, no point blowing a big chunk of money on one player.

Not sure you boys really need anyone else...

Gene - Clayton
Branighan - Jones
Wrench / Larder (one???) - Smith
Thamghart - Gannon
Royston - Greenwood

Wouldn't be too upset if I was you I tell yea

Danny ran us ragged at Cougar Park last season - he will be fine

also ran the show on SKY at the shay, mom IIRC

Danny has always been a quality player IMO, its easy to forget that when he was at Fax last time he was just a boy and was very unlikely to get regular game time. We will just have to wait and see what the new season brings.

As an outsider, I have some genuine doubts about Jones being a good signing for you guys. Its commendable that you've re-signed a local lad, but he just seems to lack a bit of genuine half-back 'class' for mine. He did well at the Cougars, admittedly, but he's now very much a smaller fish in a bigger pond, and it'll be interesting to see if he can develop his game beyond simply having a decent kicking game. I suppose time will tell. I just don't think he's an adequate replacement for Branighan OR even Holroyd, but I've been wrong in the past I guess.

Thanks for your opinion, don't you worry yourself too much about it Jimbo.

The first time we had Danny I would be inclined to agree with you, he just never looked to have that something which made him stand out or think he could be something special.

However since he left and played at Keighley his game has improved incredibly. Watching the highlights of the Euro Nations tournament, he can play very well indeed alongside SL regulars like Lee Briers and against SL regulars and excel, he laid on some beautiful tries as well as a great kicking game, he certainly didn't look like a small fish in a big pond.

Branighan is a big loss as he took the team on an extra level with his organisational play, astute kicking game as well as being willing to mix it with the rough stuff, I honestly believe Jones will be a great replacement.

Sorry Luke isn't coming back next season he is a quality player and good luck to him nxt season in oz but I think we've made some good signings and 2011 is gonna be another blue and white year

I think the credit for Danny's development has to go to Barry Eaton. He has done a great job passing on the tricks of the good scrum half. I don't think Danny would have developed into the player he is now if he had stayed at 'Fax

I have every confidence that Danny will fill the rather big boots of Branno rather well

Gutted brannos wont be cont be coming back we will miss him big time.

Danny Jones is Danny Jones and not Luke Branighan. Danny will not be like Luke so think we should stop trying to compare. I think Barry Eaton being a half back himself has helped Danny heaps and deserves a lot of credit not just for Danny but for what he has achieved at Keighley. Danny will go OK. He maybe lacks the experience of Luke or Holly but he is still young with plenty of talent and fire. Its upto MC and co to get that out while playing for Fax. That may take time. Lets be patient and see Danny for what he is.

If Danny replace Branno who replaces Holly?

Hasn't Matt Calland already stated he's still looking for another half back, due to bowman not been tied down, lets see who we get, there could be a surprise along the line yet

Shame that holly has retired still think he could of done a job next season.

roden from oldham?

I think Roden is part of the coaching staff at Oldham.

Done well at Oldham, (in C1) but struggled to even get in the poor Leigh team, a couple of years ago. IMO you can/will do better than that.

Not half as glad as we are, at Leigh! He's ripped us to shreds three times in the past couple of seasons - thankfully he wasn't playing when we won at The Shay last season.

He's an excellent player but, in today's financial climate, he is out of the reach of Championship clubs in the UK.

You say that but he's not gone to s/l, he can't be earning that much in the lower leagues of Oz!

No but to be fair , if you could earn the same money playing at home near family and friends and in nice warm sunshine which would you pick?

Halifax.

Every time

Happy 'FAX' of course





his loss