Halifax RLFC and Australian Half-Back Matt Place have mutually agreed to terminate Matt’s contract, and he is returning to Sydney on Saturday 14th March.

Chairman of the Club, Michael Steele, said, “Matt has worked hard since arriving from Australia before Christmas, and has been a valued member of the squad, scoring the winning try at Batley. However, he has family commitments in Sydney, and, naturally those take priority over his sporting ambitions, here. We wish him well in his future career."

The rumour was true. Matt was homesick and never settled. Some space in squad for RM`s own choice of replacement. Lets hope he has a trick up his sleeve and we can fetch some quality in. All the best Matt and thanks for your efforts.

Takes some guts to come half way round the world and leave your family which I respect. Just always looked like it was a level too high for him. This is a very high standard league this year, maybe 5 years ago he would have fitted in better but in the games I saw he just didn't seem to be in the match. Homesickness can be awful though.

No surprise there really. Nothing against the lad but it was common knowledge that he was homesick (I can understand why!)Let us hope that it is partly to release funds to sign a new half back if the rumours are true. Although the rumours of us getting Luke Robinson on loan now look to be without foundation as he played for Huddersfield last night (although he was subbed after 18 mins)

I don't think he was "subbed". He took a couple of big knocks and was withdrawn to assess and patch up. He came back on and played extremely well covered in blood.

As for Place, fair play to him, it didn't work out for him and I don't think we saw his best. I would have liked to see how he developed as the season warmed up and the grounds got firmer, but hopefully Richard has someone in mind.

Could be dual reg time eh Huddshay ? Il get me coat !

A great shame, fair does to the lad, he gave it a go. A very nice lad he was doing a Rugby Class at one of my Grandsons school.
Regretfully coming over just before Christmas and playing on possibly the worst pitches he will ever encounter wont have given him fond memories of this country.
Come back in the summer Matt, this year its July 25th and 26th.
Best wishes to him.

No, replacement already lined up.

good news,any idea who ?

Marshall used his Wire connections and bringing fans "favourite" Lee Briers out of retirement

We always want the guys who come to Fax and pull on the shirt to do well for the club and for themselves.

Not to be for Matt but at least it has been sorted pretty early, there is certainly no time to mess about especially in this area with Paul Mennell calling it a day.

Hope there is someone who can do a good job for us still available ideally with a bit of pace in his game.

Well done to the Club and Matt for not letting this drag on and have a negative effect long term. Good luck Matt, sorry it didn't work out.
The new league structures mean everyone has to hit the ground running, even if we don't expect or plan to be in Super League next year, we certainly need to be finishing and competing as high as we can.
We can't carry any passengers and Matt has a responsibility to himself and his welfare so the right decision has been made in my opinion.

If anyone has doubts about how crucial getting the pivot and 6 positions right are, remember the effect Graham Holroyd had a few years back. his game management, kicking and experience turned our season round, hopefully RM and the board have a similar plan now, theres some good lads in our squad, if we manage the games better we can match anyone in this league.

Fingers crossed we do have someone in mind and RM can keep the defensive efforts going and we look to start finishing and threatening teams try lines more. Dropped balls, sin bins and dumb penalties will be easier to fix.

We're not far off, and I remain very very encouraged by RM and the Clubs ambitions.

Top man.

I can only echo the comments made by my esteemed colleague. He looked a little flaky but obviously got the balls to pull the pin and leave on best terms.

One question though will Mitch and Adam be affected by the Bedroom Tax?

Well if we aren't paying enough to keep them off benefits we really are in trouble, though the Binns boys must plenty of accommodation.

I am sure Sonny Bill Williams can use the spare room when he finally gets here

Family is important and needs must. All thanks to Matt and we can but wish him well.

The big challenge for RM is the replacements - a chance for him to get some of his own signings on board.

(Assuming the money's there - if not its DR time!)

Two guys living together



Could make a small fortune for the club if they get in to fostering # thinking outside the box

To be fair I only noticed him once, when he strolled through that yawning gap at Batley. All the best to him though.

Pete it will be hard for Fax to replace one of their TOP try scorers .

shame its not worked out but can fully understand why a player from Australia would get homesick especially with things like the family etc let alone the difference in weather! Good to see Matt has been honest and instead of just being here and being paid has done the right thing for both parties and gone now rather than at the end of the season. Wish him well. Hopefully it frees some cash up alongside the money saved from Mennell going and we can get a good halfback

Naughty that Charlie, but true.

I couldn't resist it.

dream on