Chief tormentor of Halifax in the league game at the Shay last year was Radney Bowker - who made the switch to Anthony FarrellÕs team in the close season. But a serious shoulder injury picked up pre-season looks set to keep him out of action for at least another six weeks. And it looks like RadneyÕs bad luck is rubbing off on his new colleagues.

Damian Gibson is facing up to six weeks out with a broken hand and heÕs joined by Damian Ball whoÕs probably a couple of weeks away from recovering from a wrist injury, Dean Lawford - another hand injury - and Nick Johnson whoÕs carrying a shoulder problem.

Other doubts for Sunday include Dale Holdstock and Andy Hobson who both have knee injuries. At this rate, Farrell will have to get his boots out of the loft!

Elsewhere in the side, Halifax have made some astute signings: none more influential than former Whitehaven scrum half Joel Penny. The diminutive Aussie has skill in abundance - and his ability to direct the big, physical pack around the field will form the foundation for much of HalifaxÕs approach work. And Penny has an eye for the whitewash - nabbing a hat-trick last week in a thirteen try score-fest at Oldham.

Indeed, HalifaxÕs 42-26 win indicates that, while they know where the goal line is, theyÕre probably a bit too leaky in defence for Anthony FarrellÕs liking.

At Hornets, Darren Abram will be looking to build on last weekÕs storming second half performance. With only Paul Norman doubtful with a hamstring tweak, Dazza will be looking to make a few adjustments as he searches for the right combination.

Certainly the props looked more focused last week - Sturm, Benjafield, Ball and Hill all putting in bit stints up front: a feat theyÕll need to repeat this coming weekend.

Key areas of concern that Darren Abram will be looking to tighten up on are completion of sets and the retention of possession.

On the Keighley game he said: ÒPoor execution and putting too much ball down were problems. Field position wasnÕt great with the kicking game. And because we are playing a flat line of attack some of the passes are looking forward. Some of them are forward and some of them arenÕt, but itÕs the interpretation of the officials and how they see it.

"Our completion rate in the first half was 55 per cent which is not good enough. In the second half we were where we wanted to beÓ

With both Hornets and Halifax unbeaten thus far in the Northern Rail Cup - and with very similar records - this, again, promises to be another tight and intriguing contest. And with the Shay only half an hour away, you have no excuse for missing this one. WeÕll be sat in our usual spot in the middle of the main stand, so come and lend us your voice and get behind the lads.

Games against Halifax are always fast, physical - and tend to go all the way to the hooter. This one will be no different. YouÕd be mad to miss it.