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See more of the interview with Shad Royston, with action from the clash with Celtic Crusaders
UTILITY player Shad Royston believes Halifax are capable of playing the mistake-free football that could still steer them towards a place in the National League One Grand Final - but admits they are running out of time to learn their lesson.
Coach Matt Calland highlighted his side's poor ball control as a key factor in the 38-28 loss to Celtic Crusaders last weekend, a defeat which dropped Fax from second to third in the table going into the final weekend of league fixtures.
"As a team, we tend to push the pass and when it comes off it's spectacular," agreed Royston, who made a comeback from a three week absence with a fractured cheekbone against Welsh outfit.
"But it's like we're trying to score off every play and you can't do that at this time of year. You need to have a bit more composure.
"We are definitely capable of that, we have done it in bits and pieces all year, but we need to do it for 80 minutes pretty soon."
Off the field, Royston faces some uncertainty over his future, having so far resisted Fax's overtures for 2009.
The Australian, a Burleigh Bears junior who began his professional career with Cronulla before heading to Batley three and a half years ago, has won his battle to be classed as 'federation trained', which effectively makes him a non-quota player under the new regulations being introduced at Super League level.
"I was lucky enough to get over here before I was 21, so under the new rules I am classed as a federation trained player," said Royston.
"It basically makes me the same as an English player and it should open some doors for me in Super League.
"I'd be happy to stay at Halifax, but if Super League comes along then I guess I'd have to go."
The full article contains 339 words and appears in Evening Courier newspaper.
