Taken from Giantsrl.com
FULL CIRCLE FOR CRABTREE AHEAD OF TESTIMONIAL
With his Testimonial game now less than a week away, Giants and England star Eorl Crabtree revealed his excitement and pride ahead of the Infirmary Cup derby clash against Halifax at the Galpharm Stadium on Sunday (3.00pm).
Crabtree has been rewarded for a decade of service in the claret and gold with a fixture against near neighbours Halifax, with both Nathan Brown and opposing Coach Matt Calland pledging to play full strength teams for the clash.
“It seems strange that I’ve been here ten years now – it’s a little surreal! I’m immensely looking forward to my testimonial game and a little bit nervous at the same time to be honest.
“It’s great that both clubs have committed to putting out full strength sides and I’d like to thank them for that. I’m sure that it’s going to be a proper derby clash and there’s something to play for in the Infirmary Cup which both sides will want to win.”
The fans favourite has kicked off his testimonial year with a number of events including The RL Factor, and admitted that having Halifax as the opponents for the game has it made it extra special – particularly as his first team debut came in the Infirmary Cup clash between the two sides in 2000!
“One of the biggest aims of my testimonial year is to make everything value for money, and I’m really pleased that we are playing Halifax as I think it is an attractive fixture for the fans. Halifax is particularly special for me too as there is a bit of history in my family with my Uncle Shirley (former Wrestling legend ‘Big Daddy’) and a lot of my family being from Halifax and my Grandfather actually played for them many years ago, so it promises to be a very special day for me and my family.
“My first team debut was against them in the Infirmary Cup the ten years ago, albeit for only five minutes at the end of the game but it was a very proud moment. I’m not even sure I touched the ball but I do remember tackling former Halifax star Martin Moana which was a very big thing for me at the time. Now it’s gone full circle, and I’m facing the same club in my testimonial feature which is very strange!”
Championship Grand Finalists Halifax have recruited strongly as they look to mount a strong challenge in 2010, adding Makali Aizue and former Giants favourite Stanley Gene to a squad that already packs plenty of Super League experience.
“I’m not sure whether or not Stanley is playing but it would be very special for me to see him running out onto the pitch, he was present when we did my first testimonial event in the RL Factor and he’s been a tremendous player and a great servant of the game for many years. They’ve built a very capable side at Halifax and I’m sure they will be there or there about at the top of the Championship at the end of the year.”
Tickets are priced at £13 for adults, £10 for concessions and £5 for under 16’s and supporters can pay on the turnstiles. The Direct Golf and Britannia Rescue Stand's will be open for the game.
Who's going then?
Tue Jan 05, 2010 4:36 pm
