Quentin Laulu-Togagae has revealed a phone call to Halifax head coach Richard Marshall persuaded him to turn down other clubs to join the Championship club.
Salford, Leigh and Bradford were among the clubs linked with the dynamic fullback, who has made a name for himself as one of the most explosive players at Championship level.
He has now joined Fax and made an instant impact on debut, scoring a try and creating three others in their big win over Dewsbury last week.
Although he won’t be able to play against the Wolfpack at the weekend, he said he was looking forward to stamping his authority of Fax’s attack.
“I had a few clubs after me and I had to weigh it up,” he said.
“I spoke to Richard Marshall, he gave me a call and told me what Halifax is about and what their plans were for me. That got me wanting to go there.
“I know their history as a competitive team. I wanted to go to a team competing. I think I add something in attack that they’re missing. I know they’ve got Will Sharp there who is playing really well so it’s a bit of competition as well. Richard drew me in with the way he spoke about the game plan they try to execute each week and why he wanted me to go there.”
The move will see the 33-year-old return to a part-time environment, but the former Sheffield star insisted he had no major issues with that decision.
“I didn’t really mind going back to part-time, the year is only really halfway so I didn’t mind for now, I just wanted to get back to playing some rugby.
“The big thing for me was to play for a team competing. I wouldn’t have joined if I didn’t know they could reach the four. They’ve already beat some full-time squads and I played against them with Toronto and they almost got us. They’re capable and I hope I can help them with their top four ambitions.”
Meanwhile, his departure from the Wolfpack sees one of their most popular players leave the club.
Despite being moved out to create space for further quota arrivals, he had nothing but positive things to say about the club.
“It was a great year and a half but I think it was time to move on,” he said.
“Once they get into Super League I think they have a chance to dominate. It’s a great brand they try to promote. It’s difficult with Toronto because you get so close to the boys, but it helps so much.
“They’re fine with promoting the game and making it bigger. At the end of the day, it will benefit them and the game.
“I think the boys with families struggled a bit (when they’re out in Canada), not seeing their kids. I struggled a bit when my family wasn’t in Toronto. At the same time, the boys take your mind off that and make it as easy as possible. That’s the great thing about that squad, they act as a family.
“I was only there for a year and a half but their support was awesome and I want to thank them. From the bottom of my heart, I hope they can help the boys in their quest to Super League.”
