Richard Moore signs for Halifax

Halifax have signed former Super League front rower Richard Moore on a two-year deal, as well as announcing the recruitment of Warrington’s sports scientist Andy Holleyhead.

Moore, 32, effectively replaces Tony Tonks, who was not offered a new contract after two and a half seasons at the Shay.

The former Leeds, Crusaders, Leigh and Wakefield prop was released by the Wildcats in August and finished the season with Hunslet, turning in a strong performance in last weekend’s Championship One Grand Final win over Oldham.

Holleyhead, who has been with the Wolves for three years, follows new coach Richard Marshall across the Pennines and will act as conditioner and nutritionist in place of the former BARLA player Nigel Halmshaw, who is emigrating to Australia.

“I played with Richard Moore at London, so I’m well aware of his qualities,” said Marshall, who cleared his own desk in the Wolves’ offices on Monday after their play off loss to Wigan.

“I spoke to him before the game last weekend and I know he’s excited about coming to Halifax.

“He is an experienced Super League player who I expect to offer us some leadership and drive on and off the field.

“He’s certainly a player that opposition coaches have always done a lot of work on; he’s got good footwork and a strong offload game, so he’s a player you need to be careful of. I will be encouraging him to use those skills for us, because they are what I want to see, but the key is always to be selective and use them at the right time.”