Pearson moves to Thrum Hall

Halifax have signed the Featherstone Rovers stand-off, Martin Pearson, in a pounds 100,000 deal. Pearson, an expert goal-kicker who holds Featherstone's record for points in a season, has joined Halifax despite keen interest from Sheffield Eagles, who believed they had secured his services in a cash-plus-players deal.

"There was a lot of interest from other clubs, so we are delighted to have signed a player who, before he ran into injury problems, was just about the best stand-off in Britain," said a Halifax spokesman, Chris Murgatroyd.

Pearson, aged 25, has agreed a three-year deal and Halifax will play a pre-season friendly at Post Office Road as part of the terms of the transfer. He becomes Halifax' third major signing of the close season. They have also gained the winger, Greg Clarke, from South Sydney, and the utility back, Daio Powell, in an exchange deal with Wakefield Trinity.

They are also bringing back the former Parramatta back, John Brewer, who spent the latter stages of last season on trial at Thrum Hall, but have given up hope of having the New Zealand and Western Samoa second row Tony Tatupu in their ranks. Warrington, who have also overhauled their playing staff extensively, expect Tatupu will with them in the new year.

Another Halifax transfer is also likely to be delayed. Plans to move in with Halifax Town at The Shay will not be put into effect until further work is done on the ground. Until then, Halifax are likely to continue to play their home games at Thrum Hall.

Bramley have parted company with their player-coach, Ray Ashton.