HALIFAX have snapped up Doncaster's highly-rated Australian utility back Shad Royston.
Fax were first linked with the Australian - who does not count on the overseas quota - last week, forcing boss Martin Hall to play down "speculation" that he had already sealed a deal with the former Cronulla star.
But the move was finally completed overnight when Royston, who has turned down full time rugby in South Yorkshire, faxed a signed contract from Sydney, leaving Hall to celebrate the capture of one of the National League's outstanding backs - and take a side swipe at the rumour mill.
"Talking to a player and signing a player are not the same thing," fumed Hall.
"You are always going to get rumours, but until the player's signature is on the contract nothing has been finalised.
"I want to make it clear that, contrary to what has been reported elsewhere, Shad Royston did not sign for Halifax until yesterday.
"Shad's been over here for a couple of years, first with Batley and then Doncaster, and he sees this as another step up for him.
"He's excited by the quality of signings we have made, and potentially might make, and was keen to come here.
"He's come from a good coaching background at Cronulla and is still very ambitious to play at the highest level he can."
