Halifax Panthers vs Toulouse Olympique

Rugby League has forever been at odds with itself over which league structure is most optimal.

From loop fixtures and first past the post, to licensing and play offs, automatic promotion and relegation, the goal posts have moved so much in recent times the floating fan must wonder what kind of game they're coming back to when they eventually dip their toe in.

But there was one structure that would be a brand new, never before seen concept when it was introduced back in 2015: the Super 8s! For Championship clubs especially, it breathed new life into the competition, giving clubs left behind by those at the top table a chance to taste success at the highest level.

The idea is rumoured to have come about from one game in the Championship from another code, Watford vs Leicester City in the 2013 play off semi finals. With a place at Wembley on the line and the scores level at 2-2 on aggregate, Leicester City were awarded a penalty at the death, one kick to make heroes and break hearts with just seconds on the clock. What happened next was pure sporting poetry in motion: Manuel Almunia saved the penalty before the ball was worked down field for Troy Deeney to score at the other end just 17 seconds later, absolute limbs erupted as the impossible had happened.

The scenes in the stands sparked grandiose ideas at Red Hall that Rugby League could have their own moment in the sun and the slogan was born: EVERY. MINUTE. MATTERS!!!

Halifax were one of the success stories of that first year, making The Qualifiers (Middle 8s as it came to be known) and earning the chance to have a crack at the Super League clubs that finished in the bottom four on their respective division that year. Despite sneaking into the new competition in fourth place, the men in blue and white were the surprise package that year, beating Leigh Centurions and Bradford Bulls to earn a 6th place finish, narrowly missing out of a place in the first ever 'Million Pound Game'. Fax not only earned the respect of their peers that autumn, but a substantial financial windfall as well - £767,000!

For clubs in the Championship that wheel and deal on a weekly basis to keep afloat in difficult circumstances, an unexpected prize fund of that magnitude was hard to ignore. Head Coach Richard Marshall decided to treat the squad to a pre season training camp in the Algarve, increased his squad size and with it, the playing budget. Everything was looking rosy in West Yorkshire. That is however, until his side didn't make the Qualifiers the following year. A hole in the accounts emerged as the club was doomed to partake in the undesirable 'Championship Shield' competition, gates were down, morale even lower. Heading into the 2017 campaign, tough calls had to be made. The players were approached with a proposal - take a 10% cut in wages across the board on the understanding that this money would be returned to them should the qualify for the Middle 8s that year. A challenge was thrown down, all but one player accepted the ultimatum to dig themselves from the hole they created the previous year. And so our scene is set.

Onwards now to the day in question, Saturday 8th July 2017, Stade Ernest Argeles in Blagnac the venue, victory the mission. Fax had to run the table, 4 games remaining knowing only 4 wins would guarantee that coveted Qualifiers spot. Nothing else would do that day, defeat would end their play off hopes and with it, leave a dark cloud of uncertainty hanging over the club. Step forward the hero of our story: Ben Johnston.

Jonno had joined Fax from boyhood club Castleford Tigers ahead of the 2014 season, quickly proving himself a handful to defences across the land with his elusive running style. Forging a brilliant partnership with future hall of famer Scott Murrell, 'Jinky' as he came to be known was prone to a moment of magic. And he certainly brought it out when his team needed it most.

"Obviously, it was bit of a shock when we heard about the pay cut but it probably galvanised us in the end. We were all in it together, stuck close and tight knit and went on to have a good year."

"Looking back on that day in Toulouse, I remember it being red hot in the changing rooms, I think it was 32 degrees outside and they'd left the heating on in there all day as well so it was roasting when we got there."

"We were all aware going into it that it was a must win game. Rich was really positive, I remember him making it a real underdog mentality, everybody against us. We'd had the adversity of the wage cut but we were in it together, every week we'd come out swinging and fighting for each other."

"I remember it was a tight game on a knife edge, it could've gone either way at that point. We'd not really called the play either, it was a bit off the cuff but I knew Boyley (Ryan Boyle) liked that play, that old school turn over the shoulder. It all just kind of happened really, all instinctive really. I think it might have been Louis Jouffret who went for a bit of an intercept and I managed to get through the line. Then I just remember everybody diving on me."

"I'll always remember the celebrations and the reactions at full time, Ste Tyrer falling to his knees and Rob (Worrincy) pumping his fists. I knew straight away how much it meant, just unreal scenes and a great feeling. It was a huge relief."

"A few people said to me after the game and maybe a couple of years afterwards as well, how much that try meant in money and all sorts to the club, how much the actual victory meant to everybody."

"They were always good trips over there, we managed to get a good win and then have a good night out afterwards."

Any Fax Fan that's made the trip out to the South of France will know 'The Melting Pot' all too well. A brilliant Irish pub in the heart of the city that has adopted League fans flocking to the city since the Olympians were reintroduced into the British Rugby League system. The night that followed that famous 2017 win will go down in folklore for all those lucky enough to be in attendance.

"It was like the Oscars [laughs] All the lads were turning up in their taxis and the fans were singing their songs as we walked in. It was a brilliant atmosphere. I remember Big Mitch (Cahalane) with his top off, then we all got up on the tables to sing our winning song. There was a real connection with fans and players. That was some night!"

It could be argued that those four points from Johnston saved the club, keeping the streak alive and with it the dream of making the Qualifiers and the financial windfall that comes as well. Who knows what would've happened otherwise; 2018's home game against Leeds Rhinos and the 2019 Challenge Cup Semi Final appearance could've been just dust in the wind and memories that never were.

One magic moment can change everything, and Ben Johnston will surely go down in lore as a hero in blue and white alongside his teammates that day. Against all the odds, Fax came through the other side, they gambled and won.

"I've still got the flag Jamie Gray made for me actually. It just says: Toulouse 2017, Never Forget!"