TONY Smith says Halifax’s ex-Wire favourite Simon Grix is “among his favourite players to have coached.”

Grix, who scored 48 tries during a 10-year spell at Warrington that saw him make 179 appearances, is set to play against Wolves on Saturday, the first time he has done so since leaving in 2015.

The 31-year-old’s participation was in doubt after being hit with a Grade A dangerous contact charge stemming from Sunday’s defeat to Widnes, but he took the option of an early guilty plea to escape a ban.

“Simon is up there with my favourite players to have coached. I’ve got a lot of time for him as a player and a person,” Smith said.

“He’s handled the ups and downs of Super League for many years and I’m glad his career has continued to prosper.

“He’s playing different roles now for Halifax, doing some coaching and developing in that respect.

“Grixy is a terrific ambassador for whoever he represents. I have fond memories of coaching him.”

Grix is one of a few familiar faces Smith is likely to encounter when Fax face Wolves at The Halliwell Jones Stadium for the first time ever on Saturday.

Head coach Richard Marshall was a part of the Wolves coaching staff when they won the Challenge Cup in 2010 and 2012, while half-back Scott Murrell played under Smith at Leeds Rhinos.

“They have a lot of impressive players with Super League experience. Scott Murrell is a player I coached earlier in his career,” Smith said.

“He’s had a very successful Super League career and now again in the Championship.

“He’s one of many players they have that we have to be wary of.”