2026 Opposition Insight | Halifax Panthers
17/01/2026
Written by Will Russell
Halifax Panthers had a strong campaign in 2025, which saw them qualify for the Betfred Championship playoffs after earning a fifth place finish. They finished the league stage with 14 wins and 9 losses, before convincingly winning the first elimination round in the playoffs, 40-4, against Oldham.
They then lost their semi-final contest against eventual runners up York 30-18 after running them close in the game, as their first season under Head Coach Kyle Eastmond came to an end.
The Eagles lost both games against Halifax last season in the Betfred Championship, so we’ll be looking to show improvements and bounce back when the sides meet in this year’s campaign.
When we play them in 2026?
R3 | Sunday 15th February (A) | The Shay Stadium (3pm)
R22 | Sunday 2nd August (H) | Steel City Stadium (3pm)
2026 Recruitment
Adding to their squad this year, the Panthers have looked to strengthen their backs, with notable signings including additions at half back. They welcome to their side Serbian international Jesse Soric, who joins from NRL side Gold Coast Titans, and will be one to look out for.
Another exciting half back to join the Panthers for this season is Myles Lawford. Lawford joins on loan for the year from Super League side Wakefield Trinity, and is following in the footsteps of his dad, Dean Lawford, who represented the Panthers in the early 2000s.
Another addition to the backs is Tanguy Zenon, who joins from Catalans Dragons and will add extra options for their backline. These additions to the backline to go along with their already successful season make the Panthers a side to look out for in 2026.
The new additions come in and replace the likes of Louis Jouffret, Brandon Douglas and Ben Woodburn-Hall, who all left the Panthers following the conclusion of the 2025 campaign.
Ones to Watch
Standout players from 2025 include last season’s top try scorer Charlie Graham, who ended the season with 11 tries in the Championship.
Skipper Ben Crooks made the Championship Team of the Season at centre in 2025. Despite being handed the number eleven shirt for this year, which could see him move into the second-row, he'll still look to use his experience as the Panthers look to build on last year's strong campaign.
2026 Squad
1 David Nofoaluma, 2 Ben Tibbs, 3 Tanguy Zenon, 4 Alfie Johnson, 5 Charlie Graham, 6 Jesse Soric, 7 Jack Hansen, 8 Will Calcott, 9 Adam O'Brien, 10 Dan Okoro, 11 Ben Crooks, 12 Owen McCarron, 13 Jacob Fairbank, 14 Tom Inman, 15 Connor Davies, 16 Ronan Dixon, 17 Myles Lawford, 18 Bayley Liu, 19 Zac McComb, 20 Vila Halafihi, 21 Ben Forster, 22 Darius Carter, 23 Leon Cowen (loan)
