Halifax Panthers vs Batley Bulldogs

Any place you get the captaincy, it's obviously a great honour that somebody, whether it's coaches, leadership group, club staff, whatever, think that you have what it takes to be able to lead the boys on the field.

It's a great honour for me, it doesn't really change my game too much. You know, I said it when Kyle told me, I've said it to a couple of the lads, my role doesn't change. I'm still going to go out there and do what I normally do. The only thing that does change is that I've got to talk to the referee. So I've got to try and put a bit of a political head on from that standpoint and there is an element of composure around it.

So obviously, when you're in the mix of it all, adrenaline's running, something might have gone off, you've got to then be able to bring yourself back down and talk to the ref in a calm, polite manner, even if you're frustrated, or you don't agree with a decision.

I'd say the biggest challenge since taking over the captaincy is realising that people do actually watch what you're doing now. Before I'd like to think that I lead with my actions and stuff anyway, but again, my game hasn't changed per se, but realising that people might be watching me a little bit more closely to see what I'm doing to take my lead on things like that.

But I'd like to think I've always possessed that level of composure. I'm fortunate enough that I've played with some great leaders and had some great coaches - Tony Smith was a great psychological coach that helped me a lot when I was at Hull KR, being able to deal with those situations.

Anybody that plays professional or semi-professional sport, whether it's part time or full time, you are a role model to somebody. You don't get the amount of fans that we get coming to games without inspiring somebody or being somebody that someone looks up to. It is down to you as an individual to decide whether you want to be a positive influence or a negative influence on them.

You get some blokes that go out there - an absolute toilet on the field, the way they talk to people, how they act. Kids are going to see that and think you're their favourite player so that's how I need to act. Personally, I try to portray, like I do with anything in my life, that I'm a decent person, hard working, and that's how I like to play Rugby. I like to work hard, get stuck in, play for my brothers and try to lead with actions rather than words. And that's what I do in life, I try to be a good role model to my kids, try to do the right things, and those characteristics carry over to life outside sport as well.

Obviously, it's going really well so far this year, we're unbeaten in the league, obviously not a great cup run. We pushed Catalans really close which we were really proud of and managed to rectify the defeat at York the week after. It's still only early days, we're not getting carried away with ourselves.

Do we now have that belief within ourselves that we are a good team and are capable of great things? Yes, we do. Do we have our feet firmly planted on the ground? Yes, we do. Are we aware that it's going to be a very long season and we have a small squad? Yes.

Are we prepared to be able to work hard week in and week out to improve the little things that get flagged up each week? Yes, we are. And I think that's the difference this year - that the belief that we can do this if we work hard enough and deserve to do it. If you're constantly willing to work and get better, you are going to have success down the line sooner rather than later because you want to get better.

The moment you don't want to get better is the moment you should hang them up, because you think you've made it and don't want to improve. And we're all willing to work really hard for each other to prevent that capsizing what we're trying to achieve.

Introducing our 2025 Coaching Team, as Head Coach Kyle Eastmond confirms his support staff for the Betfred Championship campaign. Let's meet the guys...

TABO MADIRI - HEAD OF PERFORMANCE

Tabo Madiri entered the world of elite sports coaching in 2013 after graduating from Bath University. The neuromuscular speed specialist has been working with elite athletes and organisations in Rugby Union, Football, Athletics and NFL developing and implementing training programmes.

As head of performance, Madiri is cultivating the performance philosophy and developing the training programmes for the first team squad, strength and conditioning, nutrition, analytics and performance. 

He is currently developing a three year vision for the club, controlling the direction of travel as second in command for the Panthers during Eastmond's reign.

JY-MEL COLEMAN - SENIOR PERFORMANCE COACH

Originally from Oakwood in Leeds, former Jamaican International Jy-Mel Coleman joins the Panthers with a proven Rugby League pedigree.

A 12 year career as a player began with London Skolars, having come through the academy system at his hometown club Leeds Rhinos. 195 senior appearances across the Betfred Championship and League One - including spells with York Knights, Hemel Stags, Newcastle Thunder, Hunslet, Dewsbury Rams and Keighley Cougars, before returning to the Skolars to begin his coaching career.

A Spell with London Broncos as assistant coach alongside his brother Jermaine followed before a move to Keighley Cougars. A level 2 qualified Rugby League coach, Coleman brings a wealth of experience to the Panthers team.

JAMES LOWES - SENIOR PERFORMANCE COACH

A former Great Britain international, James Lowes began his playing career with Hunslet in 1987 before joining Leeds. He would go on to sign for rivals Bradford Bulls in 1996 as the sport switched to Summer, enjoying a successful at Odsal. His coaching journey began at Salford as an assistant before going on to work for Warrington Wolves, Leeds Rhinos, Bradford Bulls, the England National Team and Leeds Carnegie in Rugby Union.

Vastly experienced in both codes, Lowes' knowledge of the game is a vital tool for first time head coach Eastmond.

NICK TAYLOR - HEAD THERAPIST

Hailing from Huddersfield, Nick Taylor is enjoying his second spell with the Panthers in 2025. A qualified degree level sports and exercise therapist, Taylor is tasked with ensuring the first team squad are physically and mentally fit to train each week and available for selection on weekends.

His previous clubs include Bradford, Hunslet, Leeds, London, Castleford, Sheffield and a short spell with England Rugby League. He also owns his own business 'Valley Rehab' in Holmfirth which specialises in injury assessment and recovery.

DAN HARE - LOGISTICS AND EQUIPMENT MANAGER

Dan Hare is a new addition to the backroom staff at the Panthers. He began life as a volunteer washing the playing kit, earning him the affectionate nickname 'Dan Dan The Kit Wash Man'.

Hare has shown his worth to the cause with a sturdy work ethic and can-do attitude, quickly moving up the ranks to take charge of the clubs equipment on training and game days.