Halifax Panthers vs Hunslet RLFC

And so here we are, our final home game on the road. The countdown is now officially on for our Halifax Homecoming game against Widnes Vikings at The Shay on Sunday 7th September. Our brand new, state of the art hybrid pitch is looking superb and we eagerly anticipate the moment when our boys in blue and white can run out in front of our fantastic supporters for the first time in 120 days.

Until then, we've got one more job to do at Odsal. We'd like to thank Tracey and all the staff at Bradford for their support and hospitality during our five games here. They have been a great help to us all and this is very much appreciated by all.

Today we welcome Hunslet for this Round 22 Betfred Championship encounter. We'd like to wish a warm welcome to all the directors, staff, players and supporters from the South Leeds Stadium.

As the race for the play offs intensifies, every minute of every game is crucial, and with your backing, we’re aiming to make it three wins at Odsal during our stay here after brilliant victories over Toulouse and Sheffield. Your support makes all the difference, and I encourage you to get behind the boys and help create the kind of atmosphere that will drive the team on the field.

Once more into the breach we go, together as one we can get the job done.

Damian Clayton MBE
CEO, Halifax Panthers

Rapid-fire Q&A

Q: How did you get started playing the game?
A: I tried a little bit of football for a while but I was a bit too aggressive so my uncle thought it was a good idea to take me to Rugby instead. I went up to Illingworth, they folded after 2 weeks so I ended up starting my career then properly up at King Cross.

Q: What is your favourite thing about being a Rugby League player?
A: I think the luck of having your hobby and getting paid for it. I think that's the biggest thing about it really.

Q: Who's had the biggest influence on your career?
A: I'd have to say maybe Jimmy Lowes to be fair, at Bradford. He sort of kickstarted my career and got the best out of me as a player. From then, I've just continued developing and kicked on from Jimmy.

Q: Do you have any superstitions?
A: No, not really. I used to have spag bol every pre match, but now with having kids and everything being hectic, it's sort of changes every week. But yeah, probably spag bol back in the day.

Q: Would you rather play in 32 degree heat or 2 degree sleet?
A: 2 degrees sleet. I hate being hot, the missus says it all the time how hot I am so I'd probably have to say being in the cold is better for me.

Q: Favourite Stadium(s) you've ever played in?
A: I'd have to say Anfield being a Liverpool supporter. Magic Weekend when I was at Huddersfield, I scored two tries that day and they were my favourites so I'd have to say Anfield.

Q: Best Try you've scored?
A: At Anfield as I said before. Just the fans, the pitch is literally right next to the stands so the crowd are on top of you. I scored two traditional dummy half scoots, the fans and atmosphere down there was just unbelievable.

Q: Who was your Rugby Hero growing up?
A: Growing up, I had a couple. I used to like Andy Farrell and then as it got into my role of playing nine, I watched James Roby. I sort of developed my game watching him then, the way he ran, he was quick and elusive and a solid competitor week in and week out.

Q: What do you do for a day job when you're not playing Rugby?
A: I'm a cleaner, I have a cleaning business. I clean for a living away from Rugby, I quite enjoy it. I'm an OCD freak so I like the end result of having a nice tidy house. OBs Cleaning Services on Instagram and Facebook, check it out.

Q: Who's the best player you've played alongside or against?
A: Oh, that's a tough one! There's loads to be fair. I'd probably have to say when I was at Bradford, I played with Matt Orford. Just an Australian legend who came over, I got to learn a lot off him when I played alongside him. Best player against was probably Sean O'Loughlin. He was a tough competitor, strong, physical and a very good player.

Q: What do you like to do to relax after a tough game or training session?
A: Probably just go home and chill in the garden with the kids. When the weather's nice, get in the garden with football and Rugby. The kids are constantly full of energy so I know it's not relaxing but it let's me switch off when I'm away from the Rugby field.

Q: What is your dream holiday destination?
A: I've been before, I'd probably say Jamaica. It's just so laid back and chilled, but the weather, the food, the people, they're unbelievable.

Q: What's your Karaoke song?
A: Mr Brightside by The Killers. I don't really know many songs off by heart but I know that one!

Q: What's at the very top of your bucket list?
A: Going to Las Vegas. The gambling side, the views, just the place to be in Las Vegas. So yeah, taking me and the family to Vegas.

Q: What's your favourite cheat day meal?
A: I'd probably say Pizza Hut buffet. All you can eat pizza, can't beat that!

Q: If you could switch lives with anybody in the world for a day, who would it be?
A: Steven Gerrard. I'm a football fan, Liverpool fan, so that would be brilliant I reckon.

Q: What's one thing you're unbeatable at?
A: Crown Green Bowling. I play regularly, a few of the boys have tried to play but they can't beat me.

Q: You find a crystal ball. What is one thing you'd like to know about the future?
A: If my nose will ever shrink [laughs] No, I'd probably say... Is there another species out there that is living in the solar system? Some space chap.