Story of the Season

JANUARY 2025

After a cancelled home friendly due to heavy snow against Warrington Wolves, a game that was to serve as the opening of Club Stalwart James Saltonstall's Testimonial Year, the Panthers would need to make the most of their only pre season outing after a rigorous training camp.

A trip to Cougar Park on Sunday 19th January saw Halifax blow off the cobwebs to begin the year with a bang. A 56-12 friendly win over Keighley Cougars, with Saltonstall fittingly scoring the first try of the year to kickstart his Testimonial.

After the completion of pre season, attentions turned to the Betfred Challenge Cup. Round 2 threw up a home tie against Community Club Thatto Heath Crusaders, with the Panthers putting in a nine try performance for a 48-6 win at The Shay to set up a tasty Round 3 clash with Super League side Catalans Dragons.

FEBRUARY 2025

From favourites to massive underdogs, as Fax welcomed a Dragons side littered with international stars and big names. The Panthers weren't intimidated in the slightest however, as they put up in huge performance in front of the BBC Sport Cameras.

It took 55 minutes for Catalans to post their first points, Arthur Mourgue's penalty showing ultimate respect to Eastmond's men after a scoreless first half. Jack Hansen had the chance to take the lead but couldn't keep hold of an interception as Fax took the game to their counterparts from the South of France.

Catalans finally breached the Panthers line in the 63rd minute, before a last minute try put a heavy gloss on the score line. A 14-0 defeat and a Cup exit but Fax had proven to the Rugby League world that they weren't the same side that flirted with relegation just months previously, a new era was dawning.

Sunday 16th saw the opening day of the Betfred Championship season, with the Panthers making the trip to Olympic Legacy Park to face Sheffield Eagles. It would turn out to be the perfect start to league life as Fax coach for Kyle Eastmond, as his men put in a brilliant performance to come back from 14-6 down to earn a 28-14 victory. Four second half tries sunk Sheffield and ensured Fax got off to the best start possible.

It was back to The Shay 7 days later for a home opener against Barrow Raiders. Stormy conditions laid to rest any hopes of open, attacking Rugby. But the Panthers rolled up their sleeves to secure a 24-14 win and maintain their 100% start to the Championship season.

MARCH 2025

A solid foundation had been laid, and something to build on as March rolled around. Two from two in the League and off to the kind of start Fax Fans had been crying out for after years of slow burners and late play off runs.

Depending on your priorities anyway, there would be one small step backwards before a huge leap in the right direction.

The fixture list had thrown up a conundrum, two trips to York Knights in consecutive weeks, first in the AB Sundecks 1895 Cup before a Round 3 Championship clash one game later. With a squad of just 20 players, Eastmond wisely decided to rotate his starting thirteen.

In came Saints Youngsters George Whitby and Owen Dagnall, who scored a superb solo try with a audacious kick and chase. Despite a valiant effort, the Panthers were knocked out of the 1895 Cup with a 32-20 defeat.

Eastmond's gamble, however, turned out to be a mini masterstroke. With his senior charges fully rested and Whitby pulling the strings at half back, Fax secured a 18-10 victory at LNER Community Stadium. Brandon Douglas' late ball steal try sent the travelling Blue and White Army into raptures and put Fax top of the Betfred Championship. The question on everyone's lips now, could we maintain it?

Back to back home fixtures would round off the month. Firstly, a battle with old rivals Featherstone Rovers in Round 4 on Sunday 23rd. Man of the Match Jack Hansen put on a display for the ages as Fax ran in seven tries on a chilly and blustery afternoon, a 38-12 win their reward for a dominant attacking display.

A Mothers Day Meeting with Batley Bulldogs followed, with the Panthers making it 5 from 5 after hitting Mark Moxon's men for 50.

A last minute Jayden Myers score was all the visitors could muster as the Fax pack dominated proceedings throughout the afternoon, Brandon Douglas, Adam Tangata and Jacob Fairbank showing some fine early season form, with Owen McCarron chipping in with a good solo score in front of the South Stand.

The high flying Panthers were sitting top of the table with a 100% record, the early pace setters in the Betfred Championship. The Shay was a buoyant place to be, but bigger tests would lay ahead.

APRIL 2025

After a quickfire start to the season, the Panthers wasted no time making it six in a row in the Betfred Championship. A Friday night trip to South Leeds Stadium resulted in a 46-12 victory, James Saltonstall and Brad Graham grabbing try doubles as newly promoted Hunslet were put to the sword.

Head Coach Eastmond also moved to bolster his ranks with his first loan signing of the year. 22 year old back rower Tom Whitehead signed on a months loan from Super League side Warrington Wolves to bolster a pack that was punching well above its weight. He would go straight into contention for the first big test of 2025.

The Good Friday Derby is a fixture that is always circled on the calendar. This year, it would be the Panthers turn to host as rivals Bradford Bulls came to town on 18th April. After a solid month of promotion, a record crowd for a Championship game at The Shay turned up as 4887 turned up for a brutal encounter.

Roared on by the big crowd, Fax cruised into an 8-0 lead courtesy of Louis Jouffret's converted try and penalty, however a sucker punch breakaway before the break brought Brian Noble's side back into the contest.

James Meadows broke away from deep to cut the lead and fire up the visitors. Luke Hooley's second half score gave the Bulls the Derby Day spoils as a Round Seven 12-8 defeat consigned Fax to their first loss of the 2025 league campaign.

Despite defeat against their nearest and dearest, Halifax didn't have time for any sulking.

London Broncos were next up at The Shay on Sunday 27th, as a seven try demolition secured the Panthers 7th win of the year. James Woodburn-Hall and Tom Inman controlling the game from half back earned Fax a 40-12 victory, with Adam O'Brien, Adam Tangata and Charlie Graham continuing their fine starts to the season.

As April concluded, the Panthers found themselves two points clear at the top of the Betfred Championship. But when you're the race leaders, you can be sure the chasing pack is always on your tail and looking to hunt you down.

MAY 2025

That's life! That's what all the people say. Riding high in April, shot down in May.

Never have song lyrics more perfectly mirrored reality, the words of "Ol' Blue Eyes" were bitter as the Blue and White Army were brought back down to Earth with a thud.

Saturday 3rd saw the Panthers make the trip across the channel to Stade Ernest Wallon, where a white hot Toulouse Olympique side were laying in wait in Round 8. After a flying start to the year, Fax hit a brick wall in the South of France. A 32-0 drubbing in boiling temperatures cooled the early season whispers from some quarters of the South Stand about going undefeated.

As has become a tradition in recent times, May also brings with it a run of fixtures spent on the road to accommodate pitch works at The Shay. But with a brand new hybrid field being installed in preparation for the proposed sale to Huddersfield owner Ken Davy, Fax would spend a lot longer than the usual six weeks away from home. We'll touch on alternate venues a little later.

For now, a going away party was planned for Sunday 11th and the visit of Doncaster. International Viral Sensation DJ CamrinWatsin was booked as pre match entertainment, his smash hit 'Kisses' was everywhere at the time. The Panthers looking to appeal to a younger demographic as a sponsor put up the money to secure a carnival atmosphere at a sun-kissed Shay Stadium.

Despite the pre match festivities, it wouldn't turn out to be the best day on the field, as Fax's struggles from Toulouse continued. The Dons spoiled the party as former Panther Connor Robinson expertly marshalled his troops to send the hosts on the road with a 30-6 defeat. Edene Gebbie's breakaway length of the field try the highlight as Adam O'Brien's converted score was all Fax could muster.

After 3 defeats in the last 4 games, Kyle Eastmond made the decision that his squad needed further reinforcements. Three Quarter Alfie Johnson was signed on loan from Warrington Wolves before a legendary name was added ahead of the Round 11 trip to Oldham.

West Tigers Record Try Scorer David Nofoaluma signed for the rest of the year from Pia Donkeys in France's Elite Super XIII competition, having spent his entire career in the NRL. French Forward Maxime Jobe also made the move from Pia as the Panthers looked to their new recruits for inspiration.

Then came a dark day in our history, when on Tuesday 20th May, the club announced the death of life member Hilda Hardy. One of the most beloved and respected figures in the long and proud history of Halifax Panthers, her passing was felt across the Rugby League World.

The Panthers would wear special blue and white armbands for the trip to Boundary Park, a tribute to a lady that was blue and white through and through. She will be sorely missed by all.

Johnson, Nofoaluma and Jobe would make their debuts in Round 11, but couldn't help the Panthers avoid a 34-10 defeat to the newly promoted Roughyeds. A first half blow out led by Josh Drinkwater and Phoenix Laulu-Togaga'e condemned Fax to their third straight loss in the Betfred Championship.

A rough patch for the Panthers dropping 6 league points in the Month of May. Further battles lay ahead as Kyle Eastmond faced his first piece of adversity as Fax boss, but as Summer began in West Yorkshire, the hard work to rectify the issues would continue on the training field heading into the first bye week of the year.

Elsewhere in Panther land, the Wheelchair team got their season off to a flyer, dispatching Sheffield Eagles to secure their place in June's Betfred Wheelchair Challenge Cup Final in Wigan. But it was the Panthers Women that would be the first side to secure a piece of silverware in 2025, winning the Women's Challenge Plate Final against Rochdale Hornets.

JUNE 2025

Approaching the midway stage of the season, Fax's perfect start seemed to be drifting further and further away as June saw more struggles in the Betfred Championship.

Further additions were made to the team, with Youngsters Leon Cowen and Nolan Tupaea joining on loan from St Helens and Warrington respectively. Veteran hooker Vila Halafihi came out of retirement to sign at The Shay as injuries started to take their toll on a thin squad.

A well timed Bye Week in Round 12 allowed more time on the training field to bed in Eastmond's new recruits. And one in particular would have an immediate impact the following game week.

Following a well taken try on debut against Oldham, Alfie Johnson scored a sensational solo effort on Sunday 15th as the Panthers earned a point with a 24-24 draw at Widnes Vikings. Former Fax Man Tom Gilmore's penalty with 5 minutes remaining ensured the spoils were shared at DCBL Stadium. But that would be as good as it got for the Panthers.

A Friday Night trip to Millennium Stadium in Round 14 ended in another defeat as Featherstone Rovers took the points with a 32-16 score line. Despite taking an early second half lead through Jack Hansen, ill discipline invited the hosts to pile on the pressure on the hottest day of the year so far. James Glover's last minute interception putting the icing on the cake for Rovers as Fax continued their search for form.

The following Monday, an announcement was made on the replacement home venue the Panthers would use while the new pitch was installed at The Shay.

Several stadiums were rumoured - Cougar Park, Boundary Park, Siddal's Chevinedge, and Horsfall Stadium just a few of those mentioned. But due to unavailability and RFL minimum standards, and an upcoming fixture with Oldham to prepare for, a tough decision had to be made.

It was confirmed that Halifax Panthers would call Odsal Stadium home for the Summer, a choice that left many stunned as the home of our fiercest rivals. But tough times call for tough decisions, and the temporary move was finally confirmed on 16th June.

The first of five fixtures to be hosted in Bradford saw Oldham make the trip on the 29th. Kyle Eastmond’s men put in a determined and spirited performance right to the very end before falling just short on a sun soaked Sunday afternoon in West Yorkshire.

Vila Halafihi and James Saltonstall crossing for second half tries couldn't prevent a narrow 23-20 defeat, as Fax continued to fall down the Betfred Championship ladder.

Still the Blue and White Army kept the faith that things could improve, and as the height of Summer hit, there was reason to be optimistic after performances started to steadily improve. But points on the board and a win was desperately needed and quickly as sides jostled for their places in the hunt for the end of season play offs.

While the Men's team were fighting hard for form, the Wheelchair Team showed no such issues as they secured their first piece of silverware in 2025. Following their big semi final win over Sheffield Eagles, the Panthers faced London Roosters at Wigan's Robin Park in the Betfred Wheelchair Challenge Cup Final.

Wayne Boardman's side were in fine form, with Jack Brown and Rob Hawkins showing their international class to secure a 46-24 win and the first trophy of a historic season.

JULY 2025

Despite multiple defeats in the league, performances were slowly starting to improve as Fax looked for that elusive streak breaking victory. It wouldn't come in the Capital though, a tough hunting ground for the Panthers in recent times.

Just one win in the big smoke in 22 years meant the form book was massively against the men in blue and white when travelling to Ebbsfleet's Kuflink Stadium on Saturday 5th July.

Despite the perfect start as Adam O'Brien scooted over after just 2 minutes of play, the Broncos raced into a 12-6 half time lead courtesy of tries from Alex Walker and Jack Smith. A nip and tuck affair saw Fax get back level through Ben Crooks, but London were determined. And when Brandon Webster-Mansfield crashed over with 15 minutes to go, it looked ominous for the men in blue and white.

Following great work from David Nofoaluma throwing out an audacious offload, Ben Tibbs had the chance to level the scores with just seconds on the clock but stepped out in touch instead of diving for the corner and the game was gone. 20-14 to the Broncos and the Panthers sixth defeat in seven games was confirmed.

To call it a mid season blip at this point would be kind, Fax were now in crisis.

Another name was added to the squad ahead of Round 17, as youngster Dayon Sambou signed on loan from St Helens for the rest of the season. He would make his debut on a Sunny Saturday night at Odsal, when the Panthers would finally make a statement.

Toulouse Olympique made the trip to West Yorkshire on the 12th July sitting top of the table and looking the form side in the competition, but a determined Panthers outfit showed that desire can overcome anything when you stick together.

Try doubles for James Saltonstall and Louis Jouffret, plus a first four pointer in blue and white for David Nofoaluma helped Fax to a 30-16 victory, and their first Betfred Championship win since April as the Olympians were hammered into submission. The losing streak was finally broken.

From a game played in blistering heat to the complete opposite just one game later as Fax made the trip to Mount Pleasant the following Sunday. The Summer Sun seemed a million miles away as monsoon like conditions battered the Fox's Biscuits Stadium, the Panthers facing an attritional battle with Batley in the mud in Round 18.

Trailing 16-6 despite playing down the famous slope in the second half, the Panthers needed some inspiration as the hangover from Toulouse looked to be impacting the side. But when Charlie Graham slid over in the corner before James Saltonstall marked his 250th appearance for the club with an important four pointer on 66 minutes, the stage was set for a hero to emerge. That hero would be Cook Islander Adam Tangata.

With multiple defenders in his path, Tangata showed some silky footwork and great determination to collect a spilled last tackle bomb before dancing his way over for what turned out to be the winning try. 18-16 as the hooter sounded and Fax had secured back to back league victories for the first time since April.

Next up came York Knights, a side on a 12 game winning streak and running hot in the Betfred Championship. A Friday night under the lights in Round 19 saw Fax come so close to grabbing the headlines once again.

A brutal contest ensued with both sides giving no quarter with strong running and hard hitting defence, Fax held their own with their big spending counterparts from North Yorkshire, matching a side full of ex Super League stars and showing intensity and commitment to not take a backward step.

Charlie Graham's opener a fitting reward for the Panthers efforts, but three tries in 12 second half minutes took the contest away from the hosts.

Saltonstall's last minute consolation made the score line respectable but a 19-12 defeat for Fax ended the month on a low. Despite the loss, the Fax Fans applauded their sides commitment and application, and sensed good things were just around the corner.

As July drew to a close, Fax looked to be returning to the form of months previous. Two wins from four, with the two near misses proving Eastmond's men could mix it with anybody in the division. With belief starting to be restored, six games remained for the Panthers to defy all the pre season odds and prove the doubters wrong.

AUGUST 2025

Three consecutive games at Odsal would get August moving, but the opener would have a different feel to the previous weeks. A move to the away dressing rooms this time as the Derby saw Bradford Bulls welcome the Panthers on Yorkshire Day.

Fax started the brighter of the two sides, taking an early lead through Adam Tangata in the 13th minute, but that would be as good as it got for the Panthers as the hosts to command of the tie. Two scores in three minutes turned the contest on its head, and Fax never wrestled back the momentum, eventually going down 30-10 in Round 20.

The defeat would fire up the Panthers though, and fuelled what was to come in the Betfred Championship.

Struggling Sheffield Eagles were the visitors this time to Odsal on Sunday 10th August, being put to the sword with an eight try 46-6 pummelling, David Nofoaluma putting in a brilliant man of the match performance.

James Woodburn-Hall finishing off a superb length of the field kick return score (which would go on to win 'Try of the Season' at the Star Man Awards) a particular highlight as Fax clipped the Eagles wings in confident fashion.

The Fifth and last 'On The Road' home game at Odsal culminated in another big win for the Panthers as Hunslet were swept aside on Sunday 17th. Our temporary residency in Bradford concluding with a 48-10 victory in Round 22, elevating Fax into a Betfred Championship play off spot with 3 games to play.

The newly promoted strugglers were resigned to finishing bottom of the league with just two wins all year, but the men in blue and white would show no mercy, as doubles from David Nofoaluma and Brandon Douglas got the Panthers attack firing again.

After a well placed Bank Holiday Bye Week, Fax made the long trip to Cumbria on Sunday 31st to face Barrow Raiders.

Three wins on the spin boosting the Panthers play off push as a professional eight try performance secured a big 44-10 victory in Round 24.

It was a superbly disciplined display, with Fax giving away just a single penalty in 80 minutes of play, the lone infringement coming from a kick off being put out on the full showcasing the attention to detail Eastmond and his staff had been striving for during the previous months.

With results elsewhere in the league going in the Panthers favour, it was confirmed a win in the next fixture would secure a play off spot against all the odds. It wouldn't be a simple task, but then again, nothing worth doing ever is.

SEPTEMBER 2025

After 120 days on the road, the Panthers were finally coming home! A Summer away and The Shay Stadium was ready for action, with a state of the art hybrid pitch completed and set for a blockbuster Betfred Championship encounter on Sunday 7th September.

The weather wouldn't match the pre match hype though, as heavy rain battered the Halifax Homecoming in the lead up to kick off. Despite the downpour, the Panthers would turn up to put on a show, racing into an early 14-0 lead thanks to tries from Ben Tibbs and Adam Tangata.

The Vikings, riding the wave of a five match winning streak, worked their way back into the contest. But a Jack Hansen penalty would prove the difference in the end as Fax held on to secure a 16-14 win and a place in the 2025 Betfred Championship play offs.

Roared on by 2661 vocal supporters inside The Shay, the Panthers had done what most thought impossible after a season of turbulence the year before. A return to the post season for the first time since 2022, as Kyle Eastmond praised his sides hard work and commitment.

Friday 12th saw the clubs annual Star Man Awards night take place at Berties in Elland as the Panthers came together to celebrate a successful season to date.

After a superb season that saw him rolling back the years, Adam Tangata came away as the big winner on the night, taking the Star Man Award as well as Players Player.

Skipper Ben Crooks took home the Top Tackler, while Brandon Douglas won the Supporters Player of the Season, a fitting reward for a brilliant year in blue and white.

A really enjoyable night as sponsors and supporters came together to show their appreciation for the boys on the field, but there was still plenty of action to come.

The following day, the Panthers Wheelchair side continued their dominance in the Super League, maintaining their perfect record to secure the League Leaders Shield in Hull and a place in the 2025 Grand Final. A historic treble was now in sight for Wayne Boardman's team.

Back to the Betfred Championship, and a final day trip to Doncaster RLFC, a dead rubber in most peoples eyes with the play off places secured. But the mentality of this side had changed, and despite plenty of changes being made to the starting thirteen with a play off eliminator just 5 days away, there was no letting up.

It was almost play off weather at the Keepmoat Stadium as wind and rain battered both sides. Fax falling behind after a torrid first half, trailing 16-0 at the break.

But that didn't deter the Panthers as they came out inspired after half time, Four second half tries earned a 24-16 triumph and a fifth win in a row. Fax were heading into the play offs as one of the form teams in the competition. A fifth place finish in the Betfred Championship setting up a trip to Oldham the following Friday.

As the last regular season game came to a close, two long serving players called time on their careers. James Saltonstall hanging up his boots after 254 appearances for his hometown club, while on the opposite side, former Fax half back Ben Johnston also announced his retirement after a 14 year career. A win the perfect send off for Saltonstall who will go down as a loyal servant of the club and a legend of the modern era.

Play Off Rugby League. No Second chances, only one team advances. The business part of the season had arrived, on to the serious stuff!

If the pundits had got their pre season predictions for the Panthers slightly incorrect, then their play off prophecies were horribly awry.

Most presuming that the Panthers were just happy to be there, and making up the numbers against their big spending opponents. Well, the men in black paid no attention to that script. What would follow will live long in the memories of everybody associated with Halifax as Boundary Park came to life on Friday 19th September.

Backed by a healthy vocal travelling support, Fax put in the performance of the season.

With all eyes on the hosts and their array of Super League stars, it was the visitors that stole all the headlines. Expertly marshalled by George Whitby with every player putting in a perfect performance to a man, Fax ran away with the game. Seven tries later, a 40-4 domination in front of The Sportsman TV Cameras secured a well deserved place in the Betfred Championship Semi Finals.

It was a full 80 minute performance, summed up perfectly by Jacob Fairbank's solo breakaway score with 3 minutes to go. They were playing for each other, they were connected, and to those watching and lying in wait to meet Fax the following week, they were dangerous!

Saturday 27th September 2025. Betfred Championship Play Off Semi Final, LNER Community Stadium. Two teams, 80 minutes from history.

Halifax Panthers travelled to table toppers York Knights with a place in the Grand Final on the line. The third Championship meeting between the sides with both teams winning one a piece, this was the ultimate decider.

While the pundits naturally favoured the Knights pre match (and who wouldn't with just 1 defeat in their previous 24 games), the Panthers came on a mission.

After a perfect performance at Oldham the previous week, two York tries in the opening 10 minutes made that feel a million miles away. And when skipper Ben Crooks was sin binned for a professional foul, things looked ominous for the Panthers.

Step up Alfie Johnson! A brilliant interception with the Knights pressing the line saw the Warrington Wolves loanee collect before racing away 95 metres to score and put Fax right back in the contest.

With both sides struggling to execute to their high standards, it became a real slug fest, with defences on top. The Panthers with mountains of possession but not able to convert it into points as Kieran Buchanan put the hosts in 16-6 at half time.

When full back Toa Mata'afa went over in the corner to extend the Knights lead to 22-6 on the hour mark, many would think that would be all she wrote. But very far from it!

The Panthers came roaring back, as Ben Crooks touched down from Whitby's smart grubber before Brandon Douglas powered his way over in signature fashion on the next set of six to close the gap further. Two converted tries in 3 minutes made it a one score game, and the Fax Fans behind the sticks at the top end of the ground were BOUNCING!!! 22-18 with 12 minutes remaining.

The Panthers had their chances to win it late on, but York's goal line defence closed its ranks and just about held on as time started to run out. A late second for Mata'afa finally condemned the men in blue and white before Liam Harris sealed the Knights victory with a late penalty. Full time came with York ending up 30-18 winners but they knew they'd been in a game by the end. Some Knights players commented post match that it had been their toughest game of 2025 by some distance, as Fax left their final mark on the competition.

Despite the season ending at the semi final stage, a never say die attitude and full commitment to the badge had defied all the pre season odds of the nay sayers. Kyle Eastmond’s first season in charge showcased a promising future at The Shay, and any disappointment was soon replaced with excitement and optimism of what was to come in 2026 and beyond. The future looked bright in blue and white!

The Johnny Freeman Memorial Trophy for Top Try Scorer would also be shared in 2025 - Charlie Graham and Ben Tibbs presented with the trophy for the season after scoring 13 tries each this year.

The Fax Wingers emulating the great man with some superb efforts during the season, with nothing to separate them in the end.

There was still one more fixture on the calendar for 2025. And it was a big one!

Sunday 28th September saw the Betfred Wheelchair Super League Grand Final at Belle Vue Sports Village as the Panthers faced London Roosters for the ultimate prize.

After two wins and a draw against the Roosters in 2025, the Panthers came in confident of completing the whitewash. England internationals Rob Hawkins and man of the match Jack Brown stole the show as Fax rolled away 42-32 winners to be crowned Champions for the sixth time.

A flawless season saw Fax claim the Challenge Cup, League Leaders Shield and Super League title, a goal player coach Wayne Boardman targeted the previous winter. The best team in the land with no disputes, Halifax Panthers were in a league on their own!

And so a perfect season for the Panthers, a historic treble secured, the 2025 Invincibles had done it. Undefeated, every piece of silverware back in the cabinet where it belongs. It doesn't get any better than that!