Rugby League News: Halifax Panthers Announce Departure of Eight Players, Including Gareth Widdop
Halifax, UK – The Championship outfit Halifax Panthers have announced the departures of eight players from The Shay, including that of former NRL and Super League star Gareth Widdop.
Widdop, 35, had made a U-turn on his retirement to join his hometown club ahead of the 2024 season. Across the campaign, the playmaker featured 24 times for Fax as they finished 9th in the Championship, scoring seven tries and six goals.
Fellow ex-Super League players Joe Keyes and Matty Gee have also agreed deals to join Bradford Bulls in 2025. Keelan Foster, who joined Fax midway through the 2024 season from Doncaster, has penned a deal with newly-promoted Hunslet for 2025, while Oli Davies will make his loan move to League 1 side North Wales Crusaders permanent.
Rounding off the departure list are Ed Barber, Sam Campbell, and Clement Boyer, who combined for 32 appearances for Fax last season. The club expressed its gratitude to all the departing players for their efforts in the blue and white.
In addition, head coach Liam Finn has left the club to take up an assistant role at Super League outfit Huddersfield Giants. Former dual-code England international Kyle Eastmond has been named as his replacement, signing a three-year deal.
With several other backroom staff also departing, Eastmond will have the task of assembling a new team ahead of the start of pre-season training in November.
“We would like to thank all of the players for their hard work and commitment during their time at Halifax Panthers. We wish them all the best in their future endeavors.”
- Halifax Panthers Club Statement
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