HALIFAX have penned a three year kit deal with Kooga - an agreement that will see existing supplier Surridge booted into touch just one year into a similar three season commitment.
Kooga have established themselves as one of the sport's leading brands in recent seasons, supplying Super League sides Wigan, Bradford, Huddersfield and Harlequins.
They also supply Fax's top flight-bound National League rivals Celtic Crusaders and several leading rugby union clubs and international teams.
Fax will unveil their new home shirt at a special launch event in early December, with the away shirt following in January.
Shay officials are keeping the new designs under wraps, but it is understood the home shirt will feature traditional blue and white hoops with the away shirt a completely new design and colour scheme.
Fax chief executive Graham Clay declined to be drawn on the reasons for the switch from Surridge, but rumours hinting at problems with both the quality and supply of merchandise have been circulating for several months.
"For reasons that must remain confidential, we have parted company with Surridge," said Clay.
"We will probably be criticised by some supporters that we are changing our kit design after just one season, but I hope they will understand that it was done in the best interests of the club.
"Our new deal with Kooga is substantially more rewarding than any other in the club's history, and reflects our growing stature within the game.
"Several suppliers wanted the contract, but we decided on Kooga because of the outstanding quality of their products, their technical expertise and their commitment to supporting us at every level."
The new shirts will also be adorned with the squad numbers prevalent at Super League level rather than the traditional one to 17, a change that will be introduced across the National Leagues.
"It's something we have pushed for," said Clay.
"We think it will add something to the marketing of the club and its players, and brings us into line with Super League.
"Our players want it because it means they can now have individually fitted shirts, which makes them harder to tackle because there isn't lots of loose fabric to grab hold of."
HALIFAX officials have reminded fans that the club's early bird season ticket offer - £100 plus VAT for an adult ticket - expires at close of business on Saturday.
Further details are available from the club on 01422 342792.
Castleford winger Michael Wainwright has signed a new one-year contract.
The full article contains 433 words and appears in Evening Courier newspaper.
