'The heart of Halifax's community spirit': Town's MP praises dedication of all those involved in saving Halifax Panthers
Halifax’s MP says she is “delighted” that the future of the town’s “much-loved” rugby league club has been secured.
Speaking after the announcement earlier this week that a new Halifax Panthers club has been granted membership by the RFL and readmitted to the Championship, Kate Dearden praised the town’s community spirit.
She said: “I’m delighted that our much-loved rugby club’s future has been secured, thanks to the hard work of local partners, including the club’s new directors, the RFL and Calderdale Council.
“The Panthers have a long and proud history in Halifax and I know how difficult the past few weeks have been.
“I’m so pleased that the Panthers have now been granted RFL membership, and that we are able to rejoin the Championship league.
“The swift action and dedication shown by all those involved in saving the club really gets to the heart of Halifax’s community spirit.”
Plans are now moving ahead to ensure a team, still guided by head coach Kyle Eastmond, can take to the field against top-of-the-table London Broncos this weekend.
Fourteen players remain from the squad which started the 2026 season, while negotiations are taking place with possible loan deals from other clubs.
Fans of the club are being encouraged to bring a friend to The Shay on Sunday, March 8 (kick-off 3pm) to welcome the return of rugby league and celebrate a new chapter for Fax.
Ms Dearden added: “I now can’t wait to join the fans coming out in full force on Sunday to cheer the Panthers on against the London Broncos.”