Halifax Panthers bring in two players from Super League clubs for 2026 squad
Halifax Panthers have signed Myles Lawford on a season-long loan deal from Super League side Wakefield Trinity.
Lawford joins the Panthers on a deal that will see him move to The Shay until the end of the 2026 Betfred Championship season.
The 22 year-old, who is the son of former Fax star Dean, has played for the England and Yorkshire academy and the scrum-half began his career at Bradford, coming through the academy ranks before being snapped up by Wakefield ahead of their 2024 promotion winning season.
Lawford has 24 senior appearances under his belt so far scoring 11 tries, and is also an accomplished goal kicker.
The Trinity youngster is excited to continue his development at the Panthers, saying: “I’m really excited to join Halifax. After speaking with Kyle (Eastmond), I’m excited for where the club is striving to be this season, it will be a competitive league week in, week out and I’m looking forward to being involved in that.
“I’m here to give 100 per-cent, learn from the experienced players, and play my part in the team’s goals both on and off the field.
"I can’t wait to get started with the lads and crack on with what should be a successful year.”
The Panthers have also added powerful prop forward Daniel Okoro to their squad after signing him from Super League side Warrington Wolves.
Okoro has joined on a one-year deal that will keep him at The Shay until the end of the 2026 Betfred Championship season.
The 22-year-old front rower is a Nigerian international with lots of potential. He came through the academy system at Hull KR before going on to sign permanent terms at Bradford.
His impressive performances at Odsal earned him a shot at the big time and Okoro eventually penned a three-year deal at The Halliwell Jones Stadium in 2024.
Okoro has also spent time on loan at Hunslet, Newcastle Thunder, Swinton Lions, Castleford Tigers and most recently at London Broncos. He has made 38 first team appearances to date, scoring three tries.
Meanwhile, David Nofoaluma has signed a new two-year contract extension with Halifax, keeping him at The Shay until the end of the 2027 Betfred Championship season.
The 31-year-old Serbian international has been a big hit since arriving on a short term deal from Pia Donkeys in May, helping the Panthers reach the semi-finals of the 2025 Betfred Championship play-offs with his destructive running and calming influence at the back.
Nofoaluma made 15 appearances in his maiden season at the club, scoring five tries, and the popular full-back will now call The Shay home for the foreseeable future.
He said: “Firstly, I want to say thank you to everyone involved in sorting this deal.
"I came to the Halifax Panthers mid year and I finished the season with much more, including a great relationship with Kyle, the staff, my teammates and the
Halifax supporters and community who have made me feel welcome, which I am honoured and grateful for.”