Halifax Panthers ‘reloaded and reignited’ for 2027 after ‘rescue’ mission with Kyle Eastmond locked in and new recruits on the way

The club has confirmed that head coach Kyle Eastmond is locked in ahead of the new campaign, and that he will have some fresh reinforcements to call upon.

In an open letter posted on its social media platforms, Fax’s board of directors praised fans, sponsors, volunteers and the Panthers Foundation for “continuing to believe” in the club after it was placed into compulsory liquidation just a matter of weeks into the 2026 season.

A new Panthers club was granted membership by RFL in March to continue playing in the Championship, where they battled back from a 12-point deduction.

Now, after finishing the season with a credible eight wins, was a time for reflection.

The board said: “As the curtain comes down on the 2026 season, it is worth reflecting on just how far Halifax Panthers has come in a remarkably short space of time. At the beginning of this year, the future of our club was uncertain. The immediate priority was not league positions, recruitment or next season. It was much more fundamental than that: to make sure Halifax Panthers survived.

“What followed has been one of the most challenging periods in the club’s history. There have been difficult decisions, long days and plenty of obstacles along the way. We started the season with a points deduction and, quite literally, a race back to zero. But through all of that, this club kept moving forward, and we did it together.

“Our supporters stood by us. Our sponsors and partners backed us. Players, coaches, staff and volunteers gave an enormous amount to ensure the club could continue. The Panthers Foundation continued its outstanding work across our community, while the achievements of our Wheelchair and Women’s teams have given everyone associated with Halifax Panthers something to be incredibly proud of.

“To everyone who bought a ticket, sponsored the club, volunteered their time, supported the Squad Builder, attended an event, bought merchandise or simply continued to believe in Halifax Panthers - thank you.”

And after surviving 2026, there is now hope and optimism on the horizon, especially with Eastmond still at the helm.

“The objective for 2026 was survival and stability,” the board confirmed. “We have achieved that. But survival was only ever the beginning. Our attention has already turned firmly towards next season. And work to strengthen the club on and off the field is underway.

“Kyle Eastmond is committed to leading the team into 2027, providing continuity as we build on the foundations established this season.

“Recruitment is already progressing, with new signings secured and more work taking place behind the scenes as we look to build a competitive squad capable of taking Halifax Panthers forward.”

The letter noted: “There is still a large amount of work ahead. We will not pretend that rebuilding a club happens overnight, and there will inevitably be challenges along the way but we enter the next chapter from a very different position to the one we faced at the beginning of 2026.

“This year was about rescue, now it is about building momentum. 2027 will be Halifax Panthers: Reloaded and Regnited. A stronger club. A growing club. A club with ambition again.

“Thank you for standing with us in 2026, we hope to see you in 2027 to be part of it.”