‘Special bond growing’ at new-look Halifax Panthers says Kyle Eastmond

11 of the 17 were players who had stayed with the club despite news of its demise - and removal of its RFL membership - in early February.

They were joined at the weekend by Curtis Davies, who has signed a deal until the end of the season, and a raft of loan signings in Logan-Taylor Moy (week-on-week loan from Hull FC), Alfie Lindsey (week-on-week loan from Castleford Tigers), Myles Lawford (season-long loan from Wakefield Trinity), Hugo Salabio (Hull FC) and Leon Cowen (season-long loan from St Helens), as the new Town board worked quickly - after news emerged of the club gaining its RFL status last Tuesday - to ensure Eastmond had enough players at his disposal.

Asked about the current squad’s bravery for sticking by the club, Eastmond said: “It is different in every case and we respect everybody for what they need to do. That is absolutely perfectly fine.

“The lads who stuck around, who were brave - some lads weren’t in that position and it’s fine either way - but they deserve a lot of credit .

“I think there’s probably a special bond growing now. We will be absolutely fine, there is no doubt about that.”

Asked how the last three and a half weeks had been for himself, he responded:

“It’s not about me though. I am here for the players and I am more happy that the players managed to get what we needed. That is the important thing for me.

“They have been great and I am happy that they get to play rugby. That is what they love and we will be here supporting them all the way.”

After a first game back against the Championship favourites, Fax now have a weekend off due to the Challenge Cup.

Assessing if the bye-week will be a blessing for his side, Eastmond added:

“To be honest we probably do need games, but at the same time, the most important thing is to have people available.”