The Road to Wembley: Can class of 2025 emulate Halifax Panthers heroes of 2023 and lift 1895 Cup?
Halifax Panthers’ defence of their 1895 Cup triumph in 2023 barely lasted six months - can they now make a return to Wembley under the guidance of Kyle Eastmond?
Fax made their first appearance at the national stadium since 1987 18 months ago, and lifted the 1895 Cup thanks to a dramatic 12-10 victory over Batley Bulldogs.
However, in a new-look format for 2024, a defeat against then League 1 outfit Oldham in the group stages in late January, essentially dumped the Panthers out of the competition, which was eventually won by the all-conquering Wakefield Trinity.
But Eastmond’s men have made a promising start to their 2025 Championship campaign with two wins from their opening two games against Sheffield Eagles and Barrow Raiders, and now travel to York Knights in the First Round Proper of the 1895 Cup on Sunday, March 2 (kick off 3pm) in good spirits.
Asked by the club’s media team if he felt he would prefer to continue the good run of form in the league this weekend as opposed to a cup tie, Eastmond replied:
“I am not too sure if I’m being honest. It is just another game. I respect that it is a different competition but to me, nothing changes.
“I am just looking forward to another game and getting better again, which is important and taking on York.”
He added: “We played well in parts (against Barrow), there are few areas where we need to be smarter at. We will do it and we will improve. You learn mre about your team .
“Can we get better? Of course we can.”