Championship head coach departs amid Super League interest

Halifax Panthers have confirmed that head coach Liam Finn will leave the club at the end of the RFL Championship season.

An Ireland international in his playing days, he played for Super League sides Castleford Tigers, Wakefield Trinity and Widnes Vikings.

He was appointed head coach of Halifax Panthers on a three-year deal ahead of this season, after two seasons as head coach of Dewsbury Rams.

Now, however, it seems he’ll soon be back in Super League.

In the Panthers’ statement, they said he is leaving due to a Super League side expressing interest in his services.

CEO Damian Clayton said: “Liam approached us with his aspirations to speak with a Super League team, and we fully supported him in that process.

“It was important to help him pursue his career goals while recognising the understanding he showed of the club’s current challenges.”

Liam Finn leaves Halifax Panthers for Super League: how he reacted

Via the club statement, Finn said: “It’s a bitter sweet moment for me to leave my role as head coach of Halifax Panthers.

“I am proud of having held this role and whilst this season has been a tough one in many aspects both on and off the field, I am proud of the playing group who have finished the season strongly when everything seemed to be going against them.”

“My decision was a very difficult decision to make but ultimately the timing of it was a deciding factor and after speaking to my family, I had to take the emotion out of it and be realistic that the opportunity and security was too good to turn down.”

“I’ve loved being coach of my hometown team, my only wish that it was a far more successful season but that’s sport and you take the rough with the smooth. Thank you to everyone who has supported me and wish everyone at the club good luck for the future.”