Championship side make first signing of new era and re-sign international

Championship side Halifax Panthers have made the first signing of their new era whilst also tying down one of their star players.

It’s been all change at Halifax Panthers of late with new head coach Kyle Eastmond being appointed, the former cross-code star taking his first step into a head coaching gig after the departure of previous boss Liam Finn, who joined Huddersfield Giants as an assistant.

Fax had also confirmed the departure of eight players at the end of the season, including the likes of Gareth Widdop and Joe Keyes, but they’ve since also seen Kevin Larroyer leave as they aim to ‘cut their cloth’.

That cloth-cutting was aimed at freeing cash to allow Eastmond to make his own signings and he has now done so with the first new signing for 2025 actually being a familiar face.

Halifax Panthers have confirmed that recent loanee Charlie Graham has signed a permanent deal with the club for the next two years.

Halifax Panthers tie down fan favourite and sign star loanee

Graham arrived on loan at The Shay during the 2024 season, arriving from Keighley and going on to make 16 appearances with an impressive tally of 11 tries.

The 24-year-old back has now committed his future to the club, hailing new boss Eastmond as someone who will be a ‘massive boost’ for the club as they aim to improve on a difficult 2024.

Speaking to the club website, Graham said: “I was hoping my Fax journey wouldn’t come to an end after the season and it hasn’t. I’m excited to say I can’t wait for the next 2 years, it’s the place I wanted to be and I’m glad I’m not going anywhere else.”

“I reckon Kyle (Eastmond) is going to be a massive boost for us all with both sides of rugby experience with the level he’s played at. He’s a huge asset to this squad and to the club. I think we’re in for a very exciting year.”

The signing of Graham was not where the good news ended for Fax fans as they also confirmed a new one-year deal for fan favourite Louis Jouffret.

Jouffret has been a mainstay at half-back for the Panthers across the last three seasons but recently starred for France against Ukraine at full-back, highlighting his versatility.

During his 88 games with the club he has even played at hooker and the Supporters Player of the Season will once again be playing for them in 2025.

“I’m very happy to be staying”, said Jouffret. “I’ve loved my time here, I love the club, I love the boys I’m playing with. I keep saying to them ‘these are my boys’ so I’m just happy to be staying for one more year.”

“Talks have been going on for a while. I think the decision started obviously when Finny was still here so I was just happy to stay with him here. And obviously now, with Kyle (Eastmond) coming in, it’s an exciting time. I’m looking forward to it.”

Another boost came with confirmation that former Leeds Rhinos academy captain Joe Hird penned a two-year extension with the club.