Halifax Panthers have announced the re-signing of former French International Kevin Larroyer till the end of the 2023 season. The Fax forward has signed a new one year contract extension to take him into a fifth season with the Panthers.
Since arriving at Fax from Leigh Centurions ahead of the 2019 season, the 33 year old has become a favourite on the terraces with his rampaging runs in attack and big hits in defence, mostly giving great impact off the bench in his 80 appearances so far for the club.
Larroyer started his career at Toulouse Olympique prior to a move to Catalans Dragons where he made his Super League debut.
This was followed up by spells with Hull KR, Castleford Tigers, Bradford Bulls and of course Leigh prior to his move to the Shay.
And Fax head coach Simon Grix was happy to have the charismatic talisman as part of his pack for the clubs 150th anniversary season.
“I think Kev’s had a really strong season”, said Grix. “In the background there, he’s had a bit going on in his rugby life in a sense of the moves that have occurred since coming to this country. And I think once he left Leigh with a sour taste at a bad time for their club, he found himself a home here at Halifax and I think he’s grown into it. We’ve all grown to understand each other, I get Kev and I’ve got a good relationship with him.”
“He’s an emotional character and you see that in his performances, sometimes he goes a little bit too far or has in the past however, I think that’s probably been his biggest improvement this year. I think his discipline has been brilliant. And he’s found a role coming off the bench and had some really strong performances and turned games in our favour at times when we’ve needed it.”
“He’s done a really good job for us. He trains at 100 miles an hour, he still has the full time
standards in his head and he’s always pushing himself to be as good as he can be which can only be
a good thing not only for himself but for everyone else in the group. He’s a team first player, he’s well respected and well liked within our group but also he’s the type of bloke where if something needs saying, he’ll say it. He’s not worried about speaking his truth for the benefit of the group which is really good because often, people don’t want to say or upset anyone but there have to be truths spoken at times and opinions delivered if we’re going to challenge each other to get better and move forward.”
“I’m really happy to have him on board. I’m happy he’s settled and happy here which is obviously
transferring into his performances so I don’t see any reason we can’t have that continue next year.”
He’s the second player Halifax have tied down today after skipper Brandon Moore who during the pandemic enjoyed a taste of Super League rugby on loan with Huddersfield Giants and is a very accomplished player.
One more re-signing is to follow later today.
