Featherstone Rovers star leaves to join rival club

Featherstone Rovers have confirmed the departure of fullback Brandon Pickersgill.

They confirmed the news tonight on Twitter with the following statement:

“Featherstone Rovers can confirm the departure of Brandon Pickersgill who has left the club to take up an opportunity with Halifax Panthers.”

Pickersgill joined the Rovers from Bradford Bulls after impressing at Odsal.

However, injuries haven’t helped his time at Post Office Road nor has the competition he has faced for the fullback spot.

Not only did he face a battle with Championship Player of the Year 2021 Craig Hall but last season former Toulouse Olympique star Mark Kheirallah joined the club after leaving the French side.

Meanwhile, ahead of this season the Rovers brought in Welsh international Caleb Aekins after he was let go of by Leigh Leopards following the arrival of Zak Hardaker from Leeds Rhinos and Gareth O’Brien from the Castleford Tigers.

Pickersgill joins the Panthers after coach Simon Grix made it clear at the start of the season that they felt that there was insufficient squad depth at the club going into the new season and a push for Super League promotion after consecutive third place finishes.

Last week the Panthers dumped Featherstone out of the Challenge Cup and by extension the 1895 Cup which they were no doubt favourites for having won it in 2021 and lost the final to Leigh last season.