Former Hull KR and Castleford Tigers man hints at new club’s Super League ambitions

Former Hull KR and Castleford Tigers prop Will Maher has put pen to paper on a two-year deal with Halifax Panthers.

He returns to the club after spending time on loan at the Shay when he was with the Tigers.

It’s a sign of intent from the Panthers and the perfect response to the big business pulled off by their biggest rivals the Bradford Bulls this week as Mark Dunning and the Bulls brought in Leeds Rhinos duo Jack Walker and Bodene Thompson.

The Championship could be wide open again in 2023 after Leigh Leopards ploughed through the division in 2022.

It could see any top team earn promotion to Super League as the window of normal promotion begins to shut due to IMG’s proposals.

On signing for the Panthers, Maher has hinted at the Super League potential of the club.

Speaking after signing the two-year deal, Maher said he was expecting the Panthers to potentially finish higher than they did in 2022 which would leave them with a home semi-final 80 minutes away from promotion.

From there he hinted that the Panthers could return to the top division for the first time in 20 years.

“I think in 2023, we’ll be looking to build on last year really with the third placed finish which is incredible. And then obviously, a little bit of a slip in the play offs so I think the aim would be a similar league finish if not better and have a real good go at the play offs and see where we can go from there.”