Halifax Panthers have today confirmed that Cory Aston has been released from the final year of his contract to take up an opportunity elsewhere.
The 27-year-old signed from London Broncos ahead of this season but has struggled to nail down a regular starting spot, spending part of the season on loan at Sheffield Eagles.
Aston made his name at Sheffield between 2013 and 2016, before earning a big move to Leeds Rhinos in 2017. However, he failed to break into the first-team at Headingley.
After loan spells with Featherstone Rovers and Bradford Bulls, he signed for Castleford Tigers in 2018 where he made 10 appearances across two seasons. His stint at the Jungle included another two loan spells, again with Sheffield and Newcastle Thunder, before joining London Broncos in 2020.
Though his time at Fax was short-lived, head coach Simon Grix paid tribute to his efforts during his one season at The Shay.
“Cory was great this last season whenever called upon,” Grix told the Panthers’ website. “This is Rugby League, we had good competition in all areas, and none of us have a crystal ball.
“Sometimes it just doesn’t go as expected. After the last couple of years and where Cory is at in his career, he wants and needs to be playing regularly, and we respect that.
“Due to the competition for places, there are no guarantees for anyone on that here. There is certainly no ill feeling, and I wish him all the best.
“He’s a quality player and person who will benefit his next club without question.”
