Halifax bring in highly-rated forward

Halifax have completed the signing of highly-rated back rower Paul Brearley from Batley Bulldogs for the 2020 season.

The 27-year-old has just finished his first season as a professional, signing for the Bulldogs at the start of this year after spending several years in the amateur ranks for Rochdale Mayfield.

In 2019, he made 25 appearances, scoring six tries, and gained a reputation for his hard-hitting defence and smart but aggressive attack.

Paul Brearley joins Halifax after a successful season with Batley.

He becomes the club’s fourth new signing ahead of next year, joining Tom Gilmore, Jodie Broughton and Keegan Hirst at The Shay.

“I’m really looking forward to meeting all the lads and getting stuck into pre season,” he said. “Speaking with the coach it’s clear that the club want to be back challenging at the top of the championship and I will be giving 100% to help make that happen.”

‘Fax head coach Simon Grix added: “The first thing is that he is a big thing, 6’ 7” or something, and he’s got the versatility to play in a couple of positions.

“He’ll bring some size, obviously, but he’s got good skills and runs good lines too. We’d noticed him when we played them at home and when we knew we were going to be losing Shane Grady he was someone we wanted to take a closer look at.

Simon Grix has made Paul Brearley his fourth new signing for 2020.

“He’s come a bit later to the professional game and he wants to challenge himself and he wants to progress and get better.

“He had the option of staying at Batley, and I know there were a few other clubs interested as well, but he’s chosen to come here.

“When I’ve spoken to him, I’ve told him there’s nothing guaranteed, and he’s happy to turn up for the first day of pre-season ready to prove himself and earn a shirt. That’s not a bad attitude to have as far as I’m concerned.”