Halifax hand Simon Grix new three-year deal

Halifax Panthers have announced that Head Coach Simon Grix has signed a new contract with the club until the end of 2024.

Fresh off the back of a top three finish in the Betfred Championship, the Panthers moved quickly to tie down their leader to a deal ensuring he remains at The Shay for the foreseeable future.

“I’m obviously happy to have agreed a deal with the club, for what is my short term future in coaching,” said Grix.

`’I am grateful for the backing of the board, trusting me in what i see as a privileged position in coaching this club. I am in the early stages of my coaching career and excited at the challenges we have ahead as a club in our collective efforts to move forward each year in all areas of the organisation.”

Halifax-born Grix began his tenure in charge of the club as interim boss during the 2019 season, leading the Panthers to a famous Challenge Cup quarter final victory over rivals Bradford. That win secured a memorable semi final tie with St Helens at Bolton, becoming the first Championship side to feature in the semi-finals of the competition since 2006.

In 2016, he returned to the club where it all began as a player back in 2002, taking on the role of assistant to Richard Marshall before moving upstairs to take the reigns full time following the conclusion of his playing career.

Halifax Football Director Ian Croad said: “Really pleased to have Simon as Head Coach for the next three seasons.

“I’m sure He will coach Super League in the not too distant future, and we want that to be at Halifax.

“The Panthers are already on a journey and he is the right man to steer the ship. Having had to deal with some really difficult conditions it is now time to make the moves on and off the field to prepare for the next level.

“Looking at the team for 2022 those plans are well and truly on track. Now more than ever we need the town to get behind Simon and the team.”