Halifax sign Widnes halfback

Halifax have confirmed the signing of halfback Tom Gilmore from Widnes Vikings for next season.

The 25-year-old came through the academy at the Vikings, making his debut in 2012 before going onto make over 60 appearances for the club, scoring over 200 points.

He arrives at The Shay following the confirmed departures of seven first team players, including Ben Johnston, Will Sharp and Ben Kaye.

SIGNING | Welcome Tom Gilmore!

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— Halifax RLFC (@Halifax_RLFC) September 5, 2019

“I’m excited for the new fresh start, and to get out my comfort zone and go over to Yorkshire to play my rugby,” Gilmore told ‘Fax’s club website. “I’m looking forward to working with Simon and push for a top 3/4 finish next year.

“I don’t know an awful lot about the clubs history but I’m sure looking forward to learning about it at the same time as growing along with it. I know a few of the boys already and get on well with them so all in all I’m really looking forward to coming over, working hard and showing Halifax what I’m about.”

Halifax head coach Simon Grix added: “I’m really pleased to have got a player of Tom’s calibre on board. Halfback is a key position where you need an out and out player playing there. He understands the role and has his best years ahead of him which is exciting.

“Tom brings some super league experience, a member of the England Knights squad only last year, with a cool head and a quality kicking game.  I expect him to bring the game management skills required for that position, skills we have lacked over the last few years.

“He, like members of our team moving forward have had a disappointing 2019, therefore the drive to succeed and prove a point is a fuel that is plentiful for him. I will do everything I can to get Tom playing to his potential in a consistent basis.”