Halifax Panthers fans have been given hope that the club could compete again in 2026 with an update shared by a senior figure.
Since Halifax entered compulsory liquidation in early February, efforts have been ongoing behind the scenes to ensure that the Panthers can return to play, whether that be in 2026 or 2027.
The RFL revoked their membership after that liquidation but per the latest update from Steve Lambert, who has previously served as the club’s Commercial Director, there is hope that they could compete as soon as next weekend.
That update coincides with the registration and new filing for a company called Fax Forge with government website Companies Houses, as the Panthers would be unable to trade under their former registered business given that liquidation.
Within the update, which was written at 4:18 pm on Friday, 27th February, Lambert offered clarity on the swirling rumours about the club.
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Halifax Panthers handed hope of 2026 return
Posting on social media, Lambert said: “There are various rumours, opinions and articles in circulation regarding the future of the club. As with my previous communictation, what follows is correct at the time of writing (16:18pm, 27/2/26).
“The club have NOT been granted a Licence by the RFL, however, we are receiving tremendous support from them to resolve one or two issues that are still outstanding. They are working hard to speed up this process with an early resolution being in both parties interests.
“We HAVE been advised though to prepare for out game against LONDON on March 8th at The Shay, this is a massive step forwards for the newly appointed Directors and our supporters. Please remember, no Licence, no game but I will hopefully bring you more good news about that in the very near future.”
Lambert did then post a more recent update that cast insight into those who are working on the return of the Panthers.
He said: “I really want all of our supporters to be aware that the workload currently being undertaken is split across the whole of the new team. There is a tremendous mixture of skills, experience and passion to help us to reestablish our position in Rugby League.”
Serious About Rugby League have contacted the RFL for comment on the recent update.
The most recent confirmation statement on Companies House saw seven new shareholders created alongside the current director, with a total of eight individuals holding equal shares in new-founded company Fax Forge.
It’s also worth noting that since their liquidation, players become free agents and significant number of them have signed with new clubs meaning even if Fax are handed a licence to play in the coming weeks, they still face the task of filling out a squad.
