Leon Cowen will look to find more game time away from the Brewdog Stadium this year, after signing a season-long loan to move from St Helens to the Championship.
At 21, the young forward has only made two senior appearances for the Red Vee, with both of those coming in 2025.
Cowen has also had experience in the second tier with Swinton Lions and Halifax Panthers, and it will be a return to familiar ground for him this year, after penning a deal with one of those clubs.
Moving to the Panthers, he will again work under Kyle Eastmond in West Yorkshire, and will look to add to the nine appearances he made for the side in 2025.
His final appearance for Halifax came in that semi-final defeat to York Knights, as the club lost 30-18 to Mark Applegarth’s men, who then went on to land a place in Super League for the upcoming campaign.
With last year’s top three now all in the top flight, Halifax will be seen as one of the clubs to finish the year near the top, and will be expected to achieve a comfortable place in the play-offs.
Bringing in former Super League talents such as Tanguy Zenon, Dan Okoro and Alfie Johnson, as well as having experience from the likes of David Nofolauma and Ben Crooks, Eastmond’s men will no doubt be challenging for the top four once again.
Cowen, whilst he may not start every game, will certainly add to the squad, and will provide healthy competition and extra forward power from the bench.
Commenting on the signing, Halifax boss, Eastmond, said: “It’s great to have Leon [back]. He’s a great young player.
“He’s tough and someone we love having on board and we respect. We’re over the moon that he’s going to be with us all season and hopefully we can help him develop.”
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BACK IN BLUE AND WHITE 🔵⚪️🐾 Leon Cowen returns to the Panthers on a season long long from St Helens, and will wear squad number 23 for the 2026 Season 💪
Leon is available for sponsorship. Call 01422 342792 or email info@halifaxpanthers.co.uk for more information#FAX26 #UTP… pic.twitter.com/zM9SKaI0Na
— Halifax Panthers 🐾 (@HalifaxPanthers) January 15, 2026
