St Helens half-back George Whitby is set to line up for Halifax Panthers this weekend, despite being named in Paul Wellens’ 21-man squad for Friday’s clash with Leeds Rhinos.
Whitby has been knocking on the door of the Saints squad since his debut in August last year. He has made eight league appearances in 2025, however, he took a head knock in St Helens’ 46-4 win over Salford in June and subsequently failed the HIA. The youngster has not featured for St Helens since.
Today, Whitby has been named in Halifax Panthers’ initial squad, alongside fellow Saints player Dayon Sambou. The two clubs are currently in a dual registration agreement.
Still only 19, he will return to the West Yorkshire outfit after already featuring for Halifax this season. He appeared in the Panthers’ Round 3 win over York Knights in March, as well as a game in the 1895 Cup.
In the win over York, Whitby scored a try and kicked a goal, as he paired Tongan international Konrad Hurrell on dual registration.
Halifax face a tough test as top of the table Toulouse come to visit, in a match that will be played at Bradford’s Odsal Stadium.
George Whitby’s Halifax switch gives St Helens selection hint
Whitby was named in the Saints initial squad last weekend against Hull FC, but was not selected. Moses Mbye was given another opportunity at half back, pairing with Jonny Lomax in the 13-6 victory.
It seems that the same halfback pairing will continue this Friday, when St Helens travel to Leeds Rhinos in what will be the fourth matchup in all competitions between the two this year.
Mbye was has been used as a utility interchange player in his time as Saints, but of late has started the last three games at half back.
The former Queensland State of Origin player is currently playing for a contract, after not yet agreeing terms with the club in his final year.
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT 🔵⚪️🐾 Head Coach Kyle Eastmond names his 21 man squad for Saturday’s battle with @TOXIII
Dayon Sambou and George Whitby join on dual registration from @Saints1890 replacing Connor Davies and Brad Graham. Owen McCarron returns from injury in place of Maxime… pic.twitter.com/jKi32FWCVZ
— Halifax Panthers 🐾 (@HalifaxPanthers) July 10, 2025
