Halifax Panthers have announced that Adam O’Brien has joined the club on a season long loan from Super League neighbours Huddersfield Giants.
The 29 year old hooker has previously spent time on loan with the Panthers back in 2017, and brings a wealth of experience to Simon Grix’s side having recently made his 150th Super League appearance.
But with game time hard to come by at the John Smiths Stadium, Fax have moved quickly to ensure the King Cross Park junior can call The Shay Stadium his home for the rest of 2023.
“I’m really happy to join my hometown team”, said O’Brien. “With the Adam Milner move to Huddersfield it’s taken my game time away, and I want to be playing every week, so I think it’s a good move to get some minutes back into my game.”
“In terms of what I bring to the side, I feel I’m a good organiser and a bit of a cool head when needed on the pitch. I’m excited for the rest of the season and seeing what I can bring to the team and hopefully pushing for the top end of the table when it comes to the business end of the year.”
“I can’t wait to play in front of the fax fans back at the shay, I’ve been to watch a few games this year and the atmosphere has been great and it’s a massive lift for players to play in front of. I’m looking forward to getting started with the boys.”
Panthers head coach Simon Grix was happy to have made another quality addition to his squad.
“The move came about pretty fast really. Adam has become frustrated at his limited game time and we heard he was looking for a change. We are lacking leadership and direction, specifically in the verbal sense on the field at the moment so i feel he fits the bill. Adam is experienced and brings those leadership qualities that we are missing.
“He is an experienced player who knows his craft very well. He is good at directing traffic and bringing players on to the ball. Adam is a leader in his actions but more importantly to our group, in his communication skills. He will have an impact on our other hookers and general group with his professionalism and attention to detail.”
“It may ruffle some feathers I am sure, but in reality if nothing changes, then nothing changes. We have a few obstacles at the minute between injuries and bans and we can either be paralysed by these obstacles and sit still hoping it gets better or we can make some changes to help ourselves overcome them. After consideration and conversation, we feel the latter is the way to go.”
“He came a while back now on loan and was great for us. As a local lad, he really enjoyed representing his hometown club then which has obviously fuelled a desire to do so again. He wouldn’t have been short of suitors so we are happy to get him in and he is up for the challenge presented.
“He knows a good chunk of the lads either personally or by sight around town so fitting in in a social sense will be no bother. In terms of the x’s and o’s, he is an intelligent person so that will fall into place pretty quick. It will be a proud moment for him to wear our shirt again, another Fax tragic like myself and a few more in the group and staff that have watched our club as kids, whom really want to leave a positive personal touch on our clubs journey.”
Halifax Director of Rugby Richard Durgan added: “As soon as we knew Adam was available, we knew we had to go and get him. He’s a local boy with great super league experience who will bring a lot of leadership and direction to the group, as well as being a good lad to have around. We are delighted to get him.”
Adam will go straight into contention for Sunday’s trip to Swinton Lions in Round 14 of the Betfred Championship.
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