HALIFAX PANTHERS fans will have the chance to say thanks to James Saltonstall – and potentially see some new signings, including his fellow back Tanguy Zenon – when Rochdale visit The Shay next month.
The Sunday, January 4 showdown serves as both a preparation game for Panthers coach Kyle Eastmond and opposite number Gary Thornton and a testimonial for Saltonstall, who is retiring after eleven seasons with his hometown side.
The 32-year-old former Italy international, who came through the Warrington development system, has called time on his career after enjoying a testimonial year during which he played 22 times in all competitions, notching eleven tries.
In taking his overall club tallies to 254 and 114, he helped Halifax reach the Championship play-offs in hist first season at the helm.
“The 2024 season was tough,” said Saltonstall of a campaign in which the club hit financial difficulties and finished ninth.
“But the testimonial kept me going for another year, and to be able to have one more run-out in blue and white at The Shay in front of fans who have always been great with me would be special.”
On his decision to retire, Saltonstall added: “Age catches up with all players eventually, and I’ve noticed that I’m not quite what I was. I don’t want to drag things out and end up a bit-part player.”
Halifax have also lost the services of Louis Jouffret and James Woodburn-Hall, both now with Avignon in the French Super XIII competition, and hope versatile France international back Zenon will prove an equal hit in Calderdale after moving from Catalans.
The 23-year-old, who had a short loan stint at Hull KR in 2023, has signed a one-year deal.
Other new faces are centre or second rower Bayley Liu from Bradford, backrower Ben Forster from Oldham outside back Darius Carter from Huddersfield, prop Dan Okoro from Warrington and, on a season-long loan, halfback Myles Lawford from Wakefield.