HALIFAX PANTHERS director Adam Butterfield believes Alfie Johnson’s progression while playing for the club should act as an incentive to others who feel they can cut it at the top level, but need a stage to prove their credentials.
The 25-year-old outside back was a late entrant to Rugby League, operating in union and representing England at sevens before in October 2024 landing a two-year Warrington deal after spending time at Leeds.
Johnson featured twice for the Wolves last year, when he also had games for Widnes and London Broncos before being loaned to Halifax, where after four tries in eight outings, he was signed from Warrington on a contract for 2026.
Originally from Guildford in Surrey and a one-time Harlequins Academy player then Newcastle University economics student, he has kicked on under coach Kyle Eastmond in West Yorkshire, and last month clinched a Castleford contract for 2027 and 2028.
Having stuck with Halifax as the club was liquidated during the early stages of the season, then resurrected by a group including Butterfield, Johnson has continued to shine, and recently recorded a four-try haul in the 28-20 home defeat by Barrow.
“It’s been great to see Alfie’s development here,” said Butterfield.
“He deserves his crack at Super League with Castleford, and we’ll all be watching to see how he does there.
“Obviously it’s a shame to lose him, but we have to accept where we are in our journey towards re-establishing ourselves, and all Championship clubs know they could lose good players. It’s the way of the Rugby League world.
“I think we should take some credit for how he has come on – I’m sure he would testify to that – and hopefully others will see Halifax as a club where they will be well coached and get a chance to show what they are all about.”