HALIFAX PANTHERS coach Kyle Eastmond hailed versatile back Ben Will as he looked towards the run-in to a testing season.
The Shay side have four matches remaining as they try to finish on a high ahead of what they hope will be a far more stable, and successful, 2027.
Former St Helens youngster Will was signed from Rochdale, initially on loan before the move was made permanent, as relaunched Halifax emerged from the February liquidation of the old club.
And the 20-year-old, who played nine times for Hornets, scoring five tries, in 2025 has certainly caught Eastmond’s eye.
Having previously been used as a starting winger or from the bench, he has played fullback in each of the past two weeks, notching two tries in a 36-18 win at Dewsbury before retaining the spot for his twelfth club appearance, Sunday’s 48-16 loss at Sheffield.
Reflecting on the Dewsbury game, Eastmond said: “Ben was playing fullback for the first time, and he did really well.
“We needed someone to go there, and he put his hand up and said that he’d give it his best shot, which is exactly the response I was looking for.
“We want players who are hungry and want to perform to their maximum, not just for themselves, but the team.”
Halifax now have successive home outings, against Barrow on Sunday then Widnes seven days later.