HALIFAX PANTHERS director Adam Butterfield believes the arrival of a trio of Australians is a sign of the club’s upward trajectory after tough times.
Halfback Harradyn Wilson (from North Sydney Bears) and loose-forward Braydon Guyan (Ipswich Jets) have penned two-year deals at The Shay and outside back Beau Newlands (Manly Sea Eagles) twelve-month terms.
While there is uncertainty over the future of their compatriot Jesse Soric, the former Gold Coast Titans halfback who played for the Panthers this year, Wilson, Guyan and Newlands are all set to bolster Kyle Eastmond’s squad.
Halifax have a history of making telling signings from Down Under, with Chris Anderson player-coach of the 1985-86 league title-winning team which included the likes of Graham Eadie and Tony Anderson.
The focus now is on being a competitive Championship side after a turbulent and traumatic year, during which the company owning the club was liquidated, with Butterfield part of the rescue group.
With twelve points deducted due to the financial issues, Halifax finished second-bottom, but Butterfield said: “We have supported Kyle in strengthening the squad and there is a new buzz around the club. We are targeting a much better season.
“We’re really pleased to have our three Aussies. We’ve done a lot of homework and feel they have qualities which will add significantly to the group here.”
Soric, 21, who scored twelve tries in 27 appearances this year, is back in Australia after the expiry of his contract.
While his original deal was for two years, it became null and void on liquidation, with all players having to sign fresh terms, his being for the remainder of the 2026 season.
Wales international hooker Charlie Newton has joined from Huddersfield and ex-St Helens pair, prop Alfie Sinclair and backrower Harvey Braddish, have also been signed.
