HALIFAX PANTHERS have brought Riley Dean home after signing the halfback following his release by Super League neighbours Bradford Bulls.
And the Ireland international believes he can help the side he supported as a child become a second-tier force in 2027.
It’s been an eventful year for both Halifax, relaunched in March after liquidation in February, and Dean, who started it in the Championship at Oldham before a May move to the Bulls.
He featured twelve times for Bradford, notching three tries and ten goals, to go with ten appearances, three tries and five goals for Warrington Wolves, where he came through the Academy ranks, and four games and two goals in a loan stint with Castleford Tigers.
Dean, 26, also picked up experience with spells at York Knights, Dewsbury Rams, Newcastle Thunder and Featherstone Rovers while a Warrington player, and before joining Oldham in July 2024, had been with Mackay Cutters in the Queensland Cup.
A product of renowned community club Siddal, he said: “Being a Halifax lad and a season-ticket holder when I was a kid, it will really be a really surreal moment to pull on that shirt.
“The goal for next year is to be back competing at the top end. It was a tough season for Halifax this time and seeing the character of the club is testament to everyone involved. I can’t wait to be a part of it and get us back to where we belong.”
Halifax have brought Charlie Graham back from Hunslet and retained fellow back Ben Will alongside forwards Curtis Davies, Jacob Fairbank, Ben Forster and Adam O’Brien.
Hooker O’Brien said: “I am really excited to be staying and really looking forward to a massive year ahead. It’s been a big season for everyone. I think we’re all ready for a fresh start.”