HALIFAX PANTHERS have kept hold of former NRL and Samoa star David Nofoaluma on a two-year contract extension.

The 31-year-old former Wests Tigers and Salford Red Devils player proved a big hit after arriving at The Shay in May following a stint with French club Pia.

Shining at fullback, Nofoaluma, who has also represented Serbia, helped Halifax finish fifth in the Championship and make the play-off semi-finals in Kyle Eastmond’s first season as coach.

Now they are aiming to build on that achievement in the new merged second tier, with the news on Nofoaluma following the signing of outside back Darius Carter, 20, from Huddersfield.

Nofoaluma, who is from Newcastle, New South Wales and played for the prestigious Australian Schoolboys side, notched five tries in 15 appearances.

He said: “I came to Halifax mid-year and finished the season with much more, including a great relationship with Kyle, the staff, my teammates and the Halifax supporters and community. They have made me feel welcomed, which I am honoured and grateful for.

“It’s now time to focus on what’s ahead. which is building stronger connections and an environment where every member of this team become better players and more importantly, better people.”