Halifax’s impressive recruitment for 2019 is set to continue with the signing of French international Kevin Larroyer.
TotalRL understands the Championship club is close to agreeing terms with the former Hull KR and Castleford back-rower after finalising his release from Leigh Centurions.
The 29-year-old is believed to be one of two players Leigh had been unable to come to terms with over their release from the club, but it now appears the two parties have reached an agreement, moving the Centurions a step closer towards securing their future.
Leigh are currently under special measures, stopping them from signing any players themselves.
Owner Derek Beaumont has confirmed the only way the club can have those sanctions lifted is by ending the financial dispute with the players still on full-time deals. As such, Larroyer’s expected move to Fax is an undoubted positive in Leigh’s plight.
He is now expected to link up with Richard Marshall’s squad, which has already been bolstered by the signings of Castleford halfback Quentin Laulu-Togagae, Hull KR forward Ben Kavanagh and Featherstone winger Shaun Robinson, along with versatile playmaker Ben White.
Larroyer started his career with Toulouse before moving to Catalans. After two years with the Dragons, the Frenchman made the move to Hull KR, where he made over 50 appearances before the club’s relegation from Super League. Castleford came calling in 2017 and he made a handful of appearances as the Tigers reached the Grand Final.
Capped 16 times by France, Larroyer will add further strength to Halifax’s pack, which already features Wales internationals Dan Fleming and Chester Butler along with experienced leader Simon Grix.
It’s understood Fax are still likely to make at least one further signing, with the arrival of a Super League Academy product expected in the coming weeks.
Widely perceived to have overachieved in recent years, expectations are set to be higher at The Shay next season following their impressive recruitment drive.
