HALIFAX PANTHERS stalwart Jacob Fairbank says he’s feeling as strong and hungry as ever as he approaches a twelfth season at his hometown club, during which he will turn 36.
The versatile forward from a family steeped in Rugby League had a loan spell at Halifax from neighbours Huddersfield, where he came through the development system, back in 2011.
After another temporary stint early in the 2015 season, he made a permanent move to The Shay midway through that campaign, having played 15 times in Super League for the Giants, and during loans, twice for Bradford, five times for London Broncos and four for Wakefield.
Since then it’s been Halifax all the way, with third-placed Championship finishes in 2021 and 2022 and 1895 Cup success against Batley at Wembley in 2023, all under Simon Grix, on his list of career achievements.
Having also worked under Richard Marshall and Liam Finn, Fairbank is now enjoying the coaching of Kyle Eastmond, featuring in all 29 matches in his first campaign in charge as his side finished fifth in the Championship before reaching the play-off semi-finals via an impressive 40-4 victory in their elimination tie at Oldham.
“I really enjoyed last season,” said Fairbank, known to most as Bob.
“When Kyle first came to the club, he said he knew what I was about and that he just wanted me to enjoy myself. That’s always something I have done anyway and it was good to hear.
“I was really happy to get signed up for another year, because I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.
“I am feeling good and I think I’ve still got something to offer to the team to help us keep going forward.
“It’s going to feel a bit different as I’m the last one standing from 2015, now Salty (James Saltonstall) and Adzy (Adam Tangata) aren’t around, but you have to get on with it.
“I am looking forward to next season and just want us to build on what we did this year.”
Halifax will host Rochdale on Sunday, January 4 (3pm) in a testimonial for winger James Saltonstall, who retired after last season.