Fixtures, cup draw, loan signing and new kit for busy Panthers

There has been plenty of positive news, both on and off the pitch, for Halifax Panthers’ fans to enjoy this week.

On the pitch, Panthers’ Betfred Championship fixtures for the season ahead, as well as their opponents for the Challenge Cup first round, have all been revealed.

They have also revealed a new loan signing, unveiled the new away kit and shown love for the community in a special Valentine’s Day event.

Halifax will entertain London Broncos in the first game of their Championship campaign on Good Friday, April 2 (3pm kick-off). Their first away date follows on Sunday, April 18 with a trip to Bradford Bulls (3pm) - turn to page 61 for the full fixture list.

Meanwhile, Halifax will host Championship rivals Batley Bulldogs in the first round of the Betfred Challenge Cup.

Should Halifax progress from the clash to be played during the weekend of March 20-21, they will travel to either Featherstone Rovers or Bradford Bulls in the second round on March 27-28. The 12 Betfred Super League clubs enter at the third round stage on the weekend of April 11.

The quarter-finals are scheduled for the weekend of May 8-9, and the semi-finals on June 5, leading to the final at Wembley on Saturday July 17.

First round draw: London Broncos v Keighley Cougars; Whitehaven v Dewsbury Rams; Oldham v Barrow Raiders; West Wales Raiders v Widnes Vikings; Swinton Lions v Newcastle Thunder; Halifax Panthers

v Batley Bulldogs; Sheffield Eagles v York City Knights; Featherstone Rovers v Bradford Bulls.

Second round draw: Swinton Lions or Newcastle Thunder v Oldham or Barrow Raiders; Featherstone Rovers or Bradford Bulls v Halifax Panthers or Batley Bulldogs; London Broncos or Keighley Cougars v Sheffield Eagles or York City Knights; West Wales Raiders or Widnes Vikings v Whitehaven or Dewsbury Rams.

Continued on page 61