PLENTY TO BUILD ON Panthers boss focused on next season after semi-final loss

SUPPORT: After their team’s uncertain start to the season, Halifax fans had much to cheer from the campaign. Picture: Simon Hall

THE CURTAIN has gone down on a memorable season for Halifax Panthers – one that began with three defeats in four games but ended in reaching a play-off semi-final.

A 42-10 defeat to Featherstone Rovers dashed Halifax’s hopes of reaching the Million Pound Game but head coach Simon Grix praised his team’s strong campaign, saying: “I think we can hold our heads high. I think it gives us something to build on really. Third is a benchmark for us.”

Grix admitted that the criticism he received in April and May did have an impact. He said: “Everyone makes opinions on very limited information. We had a couple of rough performances early in the year. I’m human. Did it affect me a little bit at the start of the year, the amount of ill-informed criticism? A little bit. Did it hurt the lads? Massively.

He added: “On the way back from Oldham [third defeat in fourth game of the season], that was a low point. If someone would have said we’d get into the top six – never mind the semi-final – I think every fan and every bloke on the bus would have ripped your arm off.”

Grix said: “It’s been a good year. The only problem I have on the whole is I don’t think we’ve celebrated it enough to be honest, as a club. And if you’re not shouting for yourself, other people aren’t going to follow.”

The focus now turns to 2022. Connor Davies, Sion Jones, Nick Rawsthorne, Conor McGrath

and the retiring Scott Grix won’t be in the squad next season, putting the spotlight on recruitment.

Grix said: “It’s already started. Obviously, recruitment, retention, these are things the club needs to get out and get through over the coming weeks. We’re about done there.”

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