Local boy done good

Simon Grix started his professional playing career back in 2003 and 2004 with Halifax he then joined Warrington wolves in 2006, injury sadly saw him miss out on three challenge cup finals. In 2012 and 2013 he appeared at old Trafford in the grand final defeats by Leeds Rhinos and Wigan Warriors respectively 

In 2014 Grix suffered a sickening ankle injury during Warringtons emphatic win over St Helens which sadly saw an end to his Warrington playing days.

In 2016 he rejoined Halifax taking position at second row.
Fast forward to 2019, and following Richard Marshall’s departure after 5 years saw Grix stepping in as interim coach and overseeing 4 wins on the bounce and leading Halifax into a semi finals place in the challenge cup he was handed a two year contract as head coach.  

With an impressive media campaign showing the elusive ‘Black Cat’ popping up in various locations in Halifax and gaining national media interest to what this could possibly mean. Halifax RLFC announced that they would rebrand and become the Halifax Panthers. 

The stage was set for the 2021 season!

In the early stages of his first full season in charge Grix came up against some backlash from the fans, controversially calling for “Grix out”

This didn’t deter the former Halifax player, the belief was there, and despite the doubters Halifax pushed on and the wins started to come. Who could forget the nail biter in July against Widnes when the panthers narrowly won 17-16 and the local derby thriller against Bradford Bulls at the Shay with saw them win 24-21?

Grix built on the squad bringing in the impressive Amir Bourouh on loan from Wigan Warriors and later on adding fan favourite Adam Tangata to the squad.

The points came and the doubters were silenced.

Credit must be given to the players playing through injuries to finish of the regular season, the Panthers ended with a third place finish. Later going on to end their 2021 campaign on the 5th of September with a loss away to Featherstone Rovers. 

Regardless of the result, spirits were high in the Panthers camp!

Despite players such as Connor Robinson, Liam Harris, Curtis Davis, Connor Davis, Sion Jones, Nick Rawsthorne, Connor McGrath departing and the retirement of Scott Grix the Panthers have prowled the market and brought in 11 top, new, exciting players to the squad, which has continued to keep the excitement alive with the fans and the promise of another high finishing season in 2022.

With the startling season of 2021 Grix has continued to receive the boards backing and he has had his efforts rewarded with a contract keeping him at the Shay for another 3 years! 

Alongside him, Liam Finn returns to Halifax to fill the role of assistant coach, and Scott Grix didn’t let the grass grow under his feet and comes in as the strength and conditioning coach.

Former Halifax players now working together in coaching roles, three former players with one vision… to push the Panthers back into top tier rugby league.