FORSTER JOINS LIONS ON LOAN

Halifax Panthers can confirm that Ben Forster has joined fellow Betfred Championship side Swinton Lions on an initial 2 week loan deal.

The young forward, who joined the Panthers from League One outfit Rochdale Hornets ahead of the 2023 season, is yet to make his first team debut for the club, and will join up with Allan Coleman’s side to get some much needed game time.

“Foz needs some championship experience and this is a good opportunity for him”, said Panthers head coach Simon Grix. “Obviously, we haven’t seen anything of Foz yet as a fan base if you like. When he came in, he’s a big body and someone to develop and could be something in the future. From where he was on day one with us, to where he was at Christmas, he’s improved ten fold and keeps steadily improving. What’s hindering that improvement is playing on a regular basis. He’s played a couple of reserve games at Castleford and done ok but he needs to dip his toe in at Championship level.”

“He had a good season last year at Rochdale in League One but he needs to experience the Championship. At the moment, he’s got a couple of experienced back rowers in front of him who happen to be in good form so he’s got a challenge for a spot and that’s something we’ll just keep helping him with. I do believe he’s got the ability to play Championship but I think he needs to go and experience it. It’s a bit faster than League One games and it’s certainly faster and a better standard than reserve games are at present so it’ll be good for him. Hopefully he gets a couple of games out of that, he’ll be well looked after at Swinton and we’ll be keeping a close eye to see how he goes.”

The 21 year old back rower will go straight into contention for the Lions trip to the capital to face London Broncos in the Betfred Championship this weekend.

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