MATCH PREVIEW | PANTHERS VS BULLDOGS

MATCH PREVIEW OF PANTHERS VS BULLDOGS THIS SATURDAY

All you need to know on this Saturdays Challenge Cup 1st round clash with Batley Bulldogs.

KICK OFF 

Kick off time this Saturday is 7.30pm

THE LOWDOWN

Halifax Panthers welcome Batley Bulldogs to the Shay Stadium for what will be both teams first competitive game in over a year since the 2020 campaign was brought to a halt due to the pandemic.

Panthers finished pre-season with a hard fought win at Oldham on Saturday whilst the Bulldogs have played two pre-season games narrowly going down to rivals Dewsbury Rams before heading to face Featherstone Rovers last Saturday where they left on the wrong side of a 36-16 scoreline.

TEAM NEWS

The Panthers head coach has a near full strength squad to pick from with only Ben Kavanagh & Sion Jones unavailable for selection as they both continue their recovery from long term injuries but both players are believed to be nearing a return to the first team squad.

A host of new signings could make their competitive debuts this Saturday including Amir Bourouh, Greg Worthington, Gadwin Springer, Zack McComb, Connor Robinson, Liam Harris, Sam Hewitt, Nick Rawsthorne, Ben Tibbs and Dan Murray.

The Panthers will be hoping to keep up an impressive home record against the Bulldogs after winning our previous three encounters at the Shay.

THE OPPOSITION 

Th Batley Bulldogs are coached by former Bulldogs player and assistant coach, Craig Lingard.

The Bulldogs also have a number of former Fax players in their ranks including, Wayne Rettie, Ben White, Dane Manning, Anthony Bowman, Ben Kaye, Tom Gilmore and Jodie Broughton who are all set to feature in the Challenge Cup tie this weekend.

The Bulldogs will be hoping for their first win at the Shay since 2016 when the left 17-12 winners in round 4 of the Championship.

MATCH OFFICIALS 

The man in the middle for Saturdays clash will be Ben Thaler.

POTENTIAL MILESTONES

Panthers star James Saltonstall will make his 150th career appearance if he features in Saturdays clash.

Greg Worthington is 3 tries short of 100 for his career.

HOW TO WATCH 

The game is being streamed live on OuRLeague with Panthers season ticket holders gaining free access to the stream and any other fans are able to purchase passes before Saturday at £4.95 and if purchased on gameday £10.

You can purchase your passes to watch the action HERE

IMPORTANT MESSAGE 

Fans from both clubs and the general public are urged to STAY AT HOME and enjoy the game inline with current government guidelines.

#PanthersAreInTown

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