Featherstone full-back Brandon Pickersgill makes Championship move

Halifax have confirmed the signing of full-back Brandon Pickersgill from Featherstone on a deal until the end of the 2024 season. 

Pickersgill, 25, made the move to Post Office Road ahead of the 2022 season from Bradford. He has requested a release from his current contract with the club to make the move to Simon Grix’s side.

He has made just one appearance so far this season in the 26-12 victory over Bradford.

“I’m buzzing to have signed at Halifax”, said Pickersgill. “It’s a fresh start for me having come over from Featherstone.

“I wasn’t getting much game time there and there was an opportunity at Fax and I’m buzzing to take it. It’s a good set up here, really good facilities and very professional so I’m looking forward to getting stuck into training and meeting all the boys.

“I’m really looking forward to playing down at The Shay as I’ve always enjoyed playing against Halifax. The fans always bring a lot of noise and loads of energy so I can’t wait to be amongst it and have them on my side this time.”

Halifax boss on Brandon Pickersgill signing

Halifax number one James Woodburn-Hall has featured in all of Halifax’s fixtures so far, and head coach Grix is exciting to add competition to his squad.

The Panthers are currently three wins from five in the Championship season.

Grix added: “Brandon has been one of the strongest full-backs in recent years in the Championship.

“He was solid at Bradford and put on some really good shows at Featherstone as well. Brandon finds himself in a spot there where he’s got two or three in front of him in the pecking order which doesn’t suit him.”

“He fits with us. He’s an out and out full-back but he has got the ability to jump in a couple of other areas as well.

“But that puts Woody on his toes and also gives us the opportunity to potentially play Woody at half-back as well and get Brandon in at full-back when we can. Because obviously, we got 25 or 26 games out of all three last year, Woody Keyesy and Louis, it’d be wishful thinking to try and stretch them out again this season. So it just gives us that bit of an option as well.”

“It’s not a closed book at that full-back spot. It gives Woody some competition and a reason to be on his toes.

“He’s been great so far this year so hopefully he maintains that form but having Pickers come in is really handy for us.

“It’s not a secret we are thin in terms of squad depth, we still need to be looking and seeing what’s available. Brandon fits the bill for us, he’s quality and gives us that depth so I’m really happy to have him on board.”

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