Halifax star commits to Panthers until end of 2024

Halifax forward Matty Gee has signed a one-year contract extension which will keep him at The Shay until at least the end of 2024.

The 28-year-old back-rower has made 17 appearances for the Panthers since arriving from Leigh ahead of the 2022 campaign.

Gee said: “I’m comfortable here at Halifax. I love the boys and love turning up for them every week and obviously I’ve got a good relationship with Grixy (Simon Grix, coach) as well. And I love playing in front of the fans every week so for me, it was a no-brainer really.

“I feel like I’ve been going alright this year but there’s still a lot more to come from me as well. I’m hoping to make a few big improvements throughout the year.

“After last year and the year I had with my injury, I was just happy to get a full pre-season under my belt and wanted to really hit the ground running this year. I feel like I’ve done that so far. I just want to do my bit for the boys.”

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Simon Grix delighted to secure services of Matty Gee

Gee has made more than 150 career appearances for Salford, London Broncos, Hull KR, Leigh and Halifax.

Panthers coach Simon Grix said: “I’m definitely happy to have nailed Matty down for another season.

“It’s nice to get a bit of business done early. It kind of takes the pressure off I suppose for when the door opens on signings and what not.

“I thought he had a good contribution last year. It was frustrating for him and us that we only got to see him for what ended up only being about nine games between bans and the shoulder injury that he turned up with.

“He’s been a good player. He’s been a good addition for us; a really good personality as well as a very strong performer whether that’s in the back-row or at loose forward.

“He is a real competitor, he keeps turning up for his team-mates in defence. He’s a good line runner and got some whack in his defence as well.

“He has got some bits he needs to improve like all the lads do. He’s one of those blokes that is looking to do that so that’s definitely an appeal. He’s a good bloke and he’s fit in really well. We’re happy to keep him with us for another year.”

Panthers boss delighted to retain star forward

Halifax director of rugby Richard Durgan added: “Matty was a really obvious choice to try and extend after his time with us so far, he’s been really good for us.

“He’s a really popular lad around the dressing room and has been very solid for us as a player.

“It was always on the agenda to get him tied down early before people started looking so I’m pretty glad we managed to get it over the line to keep Matty with us for another year.”

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