Paul Brearley returns to Halifax after Toronto move falls through

Halifax have re-signed forward Paul Brearley on a one-year deal after his move to Toronto Wolfpack fell through.

The 28-year-old arrived at Fax in 2020 from fellow Championship club Batley and made five appearances for Halifax before the season was cut short due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Brearley, who stands at 6′ 7″, had agreed to join Toronto Wolfpack for 2021 but their failed bid to be re-admitted into Super League left Brearley without a contract for next season. He has returned to Halifax on a one-year deal.

Brearley said: “It’s good to be back and I’m grateful for the opportunity. I was settling in nicely before the lockdown and I’m hoping to kick on from where I left off.

“I can’t wait to get back on the pitch in front of the Fax fans hopefully sooner rather than later.”

Good to be back @Halifax_RLFC 🔵⚪️ https://t.co/GFruaU9WRA

— Shoei (@paulbrearley2) November 25, 2020

Halifax coach Simon Grix said: “Paul went under the radar this time last year as a bit of an unknown to our fans, but impressed in the little time we had.

“Obviously he had opted to have a crack at Super League with Toronto, but it hasn’t worked out so we welcome him back to pick up where he left off.

“He was gaining in confidence and was a pleasure to coach in a sense that he was going out and applying what we had worked on.

“Rugby aside, he’s a good bloke and I’m sure the lads will be happy to see him back alongside them.”