Halifax Panthers have announced the signing of Ryan Lannon from Super League side Salford Red Devils on a deal until the end of the 2023 Betfred Championship season.
The 27-year-old forward, who previously spent time on dual registration with Fax back in 2017, arrives at the Shay following an 11-year association with the Red Devils.
Commenting on the move, Lannon, said: “It’s great to be back. Obviously, I’ve been here before, so I know a few familiar faces and I’m just ready to rip in now with the lads. The move came about pretty easily when I spoke to Grixy and he said what he wanted from the team and from myself as an individual. I made my mind up pretty easily then and signed straight away, I didn’t want to go anywhere else.
“I pride myself on how hard I work for the team and give 100% every game. I’ll just do anything for the win and earn the respect from my teammates. I’ve got more mature as a player since the last time I was here, I know the game more and understand the game more having played quite a bit of Super League so hopefully you’ll see an improvement in my game from last time I was here.
“I’m really looking forward to playing at The Shay again. Obviously, it’s been a while and the last time I was here it was great to play there so hopefully it’s same again. I’m really looking forward to meeting everybody again.”
Halifax head coach Simon Grix added: “It’s no secret we’ve been looking to add to our squad in recent times. Obviously, Ryan King left which left a gap in the back row position and Ryan Lannon can play back row and middle, so it ticks a couple of boxes for us there. He’s a good player, had a good Super League career and it just so happens that it’s opened up where we can take him. I really do think he’ll be a stand-out Championship player.
“He’s powerful and I think he’s someone that is exciting to watch. He’s grown up a bit since the last time he was here and got a bit under his belt. He’s a powerful ball carrier with good footwork as well. The versatility element as well is a big advantage and he’s got an offload on him as well so he’s got a lot of attributes that will suit the current members of the squad. We’re happy to have him in and he’ll be available for selection straight away which is another bonus.”
After initially joining the club’s academy system as a 15-year-old in December 2012, Lannon went on to make 104 appearances for Salford and was part of the sides that reached the 2019 Super League Grand Final and 2020 Challenge Cup Final.
Reacting to his departure from the Red Devils, head coach Paul Rowley, said: “Ryan leaves with all our sincere best wishes. He has had a very disrupted pre-season, and as a result, needs to find some confidence and form. The lads and I will be supporting him at Halifax and look forward to seeing him enjoying his rugby and helping them challenge for a spot in Super League.
“He’s a cracking lad who has been a pleasure to coach and I wish him the best of luck going forward!"
