Halifax Panthers take on the London Broncos with both sides in search of their first win of the new season

Halifax Panthers will look to make the play-offs again this season and will see their next game against the now part-time London Broncos as a golden opportunity to kickstart their campaign.

The Betfred Championship got underway in explosive fashion last week, with an average crowd of over 2,500 taking in the action from the opening weekend in Rugby League’s second tier.

After going 16-0 up at the Fox’s Biscuits Stadium, Panthers fans would be forgiven for getting a little bit excited about the game, and indeed the upcoming season. However, a second-half collapse saw the Batley Bulldogs flip the game on its head as they ran out victorious in the league opener.

Three debutants made their Halifax bow in the 30-18 defeat at Batley, including former London Broncos player Titis Gwaze, who made his first appearance for the club off the bench. 

Meanwhile, London were beaten 34-12 at home to the Widnes Vikings in the curtain-raiser for their new era at the Cherry Red Records Stadium. Losing 24-4 at half-time, the Londoners were unable to recover, and whilst the Broncos continued to fight throughout the second period, they were ultimately second best. 

Halifax have named another two former London Broncos players in their matchday squad with Cory Aston returning from injury and Jacob Fairbanks returning from suspension. 

For London, two additions have been made to the team with Rhys Curran returning and Fijian international Sitiveni Moceidreke set to make his debut for the club. Moceidreke has been on the books of St.George Illawarra Dragons, South Sydney Rabbitohs and Canberra Raiders, but never made the grade at any of those sides.

Having bounced around the New South Wales and Queensland Cup scenes, he makes his way to the United Kingdom in search of revitalising his career. 

This game poses an opportunity for both sides to put their opening day disappointment behind them and getting their campaigns underway. 

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