A former Wakefield Trinity player has left his Championship side after a decade of service, split across three separate stints.

Twice previously, Adam Tangata has left the Shay and Halifax Panthers but he’s always returned, however, he now seems to have left the club for a final time.

Tangata first signed for Fax in 2015 and made 86 appearances across his four-year spell with the club before making a move to Widnes Vikings for the 2019 season.

Midway through that 2019 season, Tangata would return to Halifax before then being loaned to and making a permanent move to Wakefield Trinity.

His Halifax story wasn’t over though as he left Wakefield in early 2021, swapping Trinity for the Panthers and returning to his beloved club where he has played ever since.

In total, Tangata has spent ten years with the club and made an impressive 234 appearances but he’s now set to leave for what appears to be the final time.

Adam Tangata pens emotional message as he leaves Halifax Panthers

Interestingly in both Halifax’s statement and Tangata’s message to the fans, the word ‘retirement’ wasn’t used with Halifax confirming Tangata will take up an opportunity elsewhere, so there is still hope that a fourth stint with the club and a possible 250th appearance is possible.

However, Fax have confirmed that Tangata has left the club following the conclusion of the 2025 season, his tenth in blue and white.

A statement read: “Halifax Panthers can confirm that Adam Tangata has departed the club following the conclusion of the 2025 Betfred Championship season. The 34 year old Cook Islander will leave Halifax after 10 seasons at The Shay.

“A Three time Star Man winner and popular figure in the town, Tangata leaves Fax to take up a playing opportunity elsewhere after 10 seasons at The Shay through three spells.

“After signing from Mount Pritchard Mounties in 2015, the powerful forward would go on to make 234 first team appearances in blue and white scoring 46 tries, and would return to the club twice after spells with Widnes Vikings and Wakefield Trinity.”

He was part of the 1895 Cup-winning team in 2023 and named that among his most memorable experiences when speaking on his exit.

The 34-year-old said: “I never thought I’d be writing something like this. Honestly, I always believed I’d keep playing until I was 40 — but here I am, and it’s time for me to move on to a new adventure. Halifax has a truly special place in my heart. It’s been my home away from home, and leaving hasn’t been an easy decision. But it’s one that needed to be made.

“As for lasting memories? There are too many to count. My first game in the snow at The Shay. Trips to Cumbria in the cold. Nail-biting battles on Batley Hill. Playing at Wembley in the 1895 Cup and that incredible 2019 semi-final against St Helens. Every derby with the Bulls. But above all, it’s the moments shared with my teammates — those are the memories I’ll hold onto the most.”

Paying tribute to the fans, he said: “To the supporters — with the utmost gratitude and respect — thank you. Thank you for welcoming me and my family into your town, your club, and your hearts. Halifax Panthers is truly special, and words can’t express how grateful I am for your support through all the years, even when I left (twice!) and came back. The love has never stopped.”

“So from me — thank you. This isn’t goodbye. It’s “see you soon.” You’ll still catch me around, hopefully in the stands, cheering on the next generation. Because this will always be home, and Halifax will always be my club. Adam Tangata – Ka kite, e kia manuia.”

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TANGATA CALLS TIME ON FAX CAREER AFTER 10 SEASONS

Halifax Panthers can confirm that Adam Tangata has departed the club following the conclusion of the 2025 Betfred Championship seasonhttps://t.co/NzMc4RJloW#FAX26 #UTP #ThankYouAdzy #BlueAndWhiteArmy pic.twitter.com/zuLP1wsE3s

— Halifax Panthers 🐾 (@HalifaxPanthers) October 29, 2025