Former Halifax Panthers man James Saltonstall has seen his testimonial cancelled for the second year in a row.
Saltonstall, who retired at the end of the 2025 Championship season, was initially due to have a testimonial match last January, but snow and adverse weather conditions saw a friendly clash with Warrington Wolves postponed. And, 12 months on, he has seen his reorganised testimonial clash against Rochdale Hornets meet the same fate.
The game was due to be played on Sunday at The Shay, with both Halifax and Rochdale preparing for the start of the Championship season in a fortnight’s time. However, due to the cold snap that has seen temperatures plummet, The Shay’s pitch has been deemed unsafe to play on.
As such, the game has been called off, in what comes as a blow to Saltonstall, but also Kyle Eastmond and Gary Thornton, who have seen their side’s preparations for the new season severely disrupted.
The decision comes just a few hours after Barrow Raiders were forced to cancel their friendly clash with Whitehaven due to a frozen pitch as well.
Halifax have confirmed that the testimonial dining event will still take place as planned, with Saltonstall hosting the event with a number of speakers booked in.
The cancellation means Fax risk going into the new season without a pre-season friendly under their belts, with Eastmond’s side due to open the new campaign against Doncaster at the Eco-Power Stadium.
Rochdale have another opportunity to get a run out before their opening game against Swinton Lions, though, with a trip to Goole Vikings scheduled in for January 11.
Championship pre-season friendly cancelled
A statement released by the Panthers on social media read: “Following an inspection of the playing surface, and with temperatures remaining at or around freezing, the pitch was assessed as unsafe for play.
“In line with RFL Operational Rules and accepted safety guidance, rugby league fixtures should not take place on frozen or excessively hard surfaces.
“In these circumstances, and with player welfare as the overriding consideration, the fixture could not proceed safely. This approach reflects established regulatory expectations and the duty of care owed to players, match officials, staff and supporters.
“We recognise the disappointment this will cause—particularly given the significance of the occasion in celebrating the outstanding service of James—but the decision has been taken in the best interests of everyone involved.”
