Released St Helens youngster seals permanent Championship move

Young forward Leon Cowen has signed a permanent deal with Championship club Halifax Panthers ahead of the 2027 season following his release from St Helens. The 21-year-old utility player previously made two first-team Super League appearances for Saints in 2025 before spending the majority of the 2026 campaign on loan at The Shay.

Cowen, an England Academy international, has recorded 19 of his 33 senior appearances with Halifax across loan and dual-registration periods. Panthers head coach Kyle Eastmond's side finished second-bottom in the Championship table during the 2026 season following a 12-point financial deduction.