Italy World Cup star Jake Maizen joins English club for 2023
Photo: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire/PA Images
Italy international Jake Maizen will spend the 2023 season in England with Championship club Halifax following an impressive World Cup campaign.
The 25-year-old winger or centre links up with the Panthers from Queensland Cup side Sunshine Coast Falcons in Australia.
Maizen was born and raised in Australia but qualifies to play for Italy through his family heritage. He made his international debut for the Azzurri at the World Cup, winning three caps.
Maizen said: “I’m stoked to be here at Halifax. I can’t wait to rip in with the boys and I’m excited as.
“It’s the first time I’ve been to The Shay, it’s nice, it’s big and it’s cold! I’ve seen and heard stories about how crazy the fans are here and I can’t wait to experience it.
“Before I came to the UK for the World Cup, I had it in the back of my mind that playing in England was something that I’d like to do. Playing with Kingy (Ryan King, Italy and now Halifax team-mate) too over there, I heard a lot of stories about the club and that obviously encouraged me to come here as well.”
Halifax boss delighted to secure services of Italian back Jake Maizen
Panthers coach Simon Grix said: “He seems like a good, bubbly personality which will fit in nicely here.
“He’s got a couple of connections here already in Lachlan (Walmsley) and Ryan King so hopefully that’ll help him settle in.
“But with regards to Jake as a player, he’s athletic, strong, fast; and can play multiple positions which is something we always tend to look for where we can.
“Jake can play anywhere in the backline. He showed some qualities at the World Cup, but more than that when I’ve looked into him and got some opinions around him from people I trust, it’s all come back pretty positive.
“We’re to give him an opportunity, him feel us out, us feel him out and see where it takes us.”
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