NEWSOME Panthers’ bid for Pennine League Division I glory is being backed by Giants captain Kevin Brown.

The England half-back has been on hand to help Newsome coaches Andy Brewster and Alan Boothroyd as the Panthers look to gain promotion to the Championship Division.

It’s the first time Brown has played such a hands-on coaching role.

But with the way it’s going – as well as impressing on the League front, the Panthers also beat St Joseph’s 38-30 after extra time in the quarter-final of the Holliday Cup in October – the Huddersfield stand-off admits he’s thoroughly enjoying the experience.

“It’s great to be involved,” said Brown, whose first open-age training session was two weeks before the Holliday Cup victory over Joe’s.

“Coaching is something that’s always interested me, and it’s a great way to give something back to the game.

“Andy and Alan are already doing a fantastic job on the coaching front, with some of this season’s results speaking for themselves.

“But it’s great to be on hand to give them extra support and, hopefully, play some small part in making this a successful season for the club.”

Unfortunately, the Panthers are facing the prospect of a weekend off, with all sporting fixtures to be held on Kirklees Council pitches having been cancelled.