Playing alongside the likes of Leeds Rhinos, Wigan Warriors, Warrington Wolves and St Helens in Super League is the goal of every club from the Championship to League One.

One club who truly believed that goal could be achieved were the Newcastle Thunder.

But in a cruel twist of fate financial issues exacerbated by relegation has seen them withdraw from next year’s competition following in the footsteps of London Skolars.

This leaves League One in massive jeopardy with very few clubs remaining in the division.

There had been talk of it joining the Championship.

Newcastle released the following statement:

Following the official confirmation that Newcastle Thunder has been relegated from the Betfred Championship this season, Newcastle Thunder Ltd has made the difficult decision not to participate in next season’s competition.

It is with great sadness that we make this announcement. Growing rugby league in the North East was an incredible journey, and we are all devastated that it did not work out. Unfortunately, the impact of COVID-19, combined with the low levels of regional growth and development in the game, means it just isn’t feasible to continue.

We will be fulfilling all our player and staff contracts and will do our best to support them in finding new positions where possible. The time all our staff and players have put into the club reflects how much we have invested in Newcastle Thunder and is a testament to the hard work they’ve carried out.

The Board at Newcastle Thunder would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated current and former staff, players, coaches, volunteers, and generous sponsors. Their unwavering support has been instrumental in sustaining our competitiveness throughout the years.

We would like to thank our devoted fans, whose loyalty has been an incredible source of motivation over time.

This was not the decision we wanted to make, and we remain hopeful that we can find a new home for the team.

No further statements will be given at this time.