One Championship club have continued their strong spate of recruitment by signing a former Leeds Rhinos reserves player.
Newcastle Thunder have already signed a handful of players from Super League sides with York Knights’ hooker Sam Cook, Hull KR’s Leo Tennison and Castleford Tigers’ winger Andy Djeukessi all signed up.
Former Leeds Rhinos and Salford Red Devils forward King Vuniyayawa is another to have joined the North East club but now another forward from Leeds has signed.
Noah Whittingham is the latest to sign at Newcastle Thunder with the young middle previously a member of the Rhinos’ reserve squad that won the 2025 Grand Final.
Alongside released Hull KR prop Leo Tennison, he’ll help form a young pack that has experience of Super League systems with both men departing their respective Super League clubs at the end of the 2025 season.
Newcastle Thunder sign Leeds Rhinos forward
News of Whittingham’s arrival with Thunder was confirmed by the club on social media with the side explaining his arrival to be part of their recruitment strategy.
They explained: “His arrival underscores Thunder’s ongoing commitment to blending youth and experience as head coach Graham Steadman continues shaping a competitive group for the coming campaign.”
Confirming the signing, the club said: “Newcastle Thunder are pleased to announce the signing of talented forward Noah Whittingham, adding valuable depth and potential to the club’s squad ahead of the 2026 Betfred Championship season.
“A product of the Leeds Rhinos development system, Whittingham brings strong ball-carrying ability and defensive tenacity to the Thunder pack, reflecting the club’s ambition to compete at the highest levels and build momentum in the North East.”
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Newcastle Thunder are pleased to announce the signing of talented forward Noah Whittingham, adding valuable depth and potential to the club’s squad ahead of the 2026 Betfred Championship season.
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— Newcastle Thunder (@ThunderRugby) January 6, 2026
