York Knights and Newcastle Thunder will continue their partnership with NRL side Penrith Panthers ahead of the 2026 season.
Initially announced in June, the three clubs came together to launch a dynamic new three-year High Performance & Pathways Partnership designed to accelerate the development of players, coaches, and community programs throughout the North East.
At the time, the move saw the announcement of Castleford legend Graham Steadman joining Thunder as head coach, replacing Chris Thorman who moved to York, whilst Penrith officials also had contact with the club to help set up a new pathways program for the region.
York have a loan agreement with Newcastle that allows them to send their fringe and younger players to the club on a week-to-week basis, whilst emerging Newcastle players will also have the opportunity to train, and potentially play, for the Knights in Super League.
On the agreement, Richie Metcalfe, the Newcastle CEO, said: “This partnership gives our players a direct opportunity to reach Super League. If you perform at Newcastle, there is now a clear, professional, and direct route to the top. This partnership removes obstacles other pathways have allowing players deserving of top tier selection real selection consideration.”
Clint Goodchild, York Chairman, added: “We’ve created a professional pathway that opens real opportunities for players and lifts standards. Within this ecosystem there is real opportunity for all players to compete week in week out and continue in their development.
“We’re seeing this with John Sagaga joining the Knights from Penrith and several of our future Super League players featuring for Newcastle this coming season.”
Newcastle will compete in the merged Championship season in 2026, and after finishing bottom of the league, will primarily be playing against teams also in League One last season.
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Leading into the 2026 Betfred Championship season Newcastle Thunder, York RLFC and the Penrith Panthers have strengthened their aligned development pathway, giving Newcastle players a clear and credible route into Super League with York.
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— Newcastle Thunder (@ThunderRugby) December 9, 2025
