Newcastle Thunder are set to face Keighley Cougars tomorrow with the fixture marking the first pre-season run out for both sides who could have contrasting aspirations for the 2023 campaign.
Thunder will be led by Tyneside-born Chris Thorman who has witched the north-west for his home of the north-east having left Workington Town to coach Newcastle.
Across the off-season Thunder have made over 15 signings including three internationals from the World Cup, all of them scheduled to play in tomorrow’s matchup.
Alex Young of Jamaica, brother of England’s Dom, Robert Tuliatu of Greece and Curtis Davies of Wales will all feature in Thorman’s huge 24-man squad for the game.
Keighley have also announced a side with plenty of new signings but former Man of Steel Luke Gale won’t play due to suspension.
The Thunder side was announced via their website and features plenty of youngsters who have been brought in on loan from Super League sides, with Newcastle having just yesterday announced a dual-registration partnership with Hull FC.
Thunder’s website read: “New signings Rhys Clark, Alex Clegg, Max Flanagan, Evan Lawther, Mac Walsh, Marcus Walker and Nikau Williams are all included in the 24-man list as well as the club’s international trio of Curtis Davies, Robert Tuliatu and Alex Young.
“Hull KR’s loaned duo of Connor Moore and Jack Potter are also included in the squad for the club’s first home game of 2023, which also sees three trialists in Joseph Hall, James McGurk and Nathan Rushworth named.”
Newcastle Thunder 24-man squad to face Keighley
Jake Anderson
Connor Bailey
Ted Chapelhow
Jay Chapelhow
Rhys Clarke
Alex Clegg
Nathan Clemmitt
Curtis Davies
Alex Donaghy
Max Flanagan
Alex Foster
Brad Gallagher
Joseph Hall (Trialist)
Jack Johnson
Evan Lawther
James McGurk (Trialist)
Connor Moore
Jack Potter
Nathan Rushworth (Trialist)
Robert Tuliatu
Mac Walsh
Marcus Walker
Nikau Williams
Alex Young
