Match preview: Midlands Hurricanes v Newcastle Thunder

Rugby League is back and it's been a busy off season at Newcastle Thunder. The season starts with a tough trip to Midlands Hurricanes and their new home, Avery Fields. For me personally, I'm going to be working with Thunder this season and I will be covering all the games this season in person starting with a trip to Midlands tomorrow. It really is an exciting time for rugby league up here in the north east.

I know the club have acknowledged it already but we wouldn't be here without the tireless work of those involved over the last couple of seasons including Keith Christie, Jordan Robinson, Chris Thorman, the former players who wore the badge with pride and had probably the best team spirit in the league and finally the volunteers who still have a huge part to play going forward. For that I know everyone is extremely greatful.

I know the likes of Richie Metcalfe, Steve Watkinson and Graham Steadman have been working extremely hard in the off season. I know everyone will be behind the club in a new season which brings fresh challenges!

Midlands will look forward to The Championship

Midlands will be looking forward to their debut season in The Championship, as a club they've had this ambition for a while. Earlier this week they announced they've signed a twenty year lease with Bournville Rugby Club, this will allow them to grow at their new ground and I really hope it works for them.

They'll be desperate to get off to a winning start at their new home on Sunday. They feature names such as Oliver Roberts who briefly played for Thunder, prolific try scorer Matty Chrimes and the experienced Danny Craven who'll steer them around the pitch.

Make no mistakes Midlands won't be an easy trip for anyone this season, they were strong for a long time last season although they faded. This Midlands team are not to be underestimated.

Thunder name strong squad

A fresh season sees plenty of fresh faces for Newcastle Thunder. Graham Steadman has named his squad:

Myles Harrison spent some time at Thunder last season, his versatility in the outside backs will be useful.

Andy Djeukessi a young winger signed from Castleford. Scored six tries in five appearances for Workington Town last season in League 1.

Joe Law a young centre with playing experience at York, Hunslet and Wakefield has a good try scoring record.

Brad Ward spent some time with Thunder over the last couple of seasons, a young winger.

Cody Hunter an Australian half, will be crucial to getting Thunder playing. Arrives from Sunshine Coast Falcons in the Queensland Cup.

Will Robers (loan) on loan from York, a young half-back and product of the St Helens development system.

Bailey Antrobus spent some time with us last season from York, a hard running forward.

Taylor Pemberton (loan) on loan from York, a young hooker who is a product of the St Helens development system spent some time with Thunder a couple of seasons ago.

Ryan Jackson (loan) a young Australian prop with Queensland Cup experience on loan from York. Signed in the off season from Central Queensland Capras.

Harvey Reynolds a young forward who spent a couple of games at Thunder last season but also got game time in the Championship with York.

Noah Whittingham a young forward who's come through the Leeds Rhinos development system.

Sam Cook an experienced Kiwi campaigner signed from York can cover halfback, hooker and loose forward. Experience and versatility will be key.

Maxime Rostang a French full-back who won the Super XIII title with Albi in France last season.

Brenden Santi returns to Thunder after making five appearances during the cut short 2020 season. Could become a real fans favourite and a leader within the group.

Leo Tennison a young forward who has come through the Hull KR development system, has spent time in League 1 and the Championship.

Ukuma Ta'ai needs no introduction to Thunder fans, his experience around this group will be invaluable as he takes on a player-coach role this season.

Jack Brown a young Ireland age group international prop.

Will Dagger (loan) a hugely experienced versatlie back on loan from York.

John Sagaga (loan) a young prop on loan from York has New South Wales Cup experience with Penrith.

Aidan McGowan a full-back signed from Huddersfield Giants, has Super League experience. Spent some time with Batley last season too.

Jack Smith (loan) on loan from York but won Championship Young Player of the Year with London Broncos last season. A young outside back and product of the Leeds Rhinos development system.

This is really an exciting time for rugby league in the north east, a squad of experience, youth and versatility has been assembled. With the excitement comes challenges as we will face opposition with a target on our back.

First thing's first though, a tough trip to Birmingham on Sunday with a 14:00 kick off at Bournville Rugby Club.