Newcastle Thunder home season to get underway

I'll start by saying these are my own thoughts and not that of the club.

I thought I'd do a quick piece with the first home game approaching on Sunday afternoon as we welcome Dewsbury Rams to Blaydon in a 15:00 kick off. Before I start, you'll have seen this week that Halifax have gone into liquidation. I hope there's a way forward for rugby league in Halifax and my thoughts are with everyone connected with the club.

It's a tough time for teams in The Championship and as supporters the thing we can do is turn up and support rugby league in the north east.

Fresh start

This season is a fresh start for everyone and from what I've seen in the first three games we have a hungry group who work hard for each other. The performance pathway being put in place gives a pathway from junior rugby to Super League, that in itself is exciting. It also helps to start to bridge the gap from junior rugby to open age rugby league in the north east. I think we all hope that the open age game can grow on the back of this in the north east.

This group isn't scarred

One of the big things I noticed down at Midlands was this group isn't scarred by results over the last couple of years. It wasn't something I had factored in, I was delighted with the victory as was the group. But I could just tell it was a case of enjoy the win and onto the next game. Graham Steadman has done a brilliant job in bringing them together and they're a tight knit group.

Bring the noise

The performance pathway has certainly brought a lot of attention in Thunder's direction, if only we got IMG points for the amount of noise we're making online!

Last season we were everyone's second favourite team, this season we're not. We have a target on our backs and teams are after us and target us. As fans and a club we can be welcoming and give our usual welcome. But as fans, it's time to make voices heard. Come together for "Come on Thunder."

When Brenden Santi gets the ball fire up Zombie by The Cranberries:

"In your head, in your head

Santi, Santi, Santi

What's in your head? In your head?

Santi, Santi, Santi."

This was really heard at Doncaster. I still like the idea of a Thunder clap as the players come from the changing rooms, but that will take a bit too much coordination! This group are competing hard and there's a lot to be excited about, get behind them and let's make Blaydon a fortress!

Thanks

We know that Richie and Steve have taken things on this season with the ownership group, if you see them about then introduce yourselves. They're doing a lot of work at the moment and I'm sure it'd be appreciated. Likewise to our volunteers who I know are excited for home games to get underway, be patient and courteous as they get used to a new set up. They're stepping up and helping out and giving their time for free.

Also if anyone sees Keith, Jordan or any of the players who have kept rugby league alive over the last couple of seasons in the north east I'm sure a quick thank you would be appreciated. Hopefully this group that have given us so much can enjoy watching some rugby league!

Be patient

As I've said above, there's a lot of effort being put in to get things up and running at Blaydon this season. We might not get everything right and no doubt there'll be improvements and learning along the way. But be patient, I'm sure any constructive feedback will be taken on board.

Excitement

Having watched the first three games, I'm genuinely excited for Thunder fans to see this new group. They play with freedom and with the likes of Cody Hunter and Taylor Pemberton pulling the strings coupled with a fast track at Blaydon you won't be short of entertainment. There's a real buzz around rugby league in the north east and with excellent pricing there's a lot of reasons to come down and get behind the team.

Buy early

Kick off is 15:00 on Sunday, if you can then buy early as it means the club can have a good idea of how many might turn up. If you can bring someone along with you and introduce or re-introduce them to rugby league that'd be great too. Remember under 16's get in free!

Bring on Sunday!

Bring on Sunday, it's a fresh start and let's get behind the team!

If anyone has any comments or suggestions on anything they'd like to see in terms of supporters events or how we can bring the Thunder family together then I'll be around on Sunday and happy to discuss anything. Likewise, if there's anything more you'd like in terms of coverage from games let me know and I'll see what I can do to improve things going forward.