Newcastle Thunder v Dewsbury Rams preview

Sunday afternoon brings up round three of The Betfred Championship for Newcastle Thunder as they host Dewsbury Rams with both teams having won both their league games. For Newcastle Thunder, it's a first home game of the season and a first chance for a lot of fans to see the new squad put together by Graham Steadman in action.

Two from two for Dewsbury

Dewsbury have had two good wins, away to Hunslet in round one and at home to Keighley last time out in the league. They also beat West Hull in round two of The Challenge Cup before bowing out 46-0 to a strong Oldham side last weekend.

The Rams finished fourth in League One last season and won games 10-64 and 56-6 against Thunder last season. They've named a squad for Sunday including ex-Thunder man Dan Coates and ex-Thunder loanee Jamie Gill. Gill is a real coup for Dewsbury on loan, he's regarded as one of the best young prospects at Bradford. To have him for the season will benefit Dewsbury and Gill so he can be using the same systems week in week out.

An internet born rivalry

Through the powers of the internet this game comes with a bit of edge as a new rugby league rivalry has been formed. The performance pathway with Newcastle Thunder, York City Knights and Penrith Panthers is under scrutiny from some Dewsbury fans. This unlikely rivalry will certainly add a bit to Sunday's occasion on the terraces at Blaydon! But rest assured, our friends from Dewsbury will still be given the usual warm welcome from everyone involved at Newcastle Thunder.

Thunder look for more of the same

Graham Steadman has named his squad for this week and it includes Sean Croston who did well in difficult circumstances for Thunder last season. Aidan McGowan isn't involved this week having been a regular so far this season for Thunder, he looked dangerous using his pace in the outside channels against Whitehaven.

Steadman will look for more of the same from this hungry group who set the tone at Whitehaven with a big hit on the first tackle of the game. The likes of Jackson, Santi, Whittingham and Reynolds will be used early to create space for a dangerous back line.

Thunder will look to Cody Hunter, Will Roberts and captain; Taylor Pemberton to run the game and cause Dewsbury problems. Although the weather isn't looking great on Sunday, the 4g surface at Blaydon will suit this Thunder outfit who will look to play quick to cause the Dewsbury defence problems.

I'm genuinely excited for Thunder fans who haven't seen this side yet to get their first glimpse on Sunday, there's a feel good factor around rugby league in the north east at the moment with Northumbria University men's team winning the National League title this week with a 22-10 victory over Leeds Beckett. There's plenty for Thunder fans to be buoyant about, so get behind the team and make some noise!

Tickets

Tickets are available to buy online and so are season tickets. The pricing is:

Adult (17-64): £15

Concession (over 65): £12

Student: £7.50 (bring valid I.D.)

Hospitality: £35

Under 16: FREE!

For £10 if space allows you can upgrade to the marquee, there's no food included in that price though. Speak to those on the turnstiles.

Season tickets are still available:

Adult: £148

Concession (65+): £120

Student: £50

The ticket pricing is really good value and worth it. Get yours and get behind Thunder!

Squads and officials

Newcastle Thunder: 1. Myles Harrison, 2. Andy Djeukessi, 3. Joe Law, 5. Brad Ward, 6. Cody Hunter, 7. Will Roberts (loan), 9. Taylor Pemberton, 10. Ryan Jackson (loan), 11. Harvey Reynolds, 12. Noah Whittingham, 14. Maxime Rostang, 15. Brenden Santi, 16. Leo Tennison, 18. Ukuma Ta'ai, 19. Jack Brown, 24. Matty Foster (loan), 25. Jack Smith (loan), 27. Jordan Lipp (loan), 28. Tyler Walton, 29. Sean Croston.

Dewsbury Rams: 1. C. McShane, 2. Delaney, 3. Jordan, 4. Senior, 5. Copland, 6. Coates, 7. Hookem, 8. Nelmes, 9. J. McShane, 11. Summers, 12. Mearns, 13. Tomlinson, 14. Parkinson, 16. Collinson, 17. Roberts, 19. Walker, 20. Bentley, 22. Rayner, 23. Graham, 28. Gill, 29. O'Connor.

Referree: L. Bland

Reserve Referee: D. Martin

Touch Judge 1: T. Gibbs

Touch Judge 2: B. Worsley

Time Keeper: S. Williams

Venue: Blaydon Rugby Club

Kick off: 15:00