Newcastle Thunder v North Wales Crusaders match preview

Sunday afternoon sees Newcastle Thunder host North Wales Crusaders in the latest round of Betfred Championship fixtures.

North Wales building season on season

North Wales travel having won one and lost one in their two Betfred Championship fixtures. A defeat to Widnes and a comprehensive 48-22 victory over Swinton Lions last Saturday sees them sitting in mid-table at this very early stage in the season.

In Dean Muir, as their new Head Coach they have someone who did brilliantly with Hunslet a couple of seasons ago to get them promoted from League 1 to The Championship. He has a tough task to follow after Carl Forster did an excellent job with Crusaders last season ultimately leading them to League 1 glory. Unfortunately for Crusaders the lure of a Super League job was too much of a pull for him.

Last season saw North Wales visit Newcastle twice recording a 0-60 victory in the 1895 Cup and then in the league fixture a 74-0 victory which will be more remembered for the Ant Walker appreciation society from Stanningley! One thing about our Welsh friends is they always make noise, it's always good natured and we look forward to welcoming them again to Blaydon on Sunday afternoon.

Although Dean Muir is yet to name his squad for tomorrow's clash, he has assembled a talented one. They're captained by ex-Thunder man Josh Eaves and can include the experience of the likes of Greg Eden, Dec Patton, Mark Ioane and Ant Walker. They'll be looking to make the play-offs this season.

New signing Inman named in Thunder squad

Following last weeks defeat to Dewsbury, Thunder will be looking to bounce back but given the talent that Crusaders have available to them this is going to be a tough game. Graham Steadman has named a nineteen man squad including Ukuma Ta'ai and Will Roberts who missed out on the match day squad last weekend. If selected Ta'ai's experience has shown in other games steadying the squad from the bench. Roberts has shown to have a good partnership with Cody Hunters in the halves. Thunder also name new signing Tom Inman in the squad following his arrival from Halifax Panthers. The twenty three year old started at York before joining Halifax and has the versatility to play hooker and half back, he also has Championship experience which will be crucial to what is a mainly young Thunder squad.

Unfortunately for Thunder, Andy Djeukessi isn't named in the squad this week. He came off injured straight after scoring last week, hopefully this is just a precaution as he's looked dangerous when given the ball. Discipline is going to be crucial tomorrow as Thunder invited a lot of pressure on last week with a high penalty count against them. North Wales will capitalise on anything given an opportunity.

Thunder will look to the experience in the squad to see off the pressure when it comes tomorrow. They'll look to the Thunder army to give them the energy from the touchline too, everyone has a part to play tomorrow!

Tickets

Tickets are available to buy online. please buy in advance to speed up entry to the ground, 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.

Squads and officials

Newcastle Thunder: 1. Myles Harrison, 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, 25. Jack Smith (loan), 27. Jordan Lipp (loan), 28. Tyler Walton, 29. Sean Croston, 30. Tom Inman.

North Wales Crusaders: TBC

Referee: Matty Lynn

Reserve Referee: P. Clayton

Touch Judge 1: O. Salmon

Touch Judge 2: S. Jenkinson

Time Keeper: A. Hardcastle

Venue: Blaydon Rugby Club

Kick off: 15:00