Newcastle Thunder v Workington and other League 1 preview

The Graham Steadman era until a permanent coach is appointed gets underway tomorrow afternoon with a tough trip to Workington Town for Newcastle Thunder.

Anyone who was at Magic Friday will know what we can expect from Workington, their powerful forwards will look to punch holes in the Thunder defence and quick ball will cause chaos out wide.

Thunder have to look to try and nul this threat from a Workington team who went down 24-14 at Swinton last weekend but still sit third in League 1.

Thunder squad

Graham Steadman has named his first squad which features the majority of the local lads that Steadman will be keen to get his eyes on to see what they're about. In a way this is a fresh start for this group as Graham will no doubt come in with a clean slate so this young group will be looking to impress.

The statement from the club as I said the other day was clear, there's targets within that. But it's also realistic and a big focus is on putting foundations in place in the region that will benefit the club and rugby league in the region in the long term.

I expect tomorrow afternoon will be a tough one but as long as these lads keep putting their bodies on the line for the cause and never take a backwards step then I'm cool with that.

Kevin Barlow

Thunder announced yesterday that one of Thunder's most loyal supporters, Kevin Barlow has unfortunately died. Although I didn't know Kev personally, like many I knew who he was and the tributes that have come in from other supporters across the game show how appreciated he was by the rugby league family. He was Thunder through and through and I'm sure the club will look to do something to remember him. RIP Kev.

Other League 1 games

Midlands v Goole

Goole continue to be on the road until their ground is ready but will be buoyed by a really good win at Dewsbury last time out. Although Midlands lost at Crusaders they'll be looking to continue their good season and keep second place with a strong home win. I think Midlands will have too much for Goole, but the Vikings will put up a fight.

Dewsbury v Whitehaven

Dewsbury will be looking to bounce back from the disappointment of a home loss to Goole last time out while Whitehaven are fresh from a couple of weeks off. This could be a really tight game and possibly an away win could happen here.

Swinton Lions v Keighley Cougars

Swinton who had a good win against Workington last time out take on a Keighley side who have found the form that many expected from the word go. This again could be a tight contest but we could see another away win in a tight game.