The task is simple for Thunder

The last game of the regular season is here and it’s all to play for as Newcastle Thunder travel to Dewsbury Rams, Thunder have to win to secure second place. 

Dewsbury, although out of the play-off picture after a disappointing second half of the season, will be playing for pride and would love to put a dent in Thunder’s second place aspirations. Back in February, Dewsbury got a deserved victory over Thunder at Blaydon winning 28-38 with Jack McShane especially being pivotal in that victory.

Since then, Jack and Craig McShane have chosen to step away from the Rams putting family commitments first, the loss of these two key players has seen Dewsbury’s form suffer. But they have shown they can compete in games including taking a commanding lead at Barrow. This Dewsbury side do score points and they’ll be a danger.

They have former Thunder man Dan Coates and the evergreen Paul Sykes in their squad. Daniel Addy will be a carrying threat for Dewsbury. I expect them to be physical and look to get under the skin of Thunder.

Next season will see Huddersfield using Dewsbury as a ground and the two clubs will forge closer links more than likely being a partnership of some kind. This could benefit Dewsbury in terms of access to players but there are concerns about Huddersfield taking over.

Graham Steadman’s named his squad with no Andy Djuekessi, Joe Law or Jack Smith available. In come George Birch and north east native and ex-Thunder academy player Kieran Hudson on loan from York. Hudson has impressed when given his chance at York and he appeared for Thunder earlier in the season as they lost out in a tight contest to Doncaster in the Challenge Cup. 

The news has broken this week that Thunder will be part time next season owing to the change in salary cap regulations coming into the Championship. One thing I do know is that under Steadman’s guidance this group will be determined to finish the season strongly. They know a win on Saturday guarantees second place and that will be the focus for everyone. This group has given so much joy to Thunder fans this season and whatever happens come play-off time they’ll be backed and supported all the way through.

It was pleasing to see the attack producing more points last weekend against Midlands and in a way it might be a nice problem to have that there was maybe a bit of frustration in the red zone that more opportunities weren’t taken. 

But Saturday is all about getting the job done. As we saw at Batley, West Yorkshire can be a tough place to go. Thunder can’t be complacent and will have to be at their best to beat a determined Dewsbury outfit. I expect the crowd will be on our back and the comments will be flying around, Thunder will concentrate on themselves and focus on getting the job done. 

Dewsbury Rams:

2. Thomas Delaney, 4. George Senior, 5. Liam Copland, 6. Dan Coates, 7. Jacob Hookem, 8. Luke Nelmes, 11. Joseph Summers, 13. Declan Tomlinson, 14. Jacob Parkinson, 15. Jacob Bateman, 16. Louis Collinson, 18. Jack Briggs, 19. Louie Walker, 21. Monty Lumb, 22. Finnley Thompson, 23. Brad Graham, 26. Paul Sykes, 27. Connor Carr, 29. Bailey O’Connor, 35. Daniel Addy, Hakan Aydin.

Newcastle Thunder: 1. Myles Harrison, 4. Jude Ferreira, 5. Brad Ward, 7. Will Roberts, 8. Bailey Antrobus, 10. Ryan Jackson, 11. Harvey Reynolds, 12. Noah Whittingham, 15. Brenden Santi, 17. King Vuniyayawa, 18. Ukuma Ta’ai,  20. Mitch Clark, 22. John Sagaga, 26. Kieran Hudson, 27. Jordan Lipp, 33. Alfie Horwell, 34. George Birch. 

Referee: F. Lincoln

Reserve Referee: D. Martin

Touch Judge 1: G. Shaw

Touch Judge 2: A. Coupar

Betfred Championship

Dewsbury v Newcastle Thunder (away win)

Goole Vikings v Doncaster (away win)

Midlands Hurricanes v North Wales Crusaders (home win)

Batley Bulldogs v Salford (home win)

Halifax v Keighley (home win)

Rochdale v Oldham (away win)

Workington v Whitehaven (away win)

The weekend kicks off with Dewsbury hosting Newcastle Thunder, Dewsbury beat Thunder in the reverse fixture earlier in the season and will be dangerous opponents despite their form. But I think Thunder will take the win here and secure second place.

Goole host Doncaster in a derby game which will be fierce but Doncaster will have too much for a Goole side who won’t leave anything out on the pitch. Midlands who are looking forward to play-off rugby in September host strugglers North Wales. North Wales are currently working through the licence application for next season and will hopefully be able to regroup in the offseason. Midlands will win this one and will be looking to use it as a platform for the play-offs.

Batley know a win against Salford will secure ninth place and a trip to Midlands in the play-offs. Salford pushed Oldham all the way last weekend and won’t make it easy for Batley but emotions will be high as Batley stalwarts Alistair Leak and Lucas Walshaw play their last game at the Fox’s Biscuits Stadium. Batley will win this but it could be close.

Halifax host Keighley in what could be another fierce contest but I think Halifax will come out on top in this one. Rochdale host Oldham in another derby fixture, Oldham will know by this stage if they have a chance of second place, either way I think they’ll have too much for their neighbours. 

The final game of the weekend sees a Cumbrian derby where Workington will be desperate to get one over on their near neighbours Whitehaven. This sees the last game in Workington colours for Steve Scholey who has put in over ten years of service for Workington. Whitehaven might have half an eye on the play-offs and Workington could edge this one.