Thunder and the future

Exciting news has broken this evening from Newcastle Thunder, I'll give my reaction below.

Thanks to Chris

I think it's important to start with this, Chris Thorman has taken the opportunity to go and coach full time at York. I want to say thanks to him for his time, effort and commitment he's put into the club. It wasn't the job he thought he was coming into and he has guided a very young group of players over the last season and a half in difficult circumstances. Chris will always be welcome back at Thunder and I wish him all the best in his new role at York.

New partnership

In what's being described as a performance and pathways partnership Thunder link up with York and Penrith Panthers in a three year deal. I did have to double check it definitely wasn't Penrith, Cumbria!

This is going to allow the growth of rugby league in the region from the bottom up, schools and clubs will be a focus. This is crucial to the future of the club and allows us to start to build foundations.

A new face

Graham Steadman is being brought into the club to oversee the rugby department, he also comes in as interim Head Coach. Graham has previous experience in the region as defence Coach of Newcastle Falcons. His longer term job is going to be to develop coaches in the region. This is crucial that any player taking up the sport is coached by people who know their stuff. Welcome aboard Graham and good luck in your new role.

Women's program

Another exciting bit of news is the launch of a Newcastle Thunder women's program, the north east is crying out for a women's rugby program in both codes so I'm excited to see the potential with this program and what it can mean for women's sport in the region.

Overall thoughts

I see this as an exciting and sensible move from the club. The York link up could give us access to some players and I'm intrigued by what Penrith can bring to the table on the pathways side of things.

The work being done in the background here means there's a plan in place that supporters can see that puts foundations in place for the future and hopefully starts to build strong links with clubs and schools in the region. This is crucial for the future of rugby league in the north east.

There's still a clear focus on the club being sustainable but with some targets of contending to be in the League 1 play-offs within two seasons and a sustainable Championship club in the longer term. This is a sensible goal that manages expectations whilst also sets out our stall, it gives clarity and direction in terms of where the club's going. I'm a big fan of it to be honest.

Today's announcement is reassuring and sensible. We know that in Keith and Jordan we have two people who care about rugby league in the north east and Newcastle Thunder but nothing will be done in a daft way. For us fans, it's going to be a case of continuing to back the team and being patient, we can see a plan and gives us some stability. This announcement lays out the foundations for the future of the club and I'm all for it and ready to continue the rollercoaster ride!