MYSTERY and opportunity surround Newcastle Thunder heading in to 2026.
As well as the appointment of a new chief executive and general manager, there has been a complete clear-out of players.
Fresh signings continue to be revealed, with many – including Bailey Antrobus, Sam Cook and Jude Ferreira – coming from York, who Thunder have forged a working partnership with that is likely to elevate them up the merged Championship table.
Thunder will reap the benefits of the link with the now Super League club, with York coach Mark Applegarth already confirming that any players that don’t make his squad will be made available to play for Newcastle on any given weekend.
Interestingly, courtesy of Newcastle’s bottom placed finish in 2025, Thunder have the easiest fixture list on paper, and so if coach Graham Steadman can build a squad that is supplemented by Super League quality coming out of York, Newcastle may well spring a surprise.
One to watch
Kiwi hooker Sam Cook was a regular for table-topping York last season and the 32-year-old will bring experience and leadership to a new-look Newcastle side, having played a couple of games in the NRL for New Zealand Warriors and enjoying a spell in France at Albi.
He is capable of playing at both half-back and loose forward, so will be a key part of the spine of the team for Steadman to build around.
Squad: Bailey Antrobus, Jack Brown, Sam Cook, Andy Djeukessi, Jude Ferreira, Myles Harrison, Cody Hunter, Joe Law, Aidan McGowan, Harvey Reynolds, Maxime Rostang, Brendan Santi, Ukuma Ta’ai, Leo Tennison, King Vuniyayawa, Brad Ward, Noah Whittingham
Ins: Bailey Antrobus, Sam Cook (both York), Leo Tennison (Hull KR), Joe Law, Jude Ferreira (both York), Andy Djeukessi (Castleford), King Vuniyayawa (Featherstone), Brad Ward (York), Noah Whittingham (Leeds), Cody Hunter (Sunshine Coast), Maxime Rostang (Albi), Harvey Reynolds, Myles Harrison, Brenden Santi, Ukuma Ta’ai, Jack Brown (all York), Aidan McGowan (Huddersfield)
Outs: Alex Donaghy, Toby Gibson, Evan Lawther (all Workington)