NEWCASTLE THUNDER host Dewsbury on Sunday with few having anticipated at the start of the season that it would be a clash of second versus fifth in the new-style second tier.

The winner could even top the table afterwards, depending on how other results go.

Newcastle, who before the season hadn’t won a game since September 2023, are behind early leaders Barrow on points difference after wins over Midlands Hurricanes and Whitehaven.

The last time they met Dewsbury, in August, the Rams travelled to Tyneside and hammered their hosts 64-10, but since then Thunder have changed out of all recognition, helped by their link-up with York.