NEWCASTLE THUNDER coach Graham Steadman was deeply disappointed but had no complaints over his side’s play-off exit.
And the experienced team chief says it’s important to remember, and take pride in, the progress made over the campaign as a whole.
Twelve months ago Thunder had finished bottom of the old League One, and lost every match, for the second season in a row.
That was as they struggled for survival in the wake of rugby union club Newcastle Falcons withdrawing their financial backing after the 2023 campaign.
This year, boosted by their partnership with Super League York, Thunder finished runners-up to London Broncos, winning 21 out of 24 matches.
The Blaydon side then beat Widnes 34-16 in the play-offs before missing out on the Grand Final as visitors Doncaster won 33-18 at Crow Trees.
“It was disappointing, but we had to accept they got the better of us physically and deserved their success,” said Steadman.
“They came with some momentum, and talking to their chief executive (Carl Hall) and coach (Richard Horne) afterwards, it seems it was their best performance in some time.”
Steadman, who also has a role on the York coaching staff and took on his Newcastle duties in June 2025, added: “I think the journey we have been on with Thunder is something special, and I have thoroughly enjoyed it.
“That’s from day one, not just this season, and I have learned so much more about coaching and man-management.
“I have always believed that whatever your resources, creating a good environment is the most crucial thing in terms of getting the most from players.
“I hope that is what we have done, that the players have enjoyed being here, and hopefully our results reflected that being the case.”
