Phil W

Congratulations to Cornwall on their victory this afternoon. Looks as though we did our usual trick of conceding just before half time again! Definitely Midlands at Thunder next weekend. Bit of a round up below. https://www.philworld.co.uk/post/cornwall-v-newcastle-thunder-thoughts-and-league-one-round-up

I've done a bit of a preview for Cornwall v Newcastle Thunder tomorrow afternoon, it's a big game for both teams. https://www.philworld.co.uk/post/cornwall-v-newcastle-thunder-preview

Huge game for us at Thunder and Cornwall. I'd be delighted for everyone involved with a victory. I'm going to back our lads and say Thunder North Wales, Keighley, Dewsbury and Rochdale.

This is a conflict of interest and not a good look for the game. Anyone coming in should be impartial.

I'll be at Thunder v Swinton this afternoon, we haven't used our dual registration with Hunslet or Bradford today. Our young squad will front up but ultimately expect a Swinton win. Can see Goole upsetting Dewsbury, think that could be a potentially fiery encounter. Home wins for Midlands and Rochdale. It'll be tough for Keighley up at Whitehaven but think they could come out on top just.

Another potential twist. Surely they should come out and say they paid or didn't as more speculation isn't helpful at the moment.

Imagine the scenes on here when it's announced as Huddersfield, Headingley and Warrington against an Australian Super League invitational team.

The RFL will be desperate to get this sorted in a positive way. But the integrity of the competition starts to take a battering. Also the impact on Magic Weekend if Salford were kicked out the league would mean no Hull KR fixture. I wouldn't be against Thunder v Workington as a replacement but even I can see that's not like for like! Either way this farce can't keep dragging on.

Castleford really don't look like they want to be at Odsal (there's a joke in there I know). The body language after the first try was bad, hands on hips, looking dejected etc. It doesn't bode well for them.

30-0 to Crusaders at halftime here at Blaydon.

I know it's a long shot but if there's any crowdfunder to get Longhorns back over next weekend can someone post a link here?

This was put to the fans at the meeting we had back in late November/early December. It's the best move for the club at the moment and most fans seem to understand that. We played a couple of games at Blaydon last season and were made to feel welcome and hosted our end of season awards there. There has been some questions from fans about getting to Blaydon but as fans we'll work through this. If you want a seat you'll have to get there early and the pitch is away from the clubhouse. But there is a pitch side facility serving food and drink. It might not be perfect but it's what we need at the moment. If anyone's in the area this season then drop in and see us.

So we're confirmed at Blaydon for at least the next two years. Good to get this confirmed at last and gives us a bit of stability.

Seth Clapham back from Bradford academy and Alex Taylor moving over from rugby union. Think that'll be not far off a squad with the Hunslet and Bradford dual reg adding.

As has been said, cost is a factor, ultimately it's too big for the crowds we attract. Also we played a couple of games at Blaydon last season and fan feedback was positive.

More than likely this will be played at Blaydon Rugby Club. We're just waiting for sign off from The RFL to play there this season.

Batley at home, was very relieved when we didn't get Cornwall away with three teams left in the pot!

As a Thunder fan when Cornwall came out at home with three teams left I'm relieved to avoid that trip. Nothing against our friends at Cornwall! Batley at home, hopefully we can get a decent crowd, it all helps!

We have a fans meeting tonight to launch the season. Recruitment is one of the things on the agenda, my guess is yes.

Hopefully we will organise something for the Friday night, it'll depend on stadium availability. For anyone around on the Sunday morning there's the Newcastle-Gateshead marathon, half marathon and 10k from Gateshead stadium. For those who enjoy a Parkrun, Leazes Parkrun finishes with St James Park as the back drop, always great to see the rugby league shirts out on Magic Weekend.

Yes, we'll be starting the season. Apparently there were rumours but they've been shut down. Part of a lack of news has been our small number of volunteers were helping organise Scotland v Ireland.

At Thunder preparations are underway for the new season, no announcements on anything yet but talk of a fans meeting towards the end of November. I expect the squad to not be too dissimilar from last season with a couple moving on. We'll be a season better off after this group experienced League One last season.

League One is a tough gig. I admire the honesty here. As an owner at this level you aren't in it for the money, just the love of the game. Hopefully as the season approaches their sales will pick up.

Living in Newcastle, I'm delighted at this news. But I hope there's a plan to get it marketed like a major event up here. It can't just be the week before when the teams send a player and coach for media duty. Get it marketed and let's get a magic attendance!

Exactly, it's like a wish.com version of origin. Games cost money to put on and the focus at the moment should be on selling out Challenge Cup Final, Grand Final, Magic and an end of season series. This season we haven't sold out any of those games, so building attendance on these should be a priority.