Phil W

Tend to agree to be honest. I know Edinburgh are doing some good work at community level. But it would be good to see what is being done in Scotland itself to grow the game.

Maybe IMG could put a sloping pitch as a grade C alongside a pitch that's too small for a game and clubs rebranding based on the favourite animal of their owner?!

Lots of differing views on this. Firstly hope everything works out for Whitehaven and rugby league in West Cumbria in general. I'm hoping that between IMG and The RFL they will have strategies for each represented area in the top three leagues to help clubs along the way a bit. I think grading helps a bit so clubs can understand where they are and what they need to do to get a higher grading. But there also needs to be a lot of public consultation beyond the current rugby league fan base to understand why people don't attend matches. Here we've had cost of living and facilities as a couple of examples. But in my mind initially around the existing clubs from Cornwall to Newcastle there's a lot of market research to do!

Swinton have also just announced Josh Eaves who had signed for Whitehaven after leaving Thunder. Looks like tough times for Whitehaven at the moment unfortunately.

Next Tuesday from 19:30 at Kingston Park, including some food, watching the team train and a q&a with Keith Christie. Should be a good night. I'll be there to welcome in the start of the Chris Thorman era!

Tuliatu looks a decent signing. As others have said certain positions need more recruitment but we are getting there.

Really good listen that. Me and some others met Chris a few weeks back now and felt then that he gets it. This interview reinforces that view. To me it seems like Chris gets it and there's a genuine passion to want the club to do well.

Hopefully there are players lined up. We will have had to go back to the market for a replacement for Shorrocks so that's probably put a spanner in the works. Really good move for Noakes to go and experience something completely different.

Not heard anything or seen anything on the Mitch Clark rumour other than on here. As with anyone if a full time offer came in you couldn't blame them. Think we'll still see some announcements about signings.

Kevin Sinfield that's some RLWC positivity for everyone.

Haven't seen anything on Clark yet, where's he rumoured to be off? Think most of us are fairly realistic about what to expect this season. However I think what people will see is a Newcastle team that plays for the badge and the area. Chris Thorman will have that drilled into everyone. Really want to see Kingston Park as a tough place to come to.

More movement today, Jake Shorrocks has signed for Toulouse. Can't blame him for that! One year extension for Nathan Clemmitt who when he was involved last year didn't let anyone down.

First game announced as away to Swinton, will be a big game for us. Rest of the fixtures announced tomorrow.

Thunder launched ours yesterday and really good value. The club can't be accused of not trying to attract people in a cost of living crisis.

Given we (Thunder) played York at Summer Bash last year it looks like us that will get them again next year. Hopefully we don't get them in The Challenge Cup again as four times was a bit much. I agree when there's promotion and relegation it does skew the fixtures.

Season tickets have been launched today and well done to the club for making rugby league as accessible to as many people as possible. Prices start from £10 for under 16s, £49 for 16-24s, concessions from £79 and adults from £99.

Daniel Okoro and Connor Moore joined on season long loans from Hull KR. Both young props who will be hungry to prove themselves. Takes us to seventeen.

I would love to be a fly on the wall for these conversations!

It goes without saying that last season was a disappointment. From what Chris Thorman has said it's about getting pride in playing for the shirt. For me personally under new leadership I see it as a fresh start for everyone. There might be some players who feel they have a point to prove. There's been a lot of uncertainty during the final part of last season and the off season. However whoever pulls on that shirt will be getting my full support. Think we know it's going to be tough this season.

Think we'll see some recruitment to be announced in the pack. We're under no illusions we need some go forward in this league. Mitch Clark being retained definitely helps with that.

Just announced as signing for Batley. With Ukuma and Josh gone means there'll be a change in the leadership group.

The Chapelhow's are in taking us to 12.

I'd have a chat with Shaun Edwards about any possibility of a dual role with the French Union.

Really pleased with Boafo coming back, the kind of player that gets the fans buzzing when he gets the ball. Just needs to get the ball more this season!

Hopefully, then there has to be a plan to attract the very best qualified players to play for those countries as that will help grow interest.