Phil W

I would've liked to have seen next season's internationals confirmed by now. You have teams such as Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Italy and Greece playing their last games this weekend. There will be people wanting to know where they can next see those countries play. Looks like a missed opportunity to me.

Throw in Brad Gallagher takes us to nine.

JJ and Connor Bailey announced as retained today. We are starting to build. For me, everyone has a clean slate this season it's a fresh start and we need to get behind the team.

Craig Mullen re-signing is a huge boost. As for the signings I think we have to be patient and see what a full squad looks like. Chris Thorman wants people who want to be here so as long as whoever is on that pitch is giving 110% and cares about the club that'll do. Maybe as fans we need to look at what we can generate atmosphere wise, make it a proper backs against the wall job.

Well it's been a physically brutal first half!

They deserve grade C from IMG for this name change alone!

Did he ground it though?!

Nothing been said on Michael Heap from what I can see can try and find out. Nikau Williams confirmed on a one year deal from Whitehaven, looks a good bit of business that.

They have played a couple of games pre-Covid but they didn't end up being financially viable.

From my understanding there's a good relationship between the Newcastle United owners and the Semore Kurdi the owner of Newcastle Falcons and Newcastle Thunder. Kingston Park has been hosting the Newcastle United ladies football team. From what they say NUFC owners want the city to thrive and part of that will be hosting events at St James Park. Who knows in the future they may re-visit the Barcelona model and look to buy up the likes of Thunder, Falcons and the Eagles (basketball) to make Newcastle a leading city of elite sport. They have the money to do that if they want to.

The most inclusive tournament ever?! Not for me and my black and white TV it's not, what's all this red button rubbish about. I've had to ask them to open up my local library especially just to post on this topic.

On point 2 as a Thunder fan I'd love to be able to convert the locals who enjoyed it yesterday into Thunder fans it's about how we go about that. I'm hoping IMG see the potential and have some ideas.

Today has hopefully shown what international rugby league can be. I agree that given the product we have we should be looking to use big stadia as long as we can make it a big event. Hopefully on the back of a successful RLWC and with the input of IMG we get to a point where stadia are fighting to host England games.

Well there looks to be a lot of ghosts World Cup past that can hopefully be reduced from people's memories today. I can't promise it's not going to rain and I can't promise an England win as this Samoa team looks quality on paper but I do think today will set a new standard for major events in UK rugby league. I'll be the one on the Quayside with my Newcastle Thunder jacket and England polo shirt and then in block T at the back of The Gallowgate End.

I can't wait for this and especially tomorrow here in Newcastle. This could be the same anywhere but if you're up here over the weekend talk to people about rugby league and spread the word. We're all ambassadors for the sport, yes some people might not have a clue. But rugby league takes over Newcastle tomorrow so let's spread the word and show our sport off. It's our chance to get more people aware and involved!

Tickets printed, England polo shirt arrived yesterday. Plan is Quayside before the game then walk up to St James Park and take my place at the back of The Gallowgate in block T. Genuinely can't wait for Saturday and hope it creates a new standard for big events in rugby league.

Rhys Clarke comes back in as player coach leading on the reserves and under 16s. Someone who's come through the pathway that kids can relate to. Likewise Jason Payne coming in as Academy under 18s coach, has had great success at Northumbria so a really good appointment. Plus two people who will make sure there's pride in the shirt.

Williams was doing the rou Williams was doing the rounds from Whitehaven fans so could be true. As for Doran I thought when I saw earlier he'd left Workington it could be to us. He also liked the tweet yesterday. But Chris Thorman has tweeted this evening saying it was a pleasure to coach him. So who knows! Our recruitment is being kept under wraps which I don't mind to be honest.

Thunder socials have put out big news this week that they think we'll like. We'll see what that brings!

Have long been a fan of this kind of thing. Even doing a Nations League kind of thing would be good if it was three teams per pool with promotion and relegation. It could be a mid-season thing.

For those interested you can even book to zip wire off the Tyne Bridge on Friday and Saturday. https://www.rlwc2021.com/article/499/zip-line-across-the-tyne-as-part-of-rlwc2021-fan-village-in-newcastle

Again, i'm a follower of both codes. Played and watched union first but now go and watch live league. I enjoy both games and with league I'm looking forward to what IMG bring to the table. I get there's history between the sports but to me that's it, it's history. Does it have to be about us and them? To me, no. Neither sport gets things right all the time but I prefer to look forward and to the future of both games than keep looking back.

Shocking from the RFL. I've tweeted Jon Dutton asking that Ralph Rimmer is kept well as way from the World Cup, seen as The RFL can't do what's right.

Great post. I live in Newcastle and can't wait for next weekend. Fan zone on the Quayside, two World Cup games in the city next weekend and the city will be bouncing. It's going to be a great way to kick start The World Cup!

I only have myself to blame here don't I!