GOOLE VIKINGS have won just two out of seven matches so far this season and their coach Scott Taylor (pictured above) will be anxious not to see his side falling too far behind the clubs in the play-off places.
The Vikings had a bye week in Round 8, and they will mount a stern challenge to a revitalised Newcastle Thunder side that has improved out of all recognition compared to 2025, with five wins so far from seven matches, including a 38-8 defeat of Workington Town at home last Sunday. Thunder stand-off Cody Hunter is joint second in the Championship try scoring list with eight touchdowns.
The Vikings have taken Castleford forward Jimmy Beckett on loan and he comes straight into the squad alongside the returning Jeylan Hodgson, with Nick Staveley dropping out alongside Doncaster loanee Andre Savelio, both of whom are injured.
Thunder coach Graham Steadman has released Will Roberts back to his parent club York, but brings back the vastly experienced Ukuma Ta’ai.
SQUADS
Vikings: 1 Josh Guzdek, 2 Tom Halliday, 3 Cooper Howlett, 4 Keenen Tomlinson, 5 Callum Shaw, 6 Mackenzie Harman, 7 Jack Miller, 8 Tyler Craig, 9 Jeylan Hodgson, 10 Jack Arnold, 11 Brett Ferres, 13 Harry Aldous, 16 Harry Medlicott, 18 Connor Barley, 20 Shane Tuohey, 22 Callum Rutland, 25 Brad Bullock, 30 Liam Watts, 31 Will Jubb, Jimmy Beckett, Flynn Holden
Outs: 12 Nick Staveley, 19 Ben Hodder, 32 Andre Savelio,
Ins: 9 Jeylan Hodgson, Jimmy Beckett, Flynn Holden
Thunder: 1 Myles Harrison, 2 Andy Djeukessi, 3 Joe Law, 4 Jude Ferreira, 5 Brad Ward, 6 Cody Hunter, 8 Bailey Antrobus, 9 Taylor Pemberton, 11 Harvey Reynolds, 12 Noah Whittingham, 15 Brenden Santi, 16 Leo Tennison, 17 King Vuniyayawa, 18 Ukuma Ta’ai, 22 John Sagaga, 24 Matty Foster, 25 Jack Smith, 27 Jordan Lipp, 30 Tom Inman
Outs: 7 Will Roberts,
Ins: 18 Ukuma Ta’ai,
Referee: Aaryn Belafonte
STATS
All previous meetings:
Goole 30, Newcastle 12 (L1R21, 31/8/25)
Newcastle 16, Goole 34 (L1R7, 27/4/25)
TYLER CRAIG needs one appearance to reach 100 for his career.
– 24 for Goole Vikings (2025-2026)
– 35 for Newcastle Thunder (2017-2020)
– 40 for York City Knights (2012-2016)