NEWCASTLE THUNDER coach Graham Steadman has challenged his side to make this year’s expanded ten-team play-offs – and he says there’s no reason they can’t achieve that objective.
After two tough seasons, the resurgent north-eastern team are benefitting from a fresh ownership structure and the link-up with York, which led to Steadman’s installation in the hot seat in June, when Chris Thorman, Thunder’s coach since September 2022, joined the Knights’ coaching staff.
Other than a stint as consultant to then-coach James Ford at Featherstone during preparations for the 2024 season, it was former Great Britain back Steadman’s first Rugby League coaching role since leaving Castleford in April 2004.
He spent the next 21 years in a variety of rugby union jobs, including spells in the Ireland and Scotland set-ups and with Munster, Newcastle Falcons and Cardiff.
When Steadman arrived, Thunder hadn’t won a match since 2023, after which Newcastle Falcons withdrew their financial backing and the club had to fight for survival.
He couldn’t engineer a win last year, but says the attitude, energy and enthusiasm of an inexperienced group inspired him as he got to grips with a job that also includes a key role trying to grow the game in the region and an involvement at York, from whom a string of players have been signed and who also supply loanees.
With three wins from five league games, Newcastle are seventh as they prepare to host Keighley on Sunday.
And Steadman, 64, said: “Last season’s group were of necessity mainly students from Northumbria University, and while it was tough, they kept turning up and deserve real credit, because they kept the club going.
“While we have a bit more experience now, it’s still a pretty young side, and that has shown in a few games this year.
“But I am really enjoying trying to develop them, they have a great attitude to learning, and I think making the play-offs is a realistic target.”