NEWCASTLE THUNDER are seeking a new coach after confirming that Graham Steadman has stepped down.

The 64-year-old former Great Britain star and Castleford Tigers player and team chief led the Blaydon side to second place in the Championship (the highest in the club’s 26-year history) and the penultimate stage of the play-offs this year.

That represented a significant upturn in fortunes, for in 2025, Newcastle finished bottom of the old League One, and lost every match, for the second season in a row.

That was as they struggled for survival in the wake of rugby union club Newcastle Falcons withdrawing their financial backing after the 2023 campaign.

But this year, boosted by a partnership with York Knights which also brought links with Australian giants Penrith Panthers and meant they were full-time, Thunder finished runners-up to London Broncos, winning 21 out of 24 matches.

Newcastle then beat Widnes Vikings 34-16 in the play-offs before missing out on the grand final as visitors Doncaster won 33-18 at Crow Trees on the south side of the River Tyne.

That was a first loss in 14 for Thunder, where Steadman, who also has a role within the coaching set-up at York which he is expected to keep, took the reins in June 2025, succeeding Chris Thorman, who joined the staff at York.

Whoever becomes coach will be the seventh in ten years after Mick Mantelli, Jason Payne, Simon Finnigan, Eamon O’Carroll, Thorman and Steadman. Denis Betts also had a spell in interim charge in 2022.

“Graham has worked tirelessly during his time with Thunder, and we are grateful for the commitment, professionalism and dedication he has shown to the club and players,” said Newcastle in a statement.

Thunder chief executive Richie Metcalfe added: “I want to thank Graham for his outstanding contribution.

“He took on the challenge head-on and led us to unprecedented success on the pitch this year.
“His vast experience and high standards have fundamentally improved our squad, and he leaves the club in a much stronger position than when he arrived.

“We are hugely appreciative of his hard work. The 2026 season will live long in my memory, and I am proud to have worked alongside such a dedicated and humble person, not just as a coach but as a friend.”