NEWCASTLE THUNDER could yet compete in League One next season.
The North East club had announced they would fold in the wake of this year’s relegation from the Championship, leaving the prospect of an eight-team third tier.
But now officials at Thunder, who were founded in Gateshead in 1999 and relocated across the River Tyne in 2015 under the ownership of top-flight rugby union club Newcastle Falcons, say they are “exploring ways to keep our club alive and remain committed to trying to make the start line for the 2014 season”.
Supporters have been urged to attend a ‘commitment meeting’ at Kingston Park at 6pm tomorrow (Tuesday, October 24).
The club statement continued: “It’s going to take a big effort from everyone, but with the support of our great fans and sponsors, we believe we can help turn Newcastle Thunder into a sustainable club and retain a pathway for the talented players within the region to flourish.”
Thunder Chairman and general manager Keith Christie estimates around £120,000 is needed, and told League Express: “We are in a transition stage where we are looking at options in terms of what is essentially needed, what is feasible and what is financially viable.
“We have had a lot of people from the North-East be very vocal, but we have to ask the question: Is Rugby League wanted or needed here? And are people going to get behind it, support it financially and physically?
“I’ve been speaking to Semore Kurdi – the owner – and (RFL chief executive) Tony Sutton, and we have to look at what we could look like and how can that be funded and supported.
“There is (still) every chance the club could go under if the support is not identified within the Rugby League realms.
“I’m not just talking about fielding a team. Will we be able to finance it? Will we have a facility to play from? There are lots of questions that need to be asked.
“And we have to take into account other clubs if they are going to accept it and commercial timeframes for preparation and players.
“But we are not going to give up on it – we don’t want to lose Rugby League in the North-East.
“We have good kids, good guys, good development programmes and stronger platforms to work from than a lot of clubs.”
