NEWCASTLE THUNDER have agreed a new deal with forward Tyler Walton, who becomes the first player to continue with the club after an off-season revamp.
There have been 17 permanent new signings at Newcastle, who have benefitted hugely from a link-up with York Knights.
Thunder are also receiving a healthy supply of loan players from the Super League newcomers.
After two successive winless campaigns in the old League One, with a squad mostly derived from the local scene, they won their Championship opener against Midlands Hurricanes two weeks ago.
But the link with their difficult recent past has not been severed entirely, thanks to the return of homegrown Walton.
A product of the club’s old academy, Walton made twelve appearances last season and has previously played for Rochdale Hornets, Midlands and Workington Town.
The 25-year-old is in contention to face Whitehaven away on Sunday.