NEWCASTLE THUNDER coach Graham Steadman says the recent progress of hooker Tom Inman and second rower Harvey Reynolds (above) into York’s Super League side provides even more incentive for other players to perform to their maximum for the Tyneside team.
The two clubs have a partnership through which they train together and exchange players under the loan system, with Steadman, who is assisted by experienced Tongan forward Ukuma Ta’ai, working in unison with York coach Mark Applegarth and his right-hand man Chris Thorman.
Steadman, the 64-year-old former York, Featherstone, Castleford and Great Britain back and an experienced coach in both rugby codes, succeeded Thorman when he switched to the Knights a year ago.
Geordie Thorman had played a key role in keeping Thunder going after the loss of financial backing from union’s Newcastle Falcons after the 2023 season.
Aided by the link-up with York, Steadman has turned Thunder into Championship contenders after consecutive basement finishes in League One.
Their 74-0 victory at Keighley on Sunday was a sixth straight league win and with twelfth from 15 overall, putting them second in the table.
The elevation of Inman, 23, to the top flight with York came twelve matches (and six tries) after he joined Thunder from Halifax, while Reynolds, 22, has scored seven tries in 17 matches for the north-easterners this year.
“Both of them had been doing really well both in training and in matches, and it was great to see them get an opportunity,” said Steadman.
“Yes, we lose a couple of good players, but development is central to our thinking and it provides opportunities for others.
“It also shows the Thunder lads that Mash (Applegarth) takes close note of them and what Ukuma and I are telling him and that he is willing to pick them.”