All Golds v Newcastle Thunder KPL1 2017

KEY MAN
ONE TO WATCH
Halfback Benn Hardcastle has become a
pivotal part of the Newcastle squad since first
joining in 2013 from the Hull KR academy. He is
now in his second spell in the northeast, having
spent 2014 with York City Knights and last year
became the club’s all-time leading point scorer,
surpassing the 500 mark this season. While
not a particularly prolific try-scorer himself,
Hardcastle creates countless opportunities
for the likes of Blair and Fox out wide, with his
vision and core skills being
key assets in his game. He’s formed a great
partnership with local talent Lewis Young and
will cause problems for the All Golds defence
all afternoon.
Outside back Ali Blair has become a key part
of the Newcastle squad and is leading the
way for the northeast’s rugby league talent.
The 27-year-old joined Thunder in 2015 from
rugby union outfit Percy Park RFC and has
since become a sensation for the club, scoring
15 tries in 33 games in his first two seasons. His
hard running style makes him not only a threat
from close range, but also when driving the ball
out from his own half, as he takes plenty of runs
to get his side out of dangerous situations. His
explosive speed makes him an all-round solid
player and with enough ball distribution from
those inside him, a potent threat on the wing.
His try-scoring record has continued in 2017,
with six in eight games already but having not
scored in his side’s past two games, Blair will be
eager for any chance at the All Golds line.
STATS
HIGHEST SCORE:
66-6 v Wakefield, 5/9/99; 66-6 v Skolars, 29/6/2014
HIGHEST SCORE AGAINST:
0-132 v Blackpool Panthers, 16/5/2010
MOST APPEARANCES:
218 – Robin Peers 2002-2012
HIGHEST POINT SCORER:
519 – Benn Hardcastle 2013 – present
HIGHEST TRY SCORER:
74 – Kevin Neighbour 2001-2006; 2008-2010
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